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Gonçalves JD, Dias JH, Machado-Neves M, Vergani GB, Ahmadi B, Pereira Batista RIT, Souza-Fabjan JMG, Oliveira MEF, Bartlewski PM, da Fonseca JF. Transcervical uterine flushing and embryo transfer in sheep: Morphophysiological basis for approaches currently used, major challenges, potential improvements, and new directions (alas, including some old ideas). Reprod Biol 2024; 24:100920. [PMID: 38970979 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2024.100920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
At present, the success of non-surgical embryo recovery (NSER) and transfer (NSET) hinges upon the cervical passage of catheters, but penetration of the uterine cervix in ewes is problematic due to its anatomical structure (i.e., long and narrow cervical lumen with misaligned folds and rings). It is a major obstacle limiting the widespread application of NSER and NSET in sheep. While initial attempts to traverse the uterine cervix focused on adapting or re-designing insemination catheters, more recent studies demonstrated that cervical relaxation protocols were instrumental for transcervical penetration in the ewe. An application of such protocols more than tripled cervical penetration rates (currently at 90-95 %) in sheep of different breeds (e.g., Dorper, Lacaune, Santa Inês, crossbred, and indigenous Brazilian breeds) and ages/parity. There is now sufficient evidence to suggest that even repeatedly performed cervical passages do not adversely affect overall health and reproductive function of ewes. Despite these improvements, appropriate selection of donors and recipients remains one of the most important requirements for maintaining high success rates of NSER and NSET, respectively. Non-surgical ovine embryo recovery has gradually become a commercially viable method as even though the procedure still cannot be performed by untrained individuals, it is inexpensive, yields satisfactory results, and complies with current public expectations of animal welfare standards. This article reviews critical morphophysiological aspects of transcervical embryo flushing and transfer, and the prospect of both techniques to replace surgical methods for multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET) programs in sheep. We have also discussed some potential pharmacological and technical developments in the field of non-invasive embryo recovery and deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joedson Dantas Gonçalves
- Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University, Via de acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane, s/n, CEP 14884-900 Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Jenniffer Hauschildt Dias
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Viçosa, Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, s/n, CEP 36570-000 Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Mariana Machado-Neves
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Viçosa, Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, s/n, CEP 36570-000 Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Brun Vergani
- Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University, Via de acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane, s/n, CEP 14884-900 Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Bahareh Ahmadi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | | | | | - Maria Emilia Franco Oliveira
- Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University, Via de acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane, s/n, CEP 14884-900 Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Pawel Mieczyslaw Bartlewski
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
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Kardashina T, Serrano EE, Dawson JA, Drach B. Mechanical characterization of Xenopus laevis oocytes using atomic force microscopy. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2024; 157:106648. [PMID: 38996625 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2024.106648] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Mechanical properties are essential for the biological activities of cells, and they have been shown to be affected by diseases. Therefore, accurate mechanical characterization is important for studying the cell lifecycle, cell-cell interactions, and disease diagnosis. While the cytoskeleton and actin cortex are typically the primary structural stiffness contributors in most live cells, oocytes possess an additional extracellular layer known as the vitelline membrane (VM), or envelope, which can significantly impact their overall mechanical properties. In this study, we utilized nanoindentation via an atomic force microscope to measure the Young's modulus of Xenopus laevis oocytes at different force setpoints and explored the influence of the VM by conducting measurements on oocytes with the membrane removed. The findings revealed that the removal of VM led to a significant decrease in the apparent Young's modulus of the oocytes, highlighting the pivotal role of the VM as the main structural component responsible for the oocyte's shape and stiffness. Furthermore, the mechanical behavior of VM was investigated through finite element (FE) simulations of the nanoindentation process. FE simulations with the VM Young's modulus in the range 20-60 MPa resulted in force-displacement curves that closely resemble experimental in terms of shape and maximum force for a given indentation depth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Kardashina
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces NM, USA
| | - Elba E Serrano
- Department of Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces NM, USA
| | - John A Dawson
- Department of Economics, Applied Statistics, and International Business, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces NM, USA
| | - Borys Drach
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces NM, USA.
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Sciorio R, Tramontano L, Greco PF, Greco E. Morphological assessment of oocyte quality during assisted reproductive technology cycle. JBRA Assist Reprod 2024; 28:511-520. [PMID: 38801314 PMCID: PMC11349268 DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20240034] [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: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Following the advancement of medically assisted reproduction (MAR) technology, and the rationale to extend the culture to the blastocyst stage, performing elective single embryo transfer (eSET), gamete quality and assessment have acquired large relevance in ART. Embryo quality is strictly correlated with gametes quality and culture conditions. Oocyte maturity assessment is therefore imperative for fertilization and embryo evolution. Mature oocytes at the metaphase II stage result in a higher fertilization rate compared to immature oocytes. Indeed, oocyte morphology evaluation represents an important and challenging task that may serve as a valuable prognostic tool for future embryo development and implantation potential. Different grading systems have been reported to assess human embryos, however, in many cases, it is still a major challenge to select the single embryo to transfer with the highest implantation potential. Further, eSET has conferred a challenge to embryologists, who must try to enhance embryo culture and selection to provide an adequate success rate, whilst reducing the overall number of embryos transferred. Above the standard morphological assessment, there are several invasive or non-invasive approaches for embryo selection such as preimplantation genetic testing, time-lapse technology, proteomics and metabolomics, as well as oxygen utilization and analysis of oxidative stress in culture medium. This short review is not designed to be a comprehensive review of all possible features that may influence oocyte quality. It does give, however, a brief overview and describes the prognostic value of the morphological characteristics of human oocytes on their developmental capacity following ART treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romualdo Sciorio
- Fertility Medicine and Gynaecological Endocrinology Unit,
Department Woman-Mother-Child, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne,
Switzerland
| | - Luca Tramontano
- Department of Women, Infants and Adolescents, Division of
Obstetrics, Geneva University Hospitals, Boulevard de la Cluse 30, 1211
Genève 14, Switzerland
| | | | - Ermanno Greco
- Villa Mafalda, Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Rome,
Italy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UniCamillus,
International Medical University, Rome, Italy
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Quaas AM, Penzias AS, Adashi EY. Embryonic aneuploidy - the true "last barrier in assisted reproductive technology"? F&S SCIENCE 2024:S2666-335X(24)00054-5. [PMID: 39127422 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2024.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Human embryonic aneuploidy may represent one of the final frontiers in assisted reproductive technology, primarily secondary to oocyte aneuploidy. Mammalian oocytes possess unique characteristics predisposing them to much higher rates of aneuploidy than sperm or most somatic cells. Some of these characteristics are age-independent, whereas others result from reproductive aging and environmental toxicity. A detailed understanding of these properties may lead to novel diagnostic and therapeutic tools designed to detect and prevent oocyte and embryonic aneuploidy to overcome this ultimate barrier to success in assisted reproductive technology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alan S Penzias
- Boston IVF, Waltham, Massachusetts; Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Eli Y Adashi
- Department of Medical Science, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
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Palay P, Fathi D, Saffari H, Hassani F, Hajiaghalou S, Fathi R. Simple bioelectrical microsensor: oocyte quality prediction via membrane electrophysiological characterization. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:3909-3929. [PMID: 38985018 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc01120h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Oocyte selection is a crucial step of assisted reproductive treatment. The most common approach relies on the embryologist experience which is inevitably prone to human error. One potential approach could be the use of an electrical-based approach as an ameliorative alternative. Here, we developed a simple electrical microsensor to characterize mouse oocytes. The sensor is designed similarly to embryo culture dishes and is familiar to embryologists. Different microelectrode models were simulated for oocyte cells and a more sensitive model was determined. The final microsensor was fabricated. A differential measuring technique was proposed based on the cell presence/absence. We predicted oocyte quality by using three electrical characteristics, oocyte radii, and zona thicknesses, and also these predictions were compared with an embryologist evaluation. The evaluation of the oocyte membrane capacitance, as an electrophysiological characteristic, was found to be a more reliable method for predicting oocytes with fertilization and blastocyst formation success competence. It achieved 94% and 58% prediction accuracies, respectively, surpassing other methods and yielding lower errors. This groundbreaking research represents the first of its kind in this field and we hope that this will be a step towards improving the accuracy of the treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peyman Palay
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University (TMU), Tehran, Iran.
| | - Davood Fathi
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University (TMU), Tehran, Iran.
| | - Hassan Saffari
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University (TMU), Tehran, Iran.
| | - Fatemeh Hassani
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Samira Hajiaghalou
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Rouhollah Fathi
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, Tehran, Iran.
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Sokol P, Clua E, Pons MC, García S, Racca A, Freour T, Polyzos NP. Developing and validating a prediction model of live birth following single vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer. Reprod Biomed Online 2024; 49:103890. [PMID: 38744027 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2024.103890] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Can the developed clinical prediction model offer an accurate estimate of the likelihood of live birth, involving blastocyst morphology and vitrification day after single vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer (SVBT), and therefore assist clinicians and patients? STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort study conducted at a Spanish university-based reproductive medicine unit (2017-2021) including consecutive vitrified-warmed blastocysts from IVF cycles. A multivariable logistic regression incorporated key live birth predictors: vitrification day, embryo score, embryo ploidy status and clinically relevant variables, i.e. maternal age. RESULTS The training set involved 1653 SVBT cycles carried out between 2017 and 2020; 592 SVBT cycles from 2021 constituted the external validation dataset. The model revealed that female age and embryo characteristics, including overall quality and blastulation day, is linked to live birth rate in SVBT cycles. Stratification by vitrification day and quality (from day-5A to day-6 C blastocysts) applied to genetically tested and untested embryos. The model's area under the curve was 0.66 (95% CI 0.64 to 0.69) during development and 0.65 (95% CI 0.61 to 0.70) in validation, denoting moderate discrimination. Calibration plots showed strong agreement between predicted and observed probabilities. CONCLUSION By incorporating essential predictors such as vitrification day, embryo morphology grade, age and preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy usage, this predictive model offers valuable guidance to clinicians and patients, enabling accurate forecasts of live birth rates for any given vitrified blastocyst within SVBT cycles. Additionally, it serves as a potentially indispensable laboratory tool, aiding in selecting the most promising blastocysts for optimal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Sokol
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Dexeus University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Elisabet Clua
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Dexeus University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Carme Pons
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Dexeus University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sandra García
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Dexeus University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Annalisa Racca
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Dexeus University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Thomas Freour
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Dexeus University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain; Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, Inserm, CR2TI, F-44000 Nantes, France.; CHU Nantes, Service de Medecine et Biologie de la Reproduction, F-44000 Nantes, France
| | - Nikolaos P Polyzos
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Dexeus University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain; Faculty of Health, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
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Ferraro R, Guido S, Caserta S, Tassieri M. i -Rheo-optical assay: Measuring the viscoelastic properties of multicellular spheroids. Mater Today Bio 2024; 26:101066. [PMID: 38693994 PMCID: PMC11061759 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2024.101066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
This study introduces a novel mechanobiology assay, named "i-Rheo-optical assay", that integrates rheology with optical microscopy for analysing the viscoelastic properties of multicellular spheroids. These spheroids serve as three-dimensional models resembling tissue structures. The innovative technique enables real-time observation and quantification of morphological responses to applied stress using a cost-effective microscope coverslip for constant compression force application. By bridging a knowledge gap in biophysical research, which has predominantly focused on the elastic properties while only minimally exploring the viscoelastic nature in multicellular systems, the i-Rheo-optical assay emerges as an effective tool. It facilitates the measurement of broadband viscoelastic compressional moduli in spheroids, here derived from cancer (PANC-1) and non-tumoral (NIH/3T3) cell lines during compression tests. This approach plays a crucial role in elucidating the mechanical properties of spheroids and holds potential for identifying biomarkers to discriminate between healthy tissues and their pathological counterparts. Offering comprehensive insights into the biomechanical behaviour of biological systems, i-Rheo-optical assay marks a significant advancement in tissue engineering, cancer research, and therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalia Ferraro
- DICMaPI, Università di Napoli Federico II, P.le V. Tecchio 80, 80125, Napoli, Italy
- CEINGE Advanced Biotechnologies, Via Gaetano Salvatore, 486, 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Stefano Guido
- DICMaPI, Università di Napoli Federico II, P.le V. Tecchio 80, 80125, Napoli, Italy
- CEINGE Advanced Biotechnologies, Via Gaetano Salvatore, 486, 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Sergio Caserta
- DICMaPI, Università di Napoli Federico II, P.le V. Tecchio 80, 80125, Napoli, Italy
- CEINGE Advanced Biotechnologies, Via Gaetano Salvatore, 486, 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Manlio Tassieri
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, James Watt School of Engineering, Advanced Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G11 6EW, UK
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Meyer D, Kort J, Chen CH, Zhao H, Yi X, Lai SY, Lu F, Yang WJ, Hsieh IC, Chiang CL, Chen WM, Huang JYJ, Camarillo D, Behr B. Development and evaluation of a usable blastocyst predictive model using the biomechanical properties of human oocytes. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299602. [PMID: 38696439 PMCID: PMC11065297 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299602] [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: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purposes of this study were to determine whether biomechanical properties of mature oocytes could predict usable blastocyst formation better than morphological information or maternal factors, and to demonstrate the safety of the aspiration measurement procedure used to determine the biomechanical properties of oocytes. METHODS A prospective split cohort study was conducted with patients from two IVF clinics who underwent in vitro fertilization. Each patient's oocytes were randomly divided into a measurement group and a control group. The aspiration depth into a micropipette was measured, and the biomechanical properties were derived. Oocyte fertilization, day 3 morphology, and blastocyst development were observed and compared between measured and unmeasured cohorts. A predictive classifier was trained to predict usable blastocyst formation and compared to the predictions of four experienced embryologists. RESULTS 68 patients and their corresponding 1252 oocytes were included in the study. In the safety analyses, there was no significant difference between the cohorts for fertilization, while the day 3 and 5 embryo development were not negatively affected. Four embryologists predicted usable blastocyst development based on oocyte morphology with an average accuracy of 44% while the predictive classifier achieved an accuracy of 71%. Retaining the variables necessary for normal fertilization, only data from successfully fertilized oocytes were used, resulting in a classifier an accuracy of 81%. CONCLUSIONS To date, there is no standard guideline or technique to aid in the selection of oocytes that have a higher likelihood of developing into usable blastocysts, which are chosen for transfer or vitrification. This study provides a comprehensive workflow of extracting biomechanical properties and building a predictive classifier using these properties to predict mature oocytes' developmental potential. The classifier has greater accuracy in predicting the formation of usable blastocysts than the predictions provided by morphological information or maternal factors. The measurement procedure did not negatively affect embryo culture outcomes. While further analysis is necessary, this study shows the potential of using biomechanical properties of oocytes to predict embryo developmental outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Meyer
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States of America
| | - Jonathan Kort
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States of America
| | - Ching Hung Chen
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ton Yen General Hospital, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Taiwan IVF Group Center for Reproductive Medicine & Infertility, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Huan Zhao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The 3rd Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaoling Yi
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The 3rd Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shin-Yu Lai
- Taiwan IVF Group Center for Reproductive Medicine & Infertility, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Farn Lu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ton Yen General Hospital, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Taiwan IVF Group Center for Reproductive Medicine & Infertility, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Wen Jui Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ton Yen General Hospital, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Taiwan IVF Group Center for Reproductive Medicine & Infertility, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - I-Chiao Hsieh
- Department of Data Science, Inti Taiwan, Inc., Zhubei City, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Li Chiang
- Department of Data Science, Inti Taiwan, Inc., Zhubei City, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Ming Chen
- Department of Data Science, Inti Taiwan, Inc., Zhubei City, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Jack Yu Jen Huang
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ton Yen General Hospital, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Taiwan IVF Group Center for Reproductive Medicine & Infertility, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - David Camarillo
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States of America
| | - Barry Behr
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States of America
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Zhang X, Zheng PS. Mechanism of chromosomal mosaicism in preimplantation embryos and its effect on embryo development. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:1127-1141. [PMID: 38386118 PMCID: PMC11143108 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03048-2] [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: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Aneuploidy is one of the main causes of miscarriage and in vitro fertilization failure. Mitotic abnormalities in preimplantation embryos are the main cause of mosaicism, which may be influenced by several endogenous factors such as relaxation of cell cycle control mechanisms, defects in chromosome cohesion, centrosome aberrations and abnormal spindle assembly, and DNA replication stress. In addition, incomplete trisomy rescue is a rare cause of mosaicism. However, there may be a self-correcting mechanism in mosaic embryos, which allows some mosaicisms to potentially develop into normal embryos. At present, it is difficult to accurately diagnose mosaicism using preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy. Therefore, in clinical practice, embryos diagnosed as mosaic should be considered comprehensively based on the specific situation of the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University of Medical School, Xi'an, 710061, Shanxi, P.R. China
| | - Peng-Sheng Zheng
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University of Medical School, Xi'an, 710061, Shanxi, P.R. China.
- Section of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education of People's Republic of China, Xi'an, 710061, Shanxi, P.R. China.
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Benhal P. Micro/Nanorobotics in In Vitro Fertilization: A Paradigm Shift in Assisted Reproductive Technologies. MICROMACHINES 2024; 15:510. [PMID: 38675321 PMCID: PMC11052506 DOI: 10.3390/mi15040510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
In vitro fertilization (IVF) has transformed the sector of assisted reproductive technology (ART) by presenting hope to couples facing infertility challenges. However, conventional IVF strategies include their own set of problems such as success rates, invasive procedures, and ethical issues. The integration of micro/nanorobotics into IVF provides a prospect to address these challenging issues. This article provides an outline of the use of micro/nanorobotics in IVF specializing in advancing sperm manipulation, egg retrieval, embryo culture, and capacity future improvements in this swiftly evolving discipline. The article additionally explores the challenges and obstacles associated with the integration of micro/nanorobotics into IVF, in addition to the ethical concerns and regulatory elements related to the usage of advanced technologies in ART. A comprehensive discussion of the risk and safety considerations related to using micro/nanorobotics in IVF techniques is likewise presented. Through this exploration, we delve into the core principles, benefits, challenges, and potential impact of micro/nanorobotics in revolutionizing IVF procedures and enhancing affected person outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prateek Benhal
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA; ; Tel.: +1-240-972-1482
- National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, 1800 E. Paul Dirac Dr., Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA
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Ma T, Zhou S, Xie X, Chen J, Wang J, Zhang G. A case report of a family with developmental arrest of human prokaryotic stage zygote. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1280797. [PMID: 38606321 PMCID: PMC11006971 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1280797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
To study the genetic variation leading to the arrest phenotype of pronuclear (PN) zygotes. We recruited a family characterized by recurrent PN arrest during in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles (ICSI) and performed whole-exome sequencing for 2 individuals. The transcriptome profiles of PN-arrest zygotes were assessed by single-cell RNA sequencing analysis. The variants were then validated by PCR amplification and Sanger sequencing in the affected individuals and other family members. A family characterized by recurrent PN arrest during IVF and ICSI cycles were enrolled after giving written informed consent. Peripheral blood samples were taken for DNA extraction. Three PN-arrest zygotes from patient III-3 were used for single-cell RNA-seq as described. This phenotype was reproduced after multiple cycles of egg retrieval and after trying different fertilization methods and multiple ovulation regimens. The mutant genes of whole exon sequencing were screened and verified. The missense variant c. C1630T (p.R544W) in RGS12 was responsible for a phenotype characterized by paternal transmission. RGS12 controls Ca2+ oscillation, which is required for oocyte activation after fertilization. Single-cell transcriptome profiling of PN-arrest zygotes revealed defective established translation, RNA processing and cell cycle, which explained the failure of complete oocyte activation. Furthermore, we identified proximal genes involved in Ca2+ oscillation-cytostatic factor-anaphase-promoting complex (Ca2+ oscillation-CSF-APC) signaling, including upregulated CaMKII, ORAI1, CDC20, and CDH1 and downregulated EMI1 and BUB3. The findings indicate abnormal spontaneous Ca2+ oscillations leading to oocytes with prolonged low CSF level and high APC level, which resulted in defective nuclear envelope breakdown and DNA replication. We have identified an RGS12 variant as the potential cause of female infertility characterized by arrest at the PN stage during multiple IVF and ICSI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianzhong Ma
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Songxia Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xuezhen Xie
- Department of Pathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jingyao Chen
- Department of Pathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Pathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Guohong Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
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12
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Du Y, Cheng D, Yang Z, Liu Y, Zhao Q, Sun M, Li H, Zhao X. A Simulation of the Mechanical Testing of the Cell Membrane and Cytoskeleton. MICROMACHINES 2024; 15:431. [PMID: 38675243 PMCID: PMC11052030 DOI: 10.3390/mi15040431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Cell models play a crucial role in analyzing the mechanical response of cells and quantifying cellular damage incurred during micromanipulation. While traditional models can capture the overall mechanical behavior of cells, they often lack the ability to discern among distinct cellular components. Consequently, by employing dissipative particle dynamics, this study constructed a triangular network-like representation of the cell membrane along with cross-linked cytoskeletal chains. The mechanical properties of both the membrane and cytoskeleton were then analyzed through a series of simulated mechanical tests, validated against real-world experiments. The investigation utilized particle-tracking rheology to monitor changes in the mean square displacements of membrane particles over time, facilitating the analysis of the membrane's storage and loss moduli. Additionally, the cytoskeletal network's storage and loss moduli were examined via a double-plate oscillatory shear experiment. The simulation results revealed that both the membrane and cytoskeleton exhibit viscoelastic behavior, as evidenced by the power-law dependency of their storage and loss moduli on frequency. Furthermore, indentation and microinjection simulations were conducted to examine the overall mechanical properties of cells. In the indentation experiments, an increase in the shear modulus of the membrane's WLCs correlated with a higher Young's modulus for the entire cell. Regarding the microinjection experiment, augmenting the microinjection speed resulted in reduced deformation of the cell at the point of membrane rupture and a lower percentage of high strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Du
- The School of Computer and Information Science, Qinghai University of Science and Technology, Xining 810016, China;
- The Department of Computer Technology and Application, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Dai Cheng
- Institute of Robotics and Automatic Information System, The Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robotics, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; (D.C.); (Z.Y.); (Y.L.); (Q.Z.); (M.S.)
| | - Zhanli Yang
- Institute of Robotics and Automatic Information System, The Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robotics, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; (D.C.); (Z.Y.); (Y.L.); (Q.Z.); (M.S.)
| | - Yaowei Liu
- Institute of Robotics and Automatic Information System, The Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robotics, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; (D.C.); (Z.Y.); (Y.L.); (Q.Z.); (M.S.)
- Institute of Intelligence Technology and Robotic Systems, Shenzhen Research Institute of Nankai University, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | - Qili Zhao
- Institute of Robotics and Automatic Information System, The Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robotics, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; (D.C.); (Z.Y.); (Y.L.); (Q.Z.); (M.S.)
- Institute of Intelligence Technology and Robotic Systems, Shenzhen Research Institute of Nankai University, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | - Mingzhu Sun
- Institute of Robotics and Automatic Information System, The Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robotics, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; (D.C.); (Z.Y.); (Y.L.); (Q.Z.); (M.S.)
- Institute of Intelligence Technology and Robotic Systems, Shenzhen Research Institute of Nankai University, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | - Haifeng Li
- The School of Computer and Information Science, Qinghai University of Science and Technology, Xining 810016, China;
- The Department of Computer Technology and Application, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Institute of Robotics and Automatic Information System, The Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robotics, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; (D.C.); (Z.Y.); (Y.L.); (Q.Z.); (M.S.)
- Institute of Intelligence Technology and Robotic Systems, Shenzhen Research Institute of Nankai University, Shenzhen 518083, China
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13
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Fluks M, Collier R, Walewska A, Bruce AW, Ajduk A. How great thou ART: biomechanical properties of oocytes and embryos as indicators of quality in assisted reproductive technologies. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1342905. [PMID: 38425501 PMCID: PMC10902081 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1342905] [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: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) have revolutionized infertility treatment and animal breeding, but their success largely depends on selecting high-quality oocytes for fertilization and embryos for transfer. During preimplantation development, embryos undergo complex morphogenetic processes, such as compaction and cavitation, driven by cellular forces dependent on cytoskeletal dynamics and cell-cell interactions. These processes are pivotal in dictating an embryo's capacity to implant and progress to full-term development. Hence, a comprehensive grasp of the biomechanical attributes characterizing healthy oocytes and embryos is essential for selecting those with higher developmental potential. Various noninvasive techniques have emerged as valuable tools for assessing biomechanical properties without disturbing the oocyte or embryo physiological state, including morphokinetics, analysis of cytoplasmic movement velocity, or quantification of cortical tension and elasticity using microaspiration. By shedding light on the cytoskeletal processes involved in chromosome segregation, cytokinesis, cellular trafficking, and cell adhesion, underlying oogenesis, and embryonic development, this review explores the significance of embryo biomechanics in ART and its potential implications for improving clinical IVF outcomes, offering valuable insights and research directions to enhance oocyte and embryo selection procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Fluks
- Department of Embryology, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Rebecca Collier
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Agnieszka Walewska
- Department of Embryology, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Alexander W. Bruce
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Anna Ajduk
- Department of Embryology, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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14
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Yuan Y, Ma D, Liu X, Tang T, Li M, Yang Y, Yalikun Y, Tanaka Y. 10 μm thick ultrathin glass sheet to realize a highly sensitive cantilever for precise cell stiffness measurement. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:3651-3661. [PMID: 37449439 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00113j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
The micro-cantilever-based sensor platform has become a promising technique in the sensing area for physical, chemical and biological detection due to its portability, small size, label-free characteristics and good compatibility with "lab-on-a-chip" devices. However, traditional micro-cantilever methods are limited by their complicated fabrication, manipulation and detection, and low sensitivity. In this research, we proposed a 10 μm thick ultrathin, highly sensitive, and flexible glass cantilever integrated with a strain gauge sensor and presented its application for the measurement of single-cell mechanical properties. Compared to conventional methods, the proposed ultrathin glass sheet (UTGS)-based cantilever is easier to fabricate, has better physical and chemical properties, and shows a high linear relationship between resistance change and applied small force or displacement. The sensitivity of the cantilever is 15 μN μm-1 and the minimum detectable displacement at the current development stage is 500 nm, which is sufficient for cell stiffness measurement. The cantilever also possesses excellent optical transparency that supports real-time observation during measurement. We first calibrated the cantilever by measuring the Young's modulus of PDMS with known specific stiffness, and then we demonstrated the measurement of Xenopus oocytes and fertilized eggs in different statuses. By further optimizing the UTGS-based cantilever, we can extend its applicability to various measurements of different cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yapeng Yuan
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), RIKEN, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
| | - Doudou Ma
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), RIKEN, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
| | - Xun Liu
- Graduate School of Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Nara 630-0192, Japan.
| | - Tao Tang
- Graduate School of Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Nara 630-0192, Japan.
| | - Ming Li
- School of Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, 2109, Australia
| | - Yang Yang
- Institute of Deep-Sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, Hainan, 572000, P. R. China
| | - Yaxiaer Yalikun
- Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), RIKEN, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
- Graduate School of Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Nara 630-0192, Japan.
| | - Yo Tanaka
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), RIKEN, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
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15
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Ducreux B, Barberet J, Guilleman M, Pérez-Palacios R, Teissandier A, Bourc’his D, Fauque P. Assessing the influence of distinct culture media on human pre-implantation development using single-embryo transcriptomics. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1155634. [PMID: 37435029 PMCID: PMC10330962 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1155634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of assisted reproductive technologies is consistently rising across the world. However, making an informed choice on which embryo culture medium should be preferred to ensure satisfactory pregnancy rates and the health of future children critically lacks scientific background. In particular, embryos within their first days of development are highly sensitive to their micro-environment, and it is unknown how their transcriptome adapts to different embryo culture compositions. Here, we determined the impact of culture media composition on gene expression in human pre-implantation embryos. By employing single-embryo RNA-sequencing after 2 or 5 days of the post-fertilization culture in different commercially available media (Ferticult, Global, and SSM), we revealed medium-specific differences in gene expression changes. Embryos cultured pre-compaction until day 2 in Ferticult or Global media notably displayed 266 differentially expressed genes, which were related to essential developmental pathways. Herein, 19 of them could have a key role in early development, based on their previously described dynamic expression changes across development. When embryos were cultured after day 2 in the same media considered more suitable because of its amino acid enrichment, 18 differentially expressed genes thought to be involved in the transition from early to later embryonic stages were identified. Overall, the differences were reduced at the blastocyst stage, highlighting the ability of embryos conceived in a suboptimal in vitro culture medium to mitigate the transcriptomic profile acquired under different pre-compaction environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bastien Ducreux
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté—Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD), INSERM UMR1231, Dijon, France
| | - Julie Barberet
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté—Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD), INSERM UMR1231, Dijon, France
- CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction—CECOS, Dijon, France
| | - Magali Guilleman
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté—Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD), INSERM UMR1231, Dijon, France
- CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction—CECOS, Dijon, France
| | - Raquel Pérez-Palacios
- Departamento de Anatomía, Embriología y Genética Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | | | | | - Patricia Fauque
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté—Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD), INSERM UMR1231, Dijon, France
- CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction—CECOS, Dijon, France
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16
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Zabari N, Kan-Tor Y, Or Y, Shoham Z, Shufaro Y, Richter D, Har-Vardi I, Ben-Meir A, Srebnik N, Buxboim A. Delineating the heterogeneity of embryo preimplantation development using automated and accurate morphokinetic annotation. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023:10.1007/s10815-023-02806-y. [PMID: 37300648 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02806-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Our objective was to design an automated deep learning model that extracts the morphokinetic events of embryos that were recorded by time-lapse incubators. Using automated annotation, we set out to characterize the temporal heterogeneity of preimplantation development across a large number of embryos. METHODS To perform a retrospective study, we used a dataset of video files of 67,707 embryos from four IVF clinics. A convolutional neural network (CNN) model was trained to assess the developmental states that appear in single frames from 20,253 manually-annotated embryos. Probability-weighted superposition of multiple predicted states was permitted, thus accounting for visual uncertainties. Superimposed embryo states were collapsed onto discrete series of morphokinetic events via monotonic regression of whole-embryo profiles. Unsupervised K-means clustering was applied to define subpopulations of embryos of distinctive morphokinetic profiles. RESULTS We perform automated assessment of single-frame embryo states with 97% accuracy and demonstrate whole-embryo morphokinetic annotation with R-square 0.994. High quality embryos that had been valid candidates for transfer were clustered into nine subpopulations, as characterized by distinctive developmental dynamics. Retrospective comparative analysis of transfer versus implantation rates reveals differences between embryo clusters as marked by poor synchronization of the third mitotic cell-cleavage cycle. CONCLUSIONS By demonstrating fully automated, accurate, and standardized morphokinetic annotation of time-lapse embryo recordings from IVF clinics, we provide practical means to overcome current limitations that hinder the implementation of morphokinetic decision-support tools within clinical IVF settings due to inter-observer and intra-observer manual annotation variations and workload constrains. Furthermore, our work provides a platform to address embryo heterogeneity using dimensionality-reduced morphokinetic descriptions of preimplantation development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nir Zabari
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Edmond J. Safra Campus, 9190416, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yoav Kan-Tor
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Edmond J. Safra Campus, 9190416, Jerusalem, Israel
- The Center for Interdisciplinary Data Science Research, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, 9190401, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yuval Or
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Kaplan Hospital, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Zeev Shoham
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Kaplan Hospital, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yoel Shufaro
- Infertility and IVF Unit, Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petach Tikva, Israel
| | - Dganit Richter
- The IVF Unit Gyn/Obs, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Iris Har-Vardi
- The IVF Unit Gyn/Obs, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Assaf Ben-Meir
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah Medical Center - Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
- Infertility and IVF Unit, Hadassah Hebrew University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Naama Srebnik
- The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Edmond J. Safra Campus - Givat Ram, 9190401, Jerusalem, Israel
- In Vitro Fertilization Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, 9103102, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Amnon Buxboim
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Edmond J. Safra Campus, 9190416, Jerusalem, Israel.
- The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Edmond J. Safra Campus - Givat Ram, 9190401, Jerusalem, Israel.
- The Alexender Grass Center for Bioengineering, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, 9190401, Jerusalem, Israel.
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17
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Flé G, Houten EV, Rémillard-Labrosse G, FitzHarris G, Cloutier G. Imaging the subcellular viscoelastic properties of mouse oocytes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2213836120. [PMID: 37186851 PMCID: PMC10214128 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2213836120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, cellular biomechanical properties have been investigated as an alternative to morphological assessments for oocyte selection in reproductive science. Despite the high relevance of cell viscoelasticity characterization, the reconstruction of spatially distributed viscoelastic parameter images in such materials remains a major challenge. Here, a framework for mapping viscoelasticity at the subcellular scale is proposed and applied to live mouse oocytes. The strategy relies on the principles of optical microelastography for imaging in combination with the overlapping subzone nonlinear inversion technique for complex-valued shear modulus reconstruction. The three-dimensional nature of the viscoelasticity equations was accommodated by applying an oocyte geometry-based 3D mechanical motion model to the measured wave field. Five domains-nucleolus, nucleus, cytoplasm, perivitelline space, and zona pellucida-could be visually differentiated in both oocyte storage and loss modulus maps, and statistically significant differences were observed between most of these domains in either property reconstruction. The method proposed herein presents excellent potential for biomechanical-based monitoring of oocyte health and complex transformations across lifespan. It also shows appreciable latitude for generalization to cells of arbitrary shape using conventional microscopy equipment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Flé
- Laboratory of Biorheology and Medical Ultrasonics, University of Montreal Hospital Research Center, Montreal, QCH2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Elijah Van Houten
- Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QCJ1K 2R1, Canada
| | - Gaudeline Rémillard-Labrosse
- Oocyte and Embryo Research Laboratory, University of Montreal Hospital Research Center, Montreal, QCH2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Greg FitzHarris
- Oocyte and Embryo Research Laboratory, University of Montreal Hospital Research Center, Montreal, QCH2X 0A9, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QCH3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Guy Cloutier
- Laboratory of Biorheology and Medical Ultrasonics, University of Montreal Hospital Research Center, Montreal, QCH2X 0A9, Canada
- Department of Radiology, Radio-Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, and Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Montreal, Montreal, QCH3T 1J4, Canada
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18
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Mason JH, Luo L, Reinwald Y, Taffetani M, Hallas-Potts A, Herrington CS, Srsen V, Lin CJ, Barroso IA, Zhang Z, Zhang Z, Ghag AK, Yang Y, Waters S, El Haj AJ, Bagnaninchi PO. Debiased ambient vibrations optical coherence elastography to profile cell, organoid and tissue mechanical properties. Commun Biol 2023; 6:543. [PMID: 37202417 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04788-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of the mechanical environment in defining tissue function, development and growth has been shown to be fundamental. Assessment of the changes in stiffness of tissue matrices at multiple scales has relied mostly on invasive and often specialist equipment such as AFM or mechanical testing devices poorly suited to the cell culture workflow.In this paper, we have developed a unbiased passive optical coherence elastography method, exploiting ambient vibrations in the sample that enables real-time noninvasive quantitative profiling of cells and tissues. We demonstrate a robust method that decouples optical scattering and mechanical properties by actively compensating for scattering associated noise bias and reducing variance. The efficiency for the method to retrieve ground truth is validated in silico and in vitro, and exemplified for key applications such as time course mechanical profiling of bone and cartilage spheroids, tissue engineering cancer models, tissue repair models and single cell. Our method is readily implementable with any commercial optical coherence tomography system without any hardware modifications, and thus offers a breakthrough in on-line tissue mechanical assessment of spatial mechanical properties for organoids, soft tissues and tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan H Mason
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Lu Luo
- Healthcare Technology Institute, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Yvonne Reinwald
- Department of Engineering, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | | | - Amelia Hallas-Potts
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - C Simon Herrington
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Vlastimil Srsen
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Chih-Jen Lin
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Univeristy of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Inês A Barroso
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Zhihua Zhang
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Zhibing Zhang
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Anita K Ghag
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Ying Yang
- Institute of Science and Technology in Medicine, Keele University, Stoke-on-Trent, UK
| | - Sarah Waters
- Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Alicia J El Haj
- Healthcare Technology Institute, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
| | - Pierre O Bagnaninchi
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
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19
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Azarkh D, Cao Y, Floehr J, Schnakenberg U. Viscoelastic Properties of Zona Pellucida of Oocytes Characterized by Transient Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:bios13040442. [PMID: 37185516 PMCID: PMC10136587 DOI: 10.3390/bios13040442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The success rate in vitro fertilization is significantly linked to the quality of the oocytes. The oocyte's membrane is encapsulated by a shell of gelatinous extracellular matrix, called zona pellucida, which undergoes dynamic changes throughout the reproduction cycle. During the window of highest fertility, the zona pellucida exhibits a softening phase, while it remains rigid during oocyte maturation and again after fertilization. These variations in mechanical properties facilitate or inhibit sperm penetration. Since successful fertilization considerably depends on the state of the zona pellucida, monitoring of the hardening process of the zona pellucida is vital. In this study, we scrutinized two distinct genetic mouse models, namely, fetuin-B wild-type and fetuin-B/ovastacin double deficient with normal and super-soft zona pellucida, respectively. We evaluated the hardening with the help of a microfluidic aspiration-assisted electrical impedance spectroscopy system. An oocyte was trapped by a microhole connected to a microfluidic channel by applying suction pressure. Transient electrical impedance spectra were taken by microelectrodes surrounding the microhole. The time-depending recovery of zona pellucida deflections to equilibrium was used to calculate the Young's modulus and, for the first time, absolute viscosity values. The values were obtained by fitting the curves with an equivalent mechanical circuit consisting of a network of dashpots and springs. The observer-independent electrical readout in combination with a fitting algorithm for the calculation of the viscoelastic properties demonstrates a step toward a more user-friendly and easy-to-use tool for the characterizing and better understanding of the rheological properties of oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danyil Azarkh
- Institute of Materials in Electrical Engineering 1, RWTH Aachen University, Sommerfeldstraße 24, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Yuan Cao
- Institute of Materials in Electrical Engineering 1, RWTH Aachen University, Sommerfeldstraße 24, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Julia Floehr
- Helmholtz-Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Biointerface Laboratory, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Uwe Schnakenberg
- Institute of Materials in Electrical Engineering 1, RWTH Aachen University, Sommerfeldstraße 24, 52074 Aachen, Germany
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20
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Palay P, Fathi D, Fathi R. Oocyte quality evaluation: a review of engineering approaches toward clinical challenges. Biol Reprod 2023; 108:393-407. [PMID: 36495197 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac219] [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: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Although assisted reproductive technology has been very successful for the treatment of infertility, its steps are still dependent on direct human opinion. An important step of assisted reproductive treatments in lab for women is choosing an oocyte that has a better quality. This step would predict which oocyte has developmental competence leading to healthy baby. Observation of the oocyte morphological quality indicators under microscope by an embryologist is the most common evaluation method of oocyte quality. Such subjective method which relies on embryologist's experience may vary and leads to misdiagnosis. An alternative solution to eliminate human misjudging in traditional methods and overcome the limitations of them is always using engineering-based procedure. In this review article, we deeply study and categorize engineering-based methods applied for the evaluation of oocyte quality. Then, the challenges in laboratories and clinics settings move forward with translational medicine perspective in mind for all those methods which had been studied were discussed. Finally, a standardized process was presented, which may help improving and focusing the research in this field. Moreover, effective suggestion techniques were introduced that are expected they would be complementary methods to accelerate future researches. The aim of this review was to create a new prospect with the engineering approaches to evaluate oocyte quality and we hope this would help infertile couples to get a baby.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peyman Palay
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University (TMU), Tehran, Iran
| | - Davood Fathi
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University (TMU), Tehran, Iran
| | - Rouhollah Fathi
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran
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21
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Saffari H, Hajiaghalou S, Hajari MA, Gourabi H, Fathi D, Fathi R. Design and fabrication of aspiration microfluidic channel for oocyte characterization. Talanta 2023; 254:124098. [PMID: 36462279 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2022.124098] [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: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The development potential for oocytes can be predicted by their mechanical properties. One important parameter that is measured to calculate oocyte hardness is Cortical Tension (CT). In this work, for the first time, we present the design, simulation, and fabrication of a new aspiration microfluidic chip to measure the CT of oocytes and then predict their maturation capability in the Germinal Vesicle (GV) stage. This high-performance technique facilitates oocyte characterization and is a promising alternative to traditional methods such as MicroPipette Aspiration (MPA). The proposed technique involves considerably simpler operation, less specialized equipment, and less technical skill than MPA. The proposed microfluidic channel also promises faster measurements. It is shown that in order to completely continue the growth process of oocytes in GV stage, the CT should be in a certain range: very low or very high CTs lead to unsuccessful growth. The obtained results show that 79% of oocytes with the CT between 1.5 and 3 nN/μm reach the Metaphase II (MII) stage, whereas the growth for 78% of oocytes with the CT less than 1.5 nN/μm or higher than 3 nN/μm stops at the GV or Germinal Vesicle Break Down (GVBD) stages. Another property, kvis, that points to the viscous behavior of oocytes is also measured. It is seen that 80% of GV oocytes with the kvis values between 15 and 30 k Pa s/m reach the MII stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Saffari
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University (TMU), Tehran, Iran
| | - S Hajiaghalou
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - M A Hajari
- Department of Cell Engineering, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - H Gourabi
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - D Fathi
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University (TMU), Tehran, Iran.
| | - R Fathi
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
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22
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Chen Y, Liu Y, Zuo X, Zhao Q, Sun M, Cui M, Zhao X, Du Y. Identification of significant imaging features for sensing oocyte viability. Microsc Res Tech 2023; 86:181-192. [PMID: 36278826 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.24248] [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: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The evaluation of oocyte viability in the laboratory is limited to the morphological assessment by naked eyes, but the realization that most normal-appearing oocytes may conceal abnormalities prompts the search for automated approaches that can detect the abnormalities imperceptible to naked eyes. In this study, we developed an image processing pipeline applicable to bright-field microscope images to quantify the causal relationship between the quantitative imaging features and the developmental potential of oocytes. We acquired 19 imaging features of approximately 700 oocytes and determined two imaging subtypes, namely viable and nonviable subtypes that correlated closely with a viability fluorescence indicator and cleavage rates. The causal relationship between these imaging features and oocyte viability was derived from a viability-oriented Bayesian network that was developed based on the Bayesian information criterion and Tabu search. Our experimental results revealed that entropy with mean Gray Level Co-Occurrence Matrix energy describing the uniformity and texture roughness of cytoplasm were salient features for the automated selection of promising oocytes that exhibited excellent developmental potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhe Chen
- Institute of Robotics and Automatic Information System, College of Artificial Intelligence, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robotics, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Institute of Intelligence Technology and Robotic Systems, Shenzhen Research Institute of Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yaowei Liu
- Institute of Robotics and Automatic Information System, College of Artificial Intelligence, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robotics, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Institute of Intelligence Technology and Robotic Systems, Shenzhen Research Institute of Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoying Zuo
- Institute of Robotics and Automatic Information System, College of Artificial Intelligence, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robotics, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Institute of Intelligence Technology and Robotic Systems, Shenzhen Research Institute of Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Qili Zhao
- Institute of Robotics and Automatic Information System, College of Artificial Intelligence, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robotics, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Institute of Intelligence Technology and Robotic Systems, Shenzhen Research Institute of Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Mingzhu Sun
- Institute of Robotics and Automatic Information System, College of Artificial Intelligence, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robotics, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Institute of Intelligence Technology and Robotic Systems, Shenzhen Research Institute of Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Maosheng Cui
- Institute of Intelligence Technology and Robotic Systems, Shenzhen Research Institute of Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Innovation Team of Pig Feeding, Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary of Tianjin, Tianjin, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Institute of Robotics and Automatic Information System, College of Artificial Intelligence, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robotics, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Institute of Intelligence Technology and Robotic Systems, Shenzhen Research Institute of Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yue Du
- Institute of Robotics and Automatic Information System, College of Artificial Intelligence, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robotics, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Institute of Intelligence Technology and Robotic Systems, Shenzhen Research Institute of Nankai University, Tianjin, China
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23
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Lamont S, Fropier J, Abadie J, Piat E, Constantinescu A, Roux C, Vernerey F. Profiling oocytes with neural networks from images and mechanical data. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2023; 138:105640. [PMID: 36566663 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2022.105640] [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: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The success rate of assisted reproductive technologies could be greatly improved by selectively choosing egg cells (oocytes) with the greatest chance of fertilization. The goal of mechanical profiling is, thus, to improve predictive oocyte selection by isolating the mechanical properties of oocytes and correlating them to their reproductive potential. The restrictions on experimental platforms, however - including minimal invasiveness and practicality in laboratory implementation - greatly limits the data that can be acquired from a single oocyte. In this study, we perform indentation studies on human oocytes and characterize the mechanical properties of the zona pellucida, the outer layer of the oocyte. We obtain excellent fitting with our physical model when indenting with a flat surface and clearly illustrate localized shear-thinning behavior of the zona pellucida, which has not been previously reported. We conclude by outlining a promising methodology for isolating the mechanical properties of the cytoplasm using neural networks and optical images taken during indentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Lamont
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Program of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, United States of America
| | - Juliette Fropier
- Laboratoire de Mécanique des Solides - CNRS - École Polytechnique - Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91128, Palaiseau, France
| | - Joel Abadie
- FEMTO-ST Institute, Univ. Bourgogne Franche-Comté, CNRS, 15B avenue des Montboucons, 25030 Besançon, cedex, France
| | - Emmanuel Piat
- FEMTO-ST Institute, Univ. Bourgogne Franche-Comté, CNRS, 15B avenue des Montboucons, 25030 Besançon, cedex, France
| | - Andrei Constantinescu
- Laboratoire de Mécanique des Solides - CNRS - École Polytechnique - Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91128, Palaiseau, France
| | - Christophe Roux
- Service de Biologie et Médecine de la Reproduction - Cryobiologie - CECOS Franche-Comté Bourgogne, CHRU Jean Minjoz, 3 Bd Fleming, 25030 Besançon cedex, France
| | - Franck Vernerey
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Program of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, United States of America.
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24
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Du Y, Zhang S, Cheng D, Liu Y, Sun M, Zhao Q, Cui M, Zhao X. The full model of micropipette aspiration of cells: A mesoscopic simulation. Acta Biomater 2023; 157:297-309. [PMID: 36543279 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Studies on the interaction between cells and micromanipulation tools are necessary to optimize the procedures and improve the developmental potential of cells. The molecular dynamics simulation is not possible for such a large-scale simulation, and the spring-damped viscoelastic models and the constitutive equations of the continuum are usually adopted to model the cells as a whole without consideration of the different properties presented by the heterogeneous subcellular components. In this study, we utilized coarse-grained modeling to develop a subcellular model of suspension cell dynamics and a model of a holding micropipette for the fixation of a suspension cell, and designed a large-scale, accurate mesoscopic simulation environment for specific cell micromanipulation. We established a triangular mesh cell membrane and a uniformly distributed, non-intersecting cytoskeleton network and added polymerization/depolymerization processes to connect the cytoskeleton chains with the membrane and cross-linking proteins. In the cell aspiration model, we adopted the profile of the reversed Poiseuille flow to calibrate the viscosity of the fluid and set the bounce-back condition and the appropriate solid-fluid force coefficient to realize non-slip flow at the boundary. The rheological properties of the cells during micropipette aspiration were further analyzed in the simulation by varying parameters such as the inner diameter of the micropipette, negative pressure, and maximum bond length. The model well reproduced the experimentally observed cell deformation phenomenon at low and high pressures. The dynamic response of the cell elongation observed from the simulation was consistent with that obtained from the analysis of the experimental data collected from a custom-designed micromanipulation system. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: In this study, we extended the coarse-grained modeling of cells by developing a relatively large-scale micromanipulation environment consisting of a subcellular cell dynamics model and a fluid flow model for cell aspiration. We simulated cytoskeleton filaments that were uniformly distributed in space via applying Harmonic energy to model cytoskeleton with a high level of fidelity. The shortcoming of the soft repulsion in the solid-fluid interaction in the current simulation technique was solved by implementing the bounce-back boundary and the condition that the total force imposed by the wall particles on the fluid particles was equal to the pressure of the fluid. This work paved the way for understanding the mechanical properties of cells and improving the biological efficacy of micromanipulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Du
- Institute of Robotics and Automatic Information System, College of Artificial Intelligence, Nankai University, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robotics, Nankai University, China; Institute of Intelligence Technology and Robotic Systems, Shenzhen Research Institute of Nankai University, China
| | - Shuai Zhang
- Institute of Robotics and Automatic Information System, College of Artificial Intelligence, Nankai University, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robotics, Nankai University, China; Institute of Intelligence Technology and Robotic Systems, Shenzhen Research Institute of Nankai University, China
| | - Dai Cheng
- Institute of Robotics and Automatic Information System, College of Artificial Intelligence, Nankai University, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robotics, Nankai University, China
| | - Yaowei Liu
- Institute of Robotics and Automatic Information System, College of Artificial Intelligence, Nankai University, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robotics, Nankai University, China; Institute of Intelligence Technology and Robotic Systems, Shenzhen Research Institute of Nankai University, China
| | - Mingzhu Sun
- Institute of Robotics and Automatic Information System, College of Artificial Intelligence, Nankai University, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robotics, Nankai University, China; Institute of Intelligence Technology and Robotic Systems, Shenzhen Research Institute of Nankai University, China
| | - Qili Zhao
- Institute of Robotics and Automatic Information System, College of Artificial Intelligence, Nankai University, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robotics, Nankai University, China; Institute of Intelligence Technology and Robotic Systems, Shenzhen Research Institute of Nankai University, China
| | - Maosheng Cui
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary of Tianjin, Tianjin, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Institute of Robotics and Automatic Information System, College of Artificial Intelligence, Nankai University, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robotics, Nankai University, China; Institute of Intelligence Technology and Robotic Systems, Shenzhen Research Institute of Nankai University, China.
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25
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Berardi M, Gnanachandran K, Jiang J, Bielawski K, Visser CW, Lekka M, Akca BI. Dynamic mechanical analysis of suspended soft bodies via hydraulic force spectroscopy. SOFT MATTER 2023; 19:615-624. [PMID: 36445288 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm01173e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The rheological characterization of soft suspended bodies, such as cells, organoids, or synthetic microstructures, is particularly challenging, even with state-of-the-art methods (e.g. atomic force microscopy, AFM). Providing well-defined boundary conditions for modeling typically requires fixating the sample on a substrate, which is a delicate and time-consuming procedure. Moreover, it needs to be tuned for each chemistry and geometry. Here, we validate a novel technique, called hydraulic force spectroscopy (HFS), against AFM dynamic indentation taken as the gold standard. Combining experimental data with finite element modeling, we show that HFS gives results comparable to AFM microrheology over multiple decades, while obviating any sample preparation requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Berardi
- LaserLab, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1081, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Optics11, Hettenheuvelweg 37-39, 1101 BM, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kajangi Gnanachandran
- Department of Biophysical Microstructures, Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, PL-31342, Kraków, Poland
| | - Jieke Jiang
- Engineering Fluid Dynamics group, Department of Thermal and Fluid Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Technology, University of Twente, 7500 AE, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Kevin Bielawski
- Optics11, Hettenheuvelweg 37-39, 1101 BM, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Claas W Visser
- Engineering Fluid Dynamics group, Department of Thermal and Fluid Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Technology, University of Twente, 7500 AE, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Małgorzata Lekka
- Department of Biophysical Microstructures, Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, PL-31342, Kraków, Poland
| | - B Imran Akca
- LaserLab, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1081, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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26
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Rolfes V, Bittner U, Gerhards H, Krüssel JS, Fehm T, Ranisch R, Fangerau H. Artificial Intelligence in Reproductive Medicine - An Ethical Perspective. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2023; 83:106-115. [PMID: 36643877 PMCID: PMC9833891 DOI: 10.1055/a-1866-2792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Artificial intelligence is steadily being integrated into all areas of medicine. In reproductive medicine, artificial intelligence methods can be utilized to improve the selection and prediction of sperm cells, oocytes, and embryos and to generate better predictive models for in vitro fertilization. The use of artificial intelligence in this field is justified by the suffering of persons or couples who wish to have children but are unable to conceive. However, research into the use of artificial intelligence in reproductive medicine is still in the early experimental stage and furthermore raises complex normative questions. There are ethical research challenges because evidence of the efficacy of certain pertinent systems is often lacking and because of the increased difficulty of ensuring informed consent on the part of the affected persons. Other ethically relevant issues include the potential risks for offspring and the difficulty of providing sufficient information. The opportunity to fulfill the desire to have children affects the welfare of patients and their reproductive autonomy. Ultimately, ensuring more accurate predictions and allowing physicians to devote more time to their patients will have a positive effect. Nevertheless, clinicians must be able to process patient data conscientiously. When using artificial intelligence, numerous actors are involved in making the diagnosis and deciding on the appropriate therapy, raising questions about who is ultimately responsible when mistakes occur. Questions of fairness arise with regard to resource allocation and cost reimbursement. Thus, before implementing artificial intelligence in clinical practice, it is necessary to critically examine the quantity and quality of the data used and to address issues of transparency. In the medium and long term, it would be necessary to confront the undesirable impact and social dynamics that may accompany the use of artificial intelligence in reproductive medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasilija Rolfes
- 9170Institut für Geschichte, Theorie und Ethik der Medizin, Medizinische Fakultät, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany,Korrespondenzadresse Vasilija Rolfes 9170Institut für Geschichte, Theorie und Ethik der Medizin, Medizinische Fakultät,
Heinrich-Heine-Universität DüsseldorfMoorenstraße 540225
DüsseldorfGermany
| | - Uta Bittner
- 9170Institut für Geschichte, Theorie und Ethik der Medizin, Medizinische Fakultät, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany,84614Institut für Sozialforschung und Technikfolgenabschätzung, Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Helene Gerhards
- 84614Institut für Sozialforschung und Technikfolgenabschätzung, Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Jan-Steffen Krüssel
- Klinik für Frauenheilkunde und Geburtshilfe, Universitäres interdisziplinäres Kinderwunschzentrum Düsseldorf, Medizinische Fakultät, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf,
Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Tanja Fehm
- Klinik für Frauenheilkunde und Geburtshilfe, Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf, Medizinische Fakultät, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Robert Ranisch
- Juniorprofessur für Medizinische Ethik mit Schwerpunkt auf Digitalisierung, Universität Potsdam, Fakultät für Gesundheitswissenschaften Brandenburg, Potsdam, Germany,Forschungsstelle „Ethik der Genom-Editierung“, Institut für Ethik und Geschichte der Medizin, Eberhard-Karls-Universität Tübingen Medizinische Fakultät, Tübingen,
Germany
| | - Heiner Fangerau
- 9170Institut für Geschichte, Theorie und Ethik der Medizin, Medizinische Fakultät, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
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27
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Cockerell A, Wright L, Dattani A, Guo G, Smith A, Tsaneva-Atanasova K, Richards DM. Biophysical models of early mammalian embryogenesis. Stem Cell Reports 2023; 18:26-46. [PMID: 36630902 PMCID: PMC9860129 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Embryo development is a critical and fascinating stage in the life cycle of many organisms. Despite decades of research, the earliest stages of mammalian embryogenesis are still poorly understood, caused by a scarcity of high-resolution spatial and temporal data, the use of only a few model organisms, and a paucity of truly multidisciplinary approaches that combine biological research with biophysical modeling and computational simulation. Here, we explain the theoretical frameworks and biophysical processes that are best suited to modeling the early mammalian embryo, review a comprehensive list of previous models, and discuss the most promising avenues for future work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaina Cockerell
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Liam Wright
- Department of Mathematics, University of Exeter, North Park Road, Exeter EX4 4QF, UK
| | - Anish Dattani
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Ge Guo
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Austin Smith
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Krasimira Tsaneva-Atanasova
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK; Department of Mathematics, University of Exeter, North Park Road, Exeter EX4 4QF, UK; EPSRC Hub for Quantitative Modelling in Healthcare, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QJ, UK; Department of Bioinformatics and Mathematical Modelling, Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 105 Acad. G. Bonchev Street, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - David M Richards
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK; Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Exeter, North Park Road, Exeter EX4 4QL, UK.
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28
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Fiorentino G, Cimadomo D, Innocenti F, Soscia D, Vaiarelli A, Ubaldi FM, Gennarelli G, Garagna S, Rienzi L, Zuccotti M. Biomechanical forces and signals operating in the ovary during folliculogenesis and their dysregulation: implications for fertility. Hum Reprod Update 2023; 29:1-23. [PMID: 35856663 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Folliculogenesis occurs in the highly dynamic environment of the ovary. Follicle cyclic recruitment, neo-angiogenesis, spatial displacement, follicle atresia and ovulation stand out as major events resulting from the interplay between mechanical forces and molecular signals. Morphological and functional changes to the growing follicle and to the surrounding tissue are required to produce oocytes capable of supporting preimplantation development to the blastocyst stage. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review will summarize the ovarian morphological and functional context that contributes to follicle recruitment, growth and ovulation, as well as to the acquisition of oocyte developmental competence. We will describe the changes occurring during folliculogenesis to the ovarian extracellular matrix (ECM) and to the vasculature, their influence on the mechanical properties of the ovarian tissue, and, in turn, their influence on the regulation of signal transduction. Also, we will outline how their dysregulation might be associated with pathologies such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis or premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). Finally, for each of these three pathologies, we will highlight therapeutic strategies attempting to correct the altered biomechanical context in order to restore fertility. SEARCH METHODS For each area discussed, a systematic bibliographical search was performed, without temporal limits, using PubMed Central, Web of Science and Scopus search engines employing the keywords extracellular matrix, mechanobiology, biomechanics, vasculature, angiogenesis or signalling pathway in combination with: ovary, oogenesis, oocyte, folliculogenesis, ovarian follicle, theca, granulosa, cumulus, follicular fluid, corpus luteum, meiosis, oocyte developmental competence, preimplantation, polycystic ovary syndrome, premature ovarian insufficiency or endometriosis. OUTCOMES Through search engines queries, we yielded a total of 37 368 papers that were further selected based on our focus on mammals and, specifically, on rodents, bovine, equine, ovine, primates and human, and also were trimmed around each specific topic of the review. After the elimination of duplicates, this selection process resulted in 628 papers, of which 287 were cited in the manuscript. Among these, 89.2% were published in the past 22 years, while the remaining 8.0%, 2.4% or 0.3% were published during the 1990s, 1980s or before, respectively. During folliculogenesis, changes occur to the ovarian ECM composition and organization that, together with vasculature modelling around the growing follicle, are aimed to sustain its recruitment and growth, and the maturation of the enclosed oocyte. These events define the scenario in which mechanical forces are key to the regulation of cascades of molecular signals. Alterations to this context determine impaired folliculogenesis and decreased oocyte developmental potential, as observed in pathological conditions which are causes of infertility, such as PCOS, endometriosis or POI. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The knowledge of these mechanisms and the rules that govern them lay a sound basis to explain how follicles recruitment and growth are modulated, and stimulate insights to develop, in clinical practice, strategies to improve follicular recruitment and oocyte competence, particularly for pathologies like PCOS, endometriosis and POI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Fiorentino
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Center for Health Technologies, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | | | - Daria Soscia
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GeneraLife IVF, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Gianluca Gennarelli
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Physiopathology of Reproduction and IVF Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, Sant'Anna Hospital, University of Torino, Turin, Italy.,Livet, GeneraLife IVF, Turin, Italy
| | - Silvia Garagna
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Center for Health Technologies, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Laura Rienzi
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GeneraLife IVF, Rome, Italy.,Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy
| | - Maurizio Zuccotti
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Center for Health Technologies, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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29
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Sitnikov DS, Ilina IV, Filatov MA, Silaeva YY. Assessment of the zona pellucida microdissection on its thickness in mammalian embryos. BULLETIN OF RUSSIAN STATE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2023. [DOI: 10.24075/brsmu.2023.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The zona pellucida (ZP) is a dynamically changing object that plays an important role during the preimplantation stage of embryogenesis. The ZP thickness may affect the implantation success and pregnancy rate, it is considered as a prognostic factor in a number of studies. The study was aimed to assess the dynamic changes in the mouse embryonic ZP thickness after laser assisted hatching (LAH) that involved breaching the ZP integrity at the blastocyst stage. Femtosecond laser pulses were used to perform the zona microsurgery. The zona thickness was measured both at the stage of blastocyst microsurgery (~Е3.5, i.e. 3.5 days of embryogenesis) and at the hatching stage (~Е5). Significant differences in the ZP thickness were revealed in the control group of embryos: from 6.21 µm (Е3.5) to 5.4 µm (Е5). The changes in thickness from 6.6 µm (Е3.5) to 6.2 µm (Е5) observed in the group subjected to LAH were non-significant. Tracing the ZP thickness of a particular embryo from the blastocyst stage to the hatching stage made it possible to estimate the thinning coefficients in the experimental and control groups. The findings that indicate lower tensile strength of the zona in case of LAH can provide the basis for further research on the ZP properties in case of using the embryo cryopreservation protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- DS Sitnikov
- Joint Institute for High Temperatures, Moscow, Russia
| | - IV Ilina
- Joint Institute for High Temperatures, Moscow, Russia
| | - MA Filatov
- Institute of Gene Biology, Moscow, Russia
| | - YY Silaeva
- Institute of Gene Biology, Moscow, Russia
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30
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Charalambous C, Webster A, Schuh M. Aneuploidy in mammalian oocytes and the impact of maternal ageing. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2023; 24:27-44. [PMID: 36068367 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-022-00517-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
During fertilization, the egg and the sperm are supposed to contribute precisely one copy of each chromosome to the embryo. However, human eggs frequently contain an incorrect number of chromosomes - a condition termed aneuploidy, which is much more prevalent in eggs than in either sperm or in most somatic cells. In turn, aneuploidy in eggs is a leading cause of infertility, miscarriage and congenital syndromes. Aneuploidy arises as a consequence of aberrant meiosis during egg development from its progenitor cell, the oocyte. In human oocytes, chromosomes often segregate incorrectly. Chromosome segregation errors increase in women from their mid-thirties, leading to even higher levels of aneuploidy in eggs from women of advanced maternal age, ultimately causing age-related infertility. Here, we cover the two main areas that contribute to aneuploidy: (1) factors that influence the fidelity of chromosome segregation in eggs of women from all ages and (2) factors that change in response to reproductive ageing. Recent discoveries reveal new error-causing pathways and present a framework for therapeutic strategies to extend the span of female fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Charalambous
- Department of Meiosis, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Alexandre Webster
- Department of Meiosis, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Melina Schuh
- Department of Meiosis, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany.
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Recurrent RNA edits in human preimplantation potentially enhance maternal mRNA clearance. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1400. [PMID: 36543858 PMCID: PMC9772385 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04338-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Posttranscriptional modification plays an important role in key embryonic processes. Adenosine-to-inosine RNA editing, a common example of such modifications, is widespread in human adult tissues and has various functional impacts and clinical consequences. However, whether it persists in a consistent pattern in most human embryos, and whether it supports embryonic development, are poorly understood. To address this problem, we compiled the largest human embryonic editome from 2,071 transcriptomes and identified thousands of recurrent embryonic edits (>=50% chances of occurring in a given stage) for each early developmental stage. We found that these recurrent edits prefer exons consistently across stages, tend to target genes related to DNA replication, and undergo organized loss in abnormal embryos and embryos from elder mothers. In particular, these recurrent edits are likely to enhance maternal mRNA clearance, a possible mechanism of which could be introducing more microRNA binding sites to the 3'-untranslated regions of clearance targets. This study suggests a potentially important, if not indispensable, role of RNA editing in key human embryonic processes such as maternal mRNA clearance; the identified editome can aid further investigations.
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Angelaki D, Kavatzikidou P, Fotakis C, Stratakis E, Ranella A. Laser-Structured Si and PLGA Inhibit the Neuro2a Differentiation in Mono- and Co-Culture with Glia. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2022; 20:111-125. [PMID: 36538193 PMCID: PMC9852401 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-022-00497-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The first step towards a successful neural tissue engineering therapy is the development of an appropriate scaffold and the in vitro study of the cellular response onto it. METHODS Here, we fabricated nano- and micro- patterned Si surfaces via direct ultrafast laser irradiation, as well as their replicas in the biodegradable poly(lactide-co-glycolide), in order to use them as culture substrates for neuronal cells. The differentiation of neuro2a cells on the Si platforms and their replicas was studied both in a mono-culture and in a co-culture with glial cells (Schwann-SW10). RESULTS It was found that the substrate's roughness inhibits the differentiation of the neuronal cells even in the presence of the differentiation medium, and the higher the roughness is, the more the differentiation gets limited. CONCLUSION Our results highlight the importance of the substrate's topography for the controlled growth and differentiation of the neuronal cells and their further study via protein screening methods could shed light on the factors that lead to limited differentiation; thus, contributing to the long standing request for culture substrates that induce cells to differentiate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Despoina Angelaki
- Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser, Foundation for Research and Technology- Hellas (IESL- FORTH), 711 10 Heraklion, Greece ,Department of Physics, University of Crete, 710 03 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Paraskevi Kavatzikidou
- Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser, Foundation for Research and Technology- Hellas (IESL- FORTH), 711 10 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Costas Fotakis
- Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser, Foundation for Research and Technology- Hellas (IESL- FORTH), 711 10 Heraklion, Greece ,Department of Physics, University of Crete, 710 03 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Emmanuel Stratakis
- Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser, Foundation for Research and Technology- Hellas (IESL- FORTH), 711 10 Heraklion, Greece ,Department of Physics, University of Crete, 710 03 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Anthi Ranella
- Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser, Foundation for Research and Technology- Hellas (IESL- FORTH), 711 10 Heraklion, Greece
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Voliotis M, Hanassab S, Abbara A, Heinis T, Dhillo WS, Tsaneva-Atanasova K. Quantitative approaches in clinical reproductive endocrinology. CURRENT OPINION IN ENDOCRINE AND METABOLIC RESEARCH 2022; 27:100421. [PMID: 36643692 PMCID: PMC9831018 DOI: 10.1016/j.coemr.2022.100421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the human hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis presents a major challenge for medical science. Dysregulation of the HPG axis is linked to infertility and a thorough understanding of its dynamic behaviour is necessary to both aid diagnosis and to identify the most appropriate hormonal interventions. Here, we review how quantitative models are being used in the context of clinical reproductive endocrinology to: 1. analyse the secretory patterns of reproductive hormones; 2. evaluate the effect of drugs in fertility treatment; 3. aid in the personalization of assisted reproductive technology (ART). In this review, we demonstrate that quantitative models are indispensable tools enabling us to describe the complex dynamic behaviour of the reproductive axis, refine the treatment of fertility disorders, and predict clinical intervention outcomes.
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Key Words
- AI, artificial intelligence
- AMH, anti-Müllerian hormone
- ART, assisted reproductive technology
- Artificial intelligence
- Assisted reproductive technology
- BSA, Bayesian Spectrum Analysis
- Clinical decision making
- E2, estradiol
- FSH, follicle-stimulating hormone
- GnRH, gonadotropin-releasing hormone
- HA, hypothalamic amenorrhea
- HPG, hypothalamic-pituitary gonadal
- IVF, in vitro fertilization
- In vitro fertilization
- LH, luteinizing hormone
- ML, machine learning
- Machine learning
- Mathematical modelling
- OHSS, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
- P4, progesterone
- PCOS, polycystic ovary syndrome
- Pulsatility analysis
- Quantitative modelling
- Reproductive endocrinology
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaritis Voliotis
- Department of Mathematics and Living Systems Institute, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom,Corresponding author: Voliotis, Margaritis
| | - Simon Hanassab
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom,Department of Computing, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom,UKRI Centre for Doctoral Training in AI for Healthcare, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ali Abbara
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Heinis
- Department of Computing, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Waljit S. Dhillo
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Krasimira Tsaneva-Atanasova
- Department of Mathematics and Living Systems Institute, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
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Liu Y, Todd Monroe W, Belgodere JA, Choi JW, Teresa Gutierrez-Wing M, Tiersch TR. The emerging role of open technologies for community-based improvement of cryopreservation and quality management for repository development in aquatic species. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 246:106871. [PMID: 34750024 PMCID: PMC9012811 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Genetic resources of aquatic species are of tremendous value, but worldwide these are maintained almost exclusively as live populations. This is extremely expensive and insecure, and largely results from a pervasive lack of production capability, quality management, and reproducibility in cryopreservation that are barriers in development of germplasm repositories. Community-based technology approaches are emerging that can stimulate research previously limited by a lack of affordable, customizable equipment. Open-access technologies can provide for custom design and fabrication not available through traditional manufacturing. This can assist repository development with robust sample production methods and strong quality management, and can greatly improve reproducibility and standardization. Open technologies can support establishment of new communities of users, makers, and developers that collectively strive to develop open hardware in a distributed (i.e., non-centralized) fashion that can yield aggregate throughput. This occurs through use of consumer-level tools, supplies, software, and equipment, free exchange of designs and modifications, and a shared sense of mission. For cryopreservation and repository development, we have identified 14 categories of open hardware for a processing pathway, and six categories for a quality management pathway. Open hardware offers economic incentives to develop repositories for aquatic species, something that has not occurred despite 70 years of research largely focused on protocol development rather than practical applications. Advanced development of custom scientific hardware enhancing open technologies will be facilitated by interdisciplinary collaboration across biological and engineering fields. This manuscript is a contribution to the Special Issue in memory of Dr. Duane Garner, a leader in the sperm biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Liu
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA; Aquatic Germplasm and Genetic Resources Center, School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70820, USA
| | - W Todd Monroe
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Jorge A Belgodere
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Jin-Woo Choi
- School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - M Teresa Gutierrez-Wing
- Aquatic Germplasm and Genetic Resources Center, School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70820, USA
| | - Terrence R Tiersch
- Aquatic Germplasm and Genetic Resources Center, School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70820, USA.
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35
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Battistella A, Andolfi L, Zanetti M, Dal Zilio S, Stebel M, Ricci G, Lazzarino M. Atomic force spectroscopy-based essay to evaluate oocyte postovulatory aging. Bioeng Transl Med 2022; 7:e10294. [PMID: 36176606 PMCID: PMC9472013 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Postovulatory aging is a process occurring in the mature (MII) oocyte leading the unfertilized ones to apoptosis. The optimal time window of fertility for different mammalian species after oocytes maturation depends on its timeliness: the higher the time elapsed from the accomplishment of the MII stage, the lower are the chances of fertilization and of development of a viable embryo. In the in vitro fertilization, the selection of competent oocytes for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is mostly made by the visual inspection of the MII oocyte morphology, which does not allow to determine the oocyte postovulatory age. On the other hand, more specific tests usually involve some kind of staining, thus compromising the viability of the oocyte for reproductive purposes. Hence, the need of a noninvasive analysis of oocyte aging to improve the success rate of in vitro fertilization procedures. Here, we exploit atomic force microscopy to examine the evolution of the mechanical properties of mouse oocytes during in vitro postovulatory aging. Three hours before the occurrence of any visual morphological feature related to degradation, we observe a sudden change of the mechanical parameters: the elastic modulus doubles its initial value, while the viscosity decreases significantly. These mechanical variations are temporally correlated with the release of the cortical granules, investigated by fluorescence microscopy. Interestingly, the oocyte mechanics correlates as well with the yield of embryo formation, evaluated up to the blastocyst formation stage. These results demonstrate that minimally invasive mechanical measurements are very sensitive to the aging of the oocyte and can be used as a label-free method to detect the age of the postovulatory oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Giuseppe Ricci
- IRCSS Burlo GarofaloTriesteItaly
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health SciencesUniversity of TriesteTriesteItaly
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36
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Chen Y, Guo K, Jiang L, Zhu S, Ni Z, Xiang N. Microfluidic deformability cytometry: A review. Talanta 2022; 251:123815. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2022.123815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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Wignarajah A, Alvero R, Lathi RB, Aghajanova L, Eisenberg M, Winn VD, Behr B, Murugappan G. Implementation of a comprehensive fertility biobanking initiative. F&S SCIENCE 2022; 3:228-236. [PMID: 35977803 PMCID: PMC9386165 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2022.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To present the framework of Stanford Fertility and Reproductive Health's comprehensive reproductive biobanking initiatives and the results of the first year of recruitment. DESIGN Technical description article. SETTING Academic fertility center. PATIENT(S) Fertility patients >18 years of age. INTERVENTION(S) Enroll the patients interested in research in biobanking protocols. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Patient recruitment and sample inventory from September 2020 to September 2021. RESULT(S) A total of 253 patients have enrolled in the Stanford Fertility and Reproductive Health biobanking initiatives since September 2020. The current inventory consists of 1,176 samples, including serums, plasmas, buffy coats, endometria, maternal deciduae, miscarriage chorionic villi, and human embryos (zygote, cleavage, and blastocyst stages). CONCLUSION(S) This biobanking initiative addresses a critical, unmet need in reproductive health research to make it possible for patients to donate excess embryos and gametes and preserves, for future research, valuable somatic and reproductive tissues that would otherwise be discarded. We present the framework of this biobanking initiative in order to support future efforts of establishing similar biorepositories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjali Wignarajah
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University, Sunnyvale, California
| | - Ruben Alvero
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University, Sunnyvale, California
| | - Ruth B Lathi
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University, Sunnyvale, California
| | - Lusine Aghajanova
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University, Sunnyvale, California
| | | | - Virginia D Winn
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Barry Behr
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University, Sunnyvale, California
| | - Gayathree Murugappan
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University, Sunnyvale, California.
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38
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Mechanical Characterization and Modelling of Subcellular Components of Oocytes. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:mi13071087. [PMID: 35888904 PMCID: PMC9319074 DOI: 10.3390/mi13071087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The early steps of embryogenesis are controlled exclusively by the quality of oocyte that linked closely to its mechanical properties. The mechanical properties of an oocyte were commonly characterized by assuming it was homogeneous such that the result deviated significantly from the true fact that it was composed of subcellular components. In this work, we accessed and characterized the subcellular components of the oocytes and developed a layered high-fidelity finite element model for describing the viscoelastic responses of an oocyte under loading. The zona pellucida (ZP) and cytoplasm were isolated from an oocyte using an in-house robotic micromanipulation platform and placed on AFM to separately characterizing their mechanical profiling by analyzing the creep behavior with the force clamping technique. The spring and damping parameters of a Kelvin–Voigt model were derived by fitting the creeping curve to the model, which were used to define the shear relaxation modulus and relaxation time of ZP or cytoplasm in the ZP and cytoplasm model. In the micropipette aspiration experiment, the model was accurate sufficiently to deliver the time-varying aspiration depth of the oocytes under the step negative pressure of a micropipette. In the micropipette microinjection experiment, the model accurately described the intracellular strain introduced by the penetration. The developed oocyte FEM model has implications for further investigating the viscoelastic responses of the oocytes under different loading settings.
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Shin H, Park D, Kim J, Nam MY, Kwon S, Um DE, Oh JE, Youn E, Shim YH, Wagner KU, Jun JH, Kim HR, Song H, Lim HJ. Peripubertal requirement of Tsg101 in maintaining the integrity of membranous structures in mouse oocytes. Cell Prolif 2022; 55:e13288. [PMID: 35768997 PMCID: PMC9528763 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective As a component of Endosomal Sorting Complex Required for Transport (ESCRT) complex I, the tumor susceptibility gene 101 (Tsg101) carries out multiple functions. In this work, we report that oocyte‐specific deletion of tumor susceptibility gene 101 (Tsg101) leads to age‐dependent oocyte demise in mice. Materials and Method Tsg101 floxed mice (Tsg101f/f) were bred with Zp3cre transgenic mice to examine oocyte‐specific roles of Tsg101. Multiple cellular and molecular biological approaches were taken to examine what leads to oocyte demise in the absence of Tsg101. Results The death of oocytes from Zp3cre/Tsg101f/f (Tsg101d/d thereafter) mice showed a strong correlation with sexual maturation, as gonadotropin‐releasing hormone antagonist injections improved the survival rate of oocytes from 5‐week‐old Tsg101d/d mice. Maturation of oocytes from prepubertal Tsg101d/d mice proceeded normally, but was largely abnormal in oocytes from peripubertal Tsg101d/d mice, showing shrinkage or rupture. Endolysosomal structures in oocytes from peripubertal Tsg101d/d mice showed abnormalities, with aberrant patterns of early and late endosomal markers and a high accumulation of lysosomes. Dying oocytes showed plasma membrane blebs and leakage. Blockage of endocytosis in oocytes at 4°C prevented cytoplasmic shrinkage of oocytes from Tsg101d/d mice until 9 h. The depletion of tsg‐101 in Caenorhabditis elegans increased the permeability of oocytes and embryos, suggesting a conserved role of Tsg101 in maintaining membrane integrity. Conclusions Collectively, Tsg101 plays a dual role in maintaining the integrity of membranous structures, which is influenced by age in mouse oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyejin Shin
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Korean Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Dayoung Park
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Maria S Fertility Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiyeon Kim
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Maria Plus Fertility Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Yeong Nam
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Maria Fertility Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sojung Kwon
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Da-Eun Um
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Maria Fertility Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Eun Oh
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Esther Youn
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yhong-Hee Shim
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kay-Uwe Wagner
- Wayne State University School of Medicine and Tumor Biology Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Jin Hyun Jun
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Eulji University, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Ryun Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Haengseok Song
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunjung Jade Lim
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Karcz A, Van Soom A, Smits K, Verplancke R, Van Vlierberghe S, Vanfleteren J. Electrically-driven handling of gametes and embryos: taking a step towards the future of ARTs. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:1852-1875. [PMID: 35510672 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc01160j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Electrical stimulation of gametes and embryos and on-chip manipulation of microdroplets of culture medium serve as promising tools for assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). Thus far, dielectrophoresis (DEP), electrorotation (ER) and electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) proved compatible with most laboratory procedures offered by ARTs. Positioning, entrapment and selection of reproductive cells can be achieved with DEP and ER, while EWOD provides the dynamic microenvironment of a developing embryo to better mimic the functions of the oviduct. Furthermore, these techniques are applicable for the assessment of the developmental competence of a mammalian embryo in vitro. Such research paves the way towards the amelioration and full automation of the assisted reproduction methods. This article aims to provide a summary on the recent developments regarding electrically stimulated lab-on-chip devices and their application for the manipulation of gametes and embryos in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Karcz
- Centre for Microsystems Technology (CMST), Imec and Ghent University, Technologiepark Zwijnaarde 126, 9052 Zwijnaarde, Ghent, Belgium.
- Reproductive Biology Unit (RBU), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133 D4 entrance 4, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Reproductive Biology Unit (RBU), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133 D4 entrance 4, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Katrien Smits
- Reproductive Biology Unit (RBU), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133 D4 entrance 4, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Rik Verplancke
- Centre for Microsystems Technology (CMST), Imec and Ghent University, Technologiepark Zwijnaarde 126, 9052 Zwijnaarde, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Sandra Van Vlierberghe
- Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Campus Sterre, building S4, Krijgslaan 281, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jan Vanfleteren
- Centre for Microsystems Technology (CMST), Imec and Ghent University, Technologiepark Zwijnaarde 126, 9052 Zwijnaarde, Ghent, Belgium.
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Takeuchi H, Yamamoto M, Fukui M, Inoue A, Maezawa T, Nishioka M, Kondo E, Ikeda T, Matsumoto K, Miyamoto K. Single‐cell profiling of transcriptomic changes during
in vitro
maturation of human oocytes. Reprod Med Biol 2022; 21:e12464. [PMID: 35582522 PMCID: PMC9084694 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose In vitro maturation (IVM) of human oocytes offers an invaluable opportunity for infertility treatment. However, in vitro matured oocytes often show lower developmental abilities than their in vivo counterparts, and molecular mechanisms underlying successful maturation remain unclear. In this study, we investigated gene expression profiles of in vitro matured oocytes at the single‐cell level to gain mechanistic insight into IVM of human oocytes. Methods Human oocytes were retrieved by follicular puncture and in vitro matured. In total, 19 oocytes from 11 patients were collected and subjected to single‐cell RNA‐seq analyses. Results Global gene expression profiles were similar among oocytes at the same maturation stage, while a small number of oocytes showed distinct transcriptomes from those at the corresponding maturation stage. Differential gene expression analysis identified hundreds of transcripts that dynamically altered their expression during IVM, and we revealed molecular pathways and upstream regulators that may govern oocyte maturation. Furthermore, oocytes that were delayed in their maturation showed distinct transcriptomes. Finally, we identified genes whose transcripts were enriched in each stage of oocyte maturation. Conclusions Our work uncovers transcriptomic changes during human oocyte IVM and the differential gene expression profile of each oocyte.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Takeuchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Graduate School of Medicine Mie University Mie Japan
| | - Mari Yamamoto
- Graduate School of Biology‐Oriented Science and Technology Kindai University Wakayama Japan
| | - Megumi Fukui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Graduate School of Medicine Mie University Mie Japan
| | - Akihiro Inoue
- Graduate School of Biology‐Oriented Science and Technology Kindai University Wakayama Japan
| | - Tadashi Maezawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Graduate School of Medicine Mie University Mie Japan
| | - Mikiko Nishioka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Graduate School of Medicine Mie University Mie Japan
| | - Eiji Kondo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Graduate School of Medicine Mie University Mie Japan
| | - Tomoaki Ikeda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Graduate School of Medicine Mie University Mie Japan
| | - Kazuya Matsumoto
- Graduate School of Biology‐Oriented Science and Technology Kindai University Wakayama Japan
| | - Kei Miyamoto
- Graduate School of Biology‐Oriented Science and Technology Kindai University Wakayama Japan
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Fan L, Tang N, Yao C, Wei X, Tang Y, Li J, Huang W. Association Between Fresh Embryo Transfers and Frozen-Thawed Embryo Transfers Regarding Live Birth Rates Among Women Undergoing Long Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Antagonist Protocols. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:884677. [PMID: 35573703 PMCID: PMC9096096 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.884677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The availability and use of frozen-thawed embryos after controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for assisted reproduction have increased with improvements in vitrification techniques and the rise of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist protocols. Although evidence has shown that frozen-thawed embryo transfers (FETs) result in higher live birth rates than fresh embryo transfers, it is uncertain whether this association exists in cycles employing the GnRH antagonist protocol. Objective: To test the hypothesis that FETs are more likely to result in a live birth than fresh embryo transfers in a GnRH antagonist protocol cycle and to investigate whether frozen blastocyst transfer increases live birth rates compared to fresh blastocyst transfer. Design: A retrospective historical cohort study was conducted using data collected from the Department of Reproductive Medicine of Liuzhou Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital for 1,437 patients who underwent the GnRH antagonist protocol between 1 January 2015, and 31 December 2020. The primary outcome was the live birth rate, which was compared between fresh embryo transfer and FET, and the secondary outcomes were clinical pregnancy rate and miscarriage rate, which were compared between the two groups. Analyses were adjusted to account for the age of the patient, number of embryo transfers, day of embryo transfer, and type of infertility. Results: Fresh embryo transfers accounted for 1,026 (71.4%) of the 1,437 patients who underwent the GnRH antagonist protocol in our analysis, while FETs accounted for 411 (28.6%). Patients with fresh and frozen-thawed embryos had comparable median body mass index (body mass index; 22.3 [IQR, 24.6-20.0] vs. 22.0 [IQR, 24.5-19.9]). There was a significant difference in the median age of the fresh embryo transfer group (34.0 [IQR, 39.0-30.0]) and the Frozen-thawed embryo transfer group (32.0 [IQR, 37.0-29.0]). Blastocysts were transferred in 14.6% of the fresh embryo transfer cycles and 45.5% of the FET cycles, whereas they account for 10.4% and 13.0% of all patients, respectively. The mean number of embryos transferred was 2 (IQR, 2.0-1.0) for the fresh embryo transfer group and 1 (IQR, 2.0-1.0) for the FET group, with a significant difference in the mean number of embryos transferred. The live birth rate after fresh embryo transfer vs. FET was 28.7% vs. 34.5% (absolute difference, 5.9%; adjusted relative risk [aRR], 1.15 [95% CI, 0.88-1.51]). The clinical pregnancy rates were 39.9% vs. 46.0%, respectively (absolute difference, 6.1%; aRR, 1.10 [95% CI, 0.85-1.43]). The miscarriage rates were 22.5% vs. 23.8%, respectively (absolute difference, 1.3%; aRR, 1.13 [95% CI, 0.75-1.70]). Conclusion: In this retrospective study of women who underwent assisted reproduction using GnRH antagonists, FETs resulted in a higher live birth rates and clinical pregnancy rates than fresh embryo transfers, which parts of these differences were attributable to embryo stage. However, the interpretation of the findings is limited by the possibility of selection and confounding biases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Jingjing Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Liuzhou Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital Affiliated with Women and Children’s Hospital of Guangxi University of Science and Technology, Liuzhou, China
| | - Wenjie Huang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Liuzhou Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital Affiliated with Women and Children’s Hospital of Guangxi University of Science and Technology, Liuzhou, China
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Longitudinal shear wave elasticity measurements of millimeter-sized biomaterials using a single-element transducer platform. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266235. [PMID: 35385536 PMCID: PMC8985960 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Temporal variations of the extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness profoundly impact cellular behaviors, possibly more significantly than the influence of static stiffness. Three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures with tunable matrix stiffness have been utilized to characterize the mechanobiological interactions of elasticity-mediated cellular behaviors. Conventional studies usually perform static interrogations of elasticity at micro-scale resolution. While such studies are essential for investigations of cellular mechanotransduction, few tools are available for depicting the temporal dynamics of the stiffness of the cellular environment, especially for optically turbid millimeter-sized biomaterials. We present a single-element transducer shear wave (SW) elasticity imaging system that is applied to a millimeter-sized, ECM-based cell-laden hydrogel. The single-element ultrasound transducer is used both to generate SWs and to detect their arrival times after being reflected from the side boundaries of the sample. The sample’s shear wave speed (SWS) is calculated by applying a time-of-flight algorithm to the reflected SWs. We use this noninvasive and technically straightforward approach to demonstrate that exposing 3D cancer cell cultures to X-ray irradiation induces a temporal change in the SWS. The proposed platform is appropriate for investigating in vitro how a group of cells remodels their surrounding matrix and how changes to their mechanical properties could affect the embedded cells in optically turbid millimeter-sized biomaterials.
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Poro-viscoelastic behaviour of the zona pellucida: Impact of three-dimensional modelling on material characterisation. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2022; 131:105211. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2022.105211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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45
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Du X, Li J, Zhuan Q, Zhang L, Meng L, Ren P, Huang X, Bai J, Wan P, Sun W, Hou Y, Zhu S, Fu X. Artificially Increasing Cortical Tension Improves Mouse Oocytes Development by Attenuating Meiotic Defects During Vitrification. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:876259. [PMID: 35399525 PMCID: PMC8987233 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.876259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Oocyte cryopreservation demonstrates great benefits in the conservation of animal germplasm resources and assisted reproductive technology. However, vitrification causes damages in oocytes, which would lead to the decrease of oocyte quality, and embryonic development post fertilization. Cytoskeleton plays an important role in regulating cell shape, organelle migration, cell division and mechanical signal transduction. Cortical tension is a reflection of the physiological state and contractile ability of cortical cytoskeleton. Appropriate cortical tension is prerequesite for normal oocyte meiosis. In the present study, oocyte cortical tension was examined by evaluating the levels of cortical tension-related protein pERM (Phospho-Ezrin/Radixin/Moesin) and pMRLC (Phospho-Myosin Light Chain 2). We found that the cortical tension of vitrified oocytes was decreased. Increasing cortical tension of vitrified oocytes by adding 10 μg/ml ConA during in vitro culture could significantly improve the polar body extrusion rate and embryo development. Furthermore, increasing the cortical tension could improve spindle positioning, maintain kinetochore-microtubule (KT-MT) attachment, strengthen spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) activity, and reduce the aneuploidy rate in vitrified oocytes. In conclusion, vitrification induced a remarkable decrease in cortical tension, and increasing the cortical tension could rescue the meiosis defect and improve oocyte quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingzhu Du
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Medical Center, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Qingrui Zhuan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Luyao Zhang
- State Key Laboratories of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Meng
- State Key Laboratories of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Panyu Ren
- State Key Laboratories of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohan Huang
- State Key Laboratories of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiachen Bai
- Institute of Biothermal Science and Technology, School of Medical Instrument and Food Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Pengcheng Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Breeding, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Sciences, Shihezi, China
| | - Wenquan Sun
- Institute of Biothermal Science and Technology, School of Medical Instrument and Food Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yunpeng Hou
- State Key Laboratories of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Shien Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangwei Fu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Breeding, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Sciences, Shihezi, China
- *Correspondence: Xiangwei Fu,
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46
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Cohen J, Wang L, Marques S, Ialy-Radio C, Barbaux S, Lefèvre B, Gourier C, Ziyyat A. Oocyte ERM and EWI Proteins Are Involved in Mouse Fertilization. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:863729. [PMID: 35359433 PMCID: PMC8963852 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.863729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammalian fertilization, the link between the oocyte plasma membrane and underneath cytoskeleton has often been associated to key elements of successful gamete fusion, like microvilli shaping or CD9 function, but its effective role has poorly been studied. EWI-2 and EWI-F as cis partners of CD9, and ERM proteins (Ezrin, Radixin and Moesin) that both attach to the actin cytoskeleton and to the EWI are part of the molecules that make the link between the oocyte membrane and its cytoskeleton. This study aims to assay through siRNA inhibition, the involvement of these ERM and EWI molecules in mouse fertilization, their role in the microvilli morphology of the egg but also their possible contribution to the cortical tension, a parameter that reflects the mechanical behavior of the oocyte cortex. Whereas inhibiting separately the expression of each protein had no effect on fertilization, the combined inhibition of either EWI-2/EWI-F or the three ERM triggered a significant decrease of the fertilization index. This inhibition seems to correlate with an increase in the radius of curvature of the oocyte microvilli. It also causes a decrease of the oocyte cortical tension. These results show the importance of EWI-2 and EWI–F and ERM proteins in the smooth running of a fertilization event and support their involvement in the microvilli architecture of the oocyte and in its mechanical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Cohen
- Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - L Wang
- Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, Université de Paris, Paris, France
- Ecole Normale Supérieure (ENS), Université Paris Sciences et Lettres (PSL), CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Paris, France
- Department of Histo-embryology, Genetics and Developmental Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - S Marques
- Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - C Ialy-Radio
- Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - S Barbaux
- Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - B Lefèvre
- Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - C Gourier
- Ecole Normale Supérieure (ENS), Université Paris Sciences et Lettres (PSL), CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - A Ziyyat
- Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, Université de Paris, Paris, France
- Service d’histologie, d’embryologie, Biologie de la Reproduction, AP-HP, Hôpital Cochin, Paris, France
- *Correspondence: A Ziyyat,
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Huang L, Wang Y, Lu F, Jin Q, Song G, Ji J, Luo L, Jin R, Tong X. Novel mutations in NLRP5 and PATL2 cause female infertility characterized by primarily oocyte maturation abnormality and consequent early embryonic arrest. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:711-718. [PMID: 35091966 PMCID: PMC8995404 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02412-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to identify the genetic causes of 12 women with primary infertility characterized by primarily oocyte maturation abnormality and consequent early embryonic arrest. METHODS Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood samples. Whole-exome sequencing was performed on the probands, and the identified variants were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. The pathogenicity of the identified variants on the protein was accessed in silico. And we used qRT-PCR to detect the possible effects of the novel mutation on the mRNA level of NLRP5. RESULTS A novel homozygous frameshift variant (p.V429Efs*30) in NLRP5 and compound heterozygous variants with a novel frameshift variant (p.A297Efs*20) and a recurrent variant (c. 223-14_223-2delCCCTCCTGTTCCA) in PATL2 were identified in two unrelated affected individuals. qRT-PCR showed an obvious decrease of the mutant NLRP5 mRNA. In addition, the truncated proteins of NLRP5 and PATL2 were predicted to be non-functional due to the deletion of the most or the whole region of the critical functional domain(s) respectively. CONCLUSIONS This study identified novel mutations in NLRP5 and PATL2, further expanding the mutational and phenotypic spectrum of both genes. This is the first report of the NLRP5 mutations that associates with oocyte maturation abnormality in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingli Huang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China. .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Anhui Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230001, China.
| | - Yu Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022 China
| | - Fangting Lu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001 Anhui China
| | - Qi Jin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001 Anhui China
| | - Gaojie Song
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241 China
| | - Jingjuan Ji
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001 Anhui China
| | - Lihua Luo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001 Anhui China
| | - Rentao Jin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China.
| | - Xianhong Tong
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China.
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48
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Sciorio R, Miranian D, Smith GD. Non-invasive oocyte quality assessment. Biol Reprod 2022; 106:274-290. [PMID: 35136962 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Oocyte quality is perhaps the most important limiting factor in female fertility; however, the current methods of determining oocyte competence are only marginally capable of predicting a successful pregnancy. We aim to review the predictive value of non-invasive techniques for the assessment of human oocytes and their related cells and biofluids that pertain to their developmental competence. Investigation of the proteome, transcriptome, and hormonal makeup of follicular fluid, as well as cumulus-oocyte complexes are currently underway; however, prospective randomized non-selection-controlled trials of the future are needed before determining their prognostic value. The biological significance of polar body morphology and genetics are still unknown and the subject of debate. The predictive utility of zygotic viscoelasticity for embryo development has been demonstrated, but similar studies performed on oocytes have yet to be conducted. Metabolic profiling of culture media using human oocytes are also limited and may require integration of automated, high-throughput targeted metabolomic assessments in real time with microfluidic platforms. Light exposure to oocytes can be detrimental to subsequent development and utilization of time-lapse imaging and morphometrics of oocytes is wanting. Polarized light, Raman microspectroscopy, and coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering are a few novel imaging tools that may play a more important role in future oocyte assessment. Ultimately, the integration of chemistry, genomics, microfluidics, microscopy, physics, and other biomedical engineering technologies into the basic studies of oocyte biology, and in testing and perfecting practical solutions of oocyte evaluation, are the future for non-invasive assessment of oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romualdo Sciorio
- Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, EFREC, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Daniel Miranian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Gary D Smith
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Physiology, Urology, and Reproductive Sciences Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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49
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Yang L, Wang H, Song S, Xu H, Chen Y, Tian S, Zhang Y, Zhang Q. Systematic Understanding of Anti-Aging Effect of Coenzyme Q10 on Oocyte Through a Network Pharmacology Approach. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:813772. [PMID: 35222272 PMCID: PMC8874996 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.813772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal oocyte aging is strongly contributing to age-related decline in female fertility. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) exerts positive effects in improving aging-related deterioration of oocyte quality, but the exact mechanism is unclear. OBJECTIVE To reveal the system-level mechanism of CoQ10's anti-aging effect on oocytes based on network pharmacology. METHODS This study adopted a systems network pharmacology approach, including target identification, data integration, network and module construction, bioinformatics analysis, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation. RESULT A total of 27 potential therapeutic targets were screened out. Seven hub targets (PPARA, CAT, MAPK14, SQSTM1, HMOX1, GRB2, and GSR) were identified. Functional and pathway enrichment analysis indicated that these 27 putative targets exerted therapeutic effects on oocyte aging by regulating signaling pathways (e.g., PPAR, TNF, apoptosis, necroptosisn, prolactin, and MAPK signaling pathway), and are involved oxidation-reduction process, mitochondrion, enzyme binding, reactive oxygen species metabolic process, ATP binding, among others. In addition, five densely linked functional modules revealed the potential mechanisms of CoQ10 in improving aging-related deterioration of oocyte quality are closely related to antioxidant, mitochondrial function enhancement, autophagy, anti-apoptosis, and immune and endocrine system regulation. The molecular docking study reveals that seven hub targets have a good binding affinity towards CoQ10, and molecular dynamics simulation confirms the stability of the interaction between the hub targets and the CoQ10 ligand. CONCLUSION This network pharmacology study revealed the multiple mechanisms involved in the anti-aging effect of CoQ10 on oocytes. The molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation provide evidence that CoQ10 may act on these hub targets to fight against oocytes aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuqing Yang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Gynecology, Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Heng Wang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Gynecology, Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - SuJie Song
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Gynecology, Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongbin Xu
- Second Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yun Chen
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Gynecology, Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Saisai Tian
- Department of Phytochemistry, School of Pharmacy, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiqun Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Gynecology, Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Qin Zhang, ; Yiqun Zhang,
| | - Qin Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Gynecology, Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Qin Zhang, ; Yiqun Zhang,
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50
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Graham CF, Windsor S, Ajduk A, Trinh T, Vincent A, Jones C, Coward K, Kalsi D, Zernicka-Goetz M, Swann K, Thomas ALR. Dynamic shapes of the zygote and two-cell mouse and human. Biol Open 2021; 10:273839. [PMID: 34935907 PMCID: PMC8713988 DOI: 10.1242/bio.059013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mouse zygote morphokinetics were measured during interphase, the mitotic period, cytokinesis, and two-cell stage. Sequences of rounder-distorted-rounder shapes were revealed, as were changing patterns of cross section area. A calcium chelator and an actin-disrupting agent inhibited the area changes that occurred between pronuclear envelope breakdown and cytokinesis. During cell division, two vortices developed in each nascent cell and they rotated in opposite directions at each end of the cell, a pattern that sometimes persisted for up to 10 h. Exchange with the environment may have been promoted by these shape and area cycles and persisting circulation in the cytoplasm may have a similar function between a cell's interior and periphery. Some of these movements were sporadically also seen in human zygotes with abnormal numbers of pronuclei and the two-cell stages that developed from these compromised human zygotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris F Graham
- Zoology Department, University of Oxford, 11a Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3SZ, UK.,Nuffield Department of Women's Reproductive Health, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Shane Windsor
- Department of Aerospace Engineering, University of Bristol, Queens Building, University Walk, Bristol, BS8 1TR, UK
| | - Anna Ajduk
- Department of Embryology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warsaw, POLAND
| | - Thanh Trinh
- Nuffield Department of Women's Reproductive Health, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK.,Cleveland Clinic Fertility Center, 26900 Cedar Rd., Beachwood, OH 44122, USA
| | - Anna Vincent
- Oxford Fertility, Oxford University, Oxford Business Park North, Alec Issigonis Way, Oxford, OX4 2HW, UK
| | - Celine Jones
- Nuffield Department of Women's Reproductive Health, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Kevin Coward
- Nuffield Department of Women's Reproductive Health, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Dilraj Kalsi
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9D, UK
| | | | - Karl Swann
- School of Biosciences, Sir Martin Evans Building, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Adrian L R Thomas
- Zoology Department, University of Oxford, 11a Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3SZ, UK
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