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Canosa S, Revelli A, Gennarelli G, Cormio G, Loizzi V, Arezzo F, Petracca EA, Carosso AR, Cimadomo D, Rienzi L, Vaiarelli A, Ubaldi FM, Silvestris E. Innovative Strategies for Fertility Preservation in Female Cancer Survivors: New Hope from Artificial Ovary Construction and Stem Cell-Derived Neo-Folliculogenesis. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2748. [PMID: 37893822 PMCID: PMC10606281 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11202748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in anticancer treatment have significantly improved the survival rate of young females; unfortunately, in about one third of cancer survivors the risk of ovarian insufficiency and infertility is still quite relevant. As the possibility of becoming a mother after recovery from a juvenile cancer is an important part of the quality of life, several procedures to preserve fertility have been developed: ovarian surgical transposition, induction of ovarian quiescence by gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRH-a) treatment, and oocyte and/or ovarian cortical tissue cryopreservation. Ovarian tissue cryostorage and allografting is a valuable technique that applies even to prepubertal girls; however, some patients cannot benefit from it due to the high risk of reintroducing cancer cells during allograft in cases of ovary-metastasizing neoplasias, such as leukemias or NH lymphomas. Innovative techniques are now under investigation, as in the construction of an artificial ovary made of isolated follicles inserted into an artificial matrix scaffold, and the use of stem cells, including ovarian stem cells (OSCs), to obtain neo-folliculogenesis and the development of fertilizable oocytes from the exhausted ovarian tissue. This review synthesizes and discusses these innovative techniques, which potentially represent interesting strategies in oncofertility programs and a new hope for young female cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Canosa
- IVIRMA, Global Research Alliance, LIVET, 10126 Turin, Italy; (A.R.); (G.G.)
| | - Alberto Revelli
- IVIRMA, Global Research Alliance, LIVET, 10126 Turin, Italy; (A.R.); (G.G.)
- Gynecology and Obstetrics 2U, Department of Surgical Sciences, S. Anna Hospital, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Gianluca Gennarelli
- IVIRMA, Global Research Alliance, LIVET, 10126 Turin, Italy; (A.R.); (G.G.)
- Gynecology and Obstetrics 1U, Physiopathology of Reproduction and IVF Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, S. Anna Hospital, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy;
| | - Gennaro Cormio
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.C.); (V.L.); (E.A.P.); (E.S.)
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine (DIM), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70121 Bari, Italy
| | - Vera Loizzi
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.C.); (V.L.); (E.A.P.); (E.S.)
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine (DIM), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70121 Bari, Italy
| | - Francesca Arezzo
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Easter Anna Petracca
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.C.); (V.L.); (E.A.P.); (E.S.)
| | - Andrea Roberto Carosso
- Gynecology and Obstetrics 1U, Physiopathology of Reproduction and IVF Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, S. Anna Hospital, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy;
| | - Danilo Cimadomo
- IVIRMA, Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, 00197 Rome, Italy; (D.C.); (L.R.); (A.V.); (F.M.U.)
| | - Laura Rienzi
- IVIRMA, Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, 00197 Rome, Italy; (D.C.); (L.R.); (A.V.); (F.M.U.)
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino “Carlo Bo”, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Alberto Vaiarelli
- IVIRMA, Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, 00197 Rome, Italy; (D.C.); (L.R.); (A.V.); (F.M.U.)
| | - Filippo Maria Ubaldi
- IVIRMA, Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, 00197 Rome, Italy; (D.C.); (L.R.); (A.V.); (F.M.U.)
| | - Erica Silvestris
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.C.); (V.L.); (E.A.P.); (E.S.)
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Single cell epigenomic and transcriptomic analysis uncovers potential transcription factors regulating mitotic/meiotic switch. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:134. [PMID: 36797258 PMCID: PMC9935506 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05671-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
In order to reveal the complex mechanism governing the mitotic/meiotic switch in female germ cells at epigenomic and genomic levels, we examined the chromatin accessibility (scATAC-seq) and the transcriptional dynamics (scRNA-seq) in germ cells of mouse embryonic ovary between E11.5 to 13.5 at single-cell resolution. Adopting a strict transcription factors (TFs) screening framework that makes it easier to understand the single-cell chromatin signature and a TF interaction algorithm that integrates the transcript levels, chromatin accessibility, and motif scores, we identified 14 TFs potentially regulating the mitotic/meiotic switch, including TCFL5, E2F1, E2F2, E2F6, E2F8, BATF3, SP1, FOS, FOXN3, VEZF1, GBX2, CEBPG, JUND, and TFDP1. Focusing on TCFL5, we constructed Tcfl5+/- mice which showed significantly reduced fertility and found that decreasing TCFL5 expression in cultured E12.5 ovaries by RNAi impaired meiotic progression from leptotene to zygotene. Bioinformatics analysis of published results of the embryonic germ cell transcriptome and the finding that in these cells central meiotic genes (Stra8, Tcfl5, Sycp3, and E2f2) possess open chromatin status already at the mitotic stage together with other features of TCFL5 (potential capability to interact with core TFs and activate meiotic genes, its progressive activation after preleptotene, binding sites in the promoter region of E2f2 and Sycp3), indicated extensive amplification of transcriptional programs associated to mitotic/meiotic switch with an important contribution of TCFL5. We conclude that the identified TFs, are involved in various stages of the mitotic/meiotic switch in female germ cells, TCFL5 primarily in meiotic progression. Further investigation on these factors might give a significant contribution to unravel the molecular mechanisms of this fundamental process of oogenesis and provide clues about pathologies in women such as primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) due at least in part to meiotic defects.
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Pei J, Xiong L, Guo S, Wang X, La Y, Chu M, Liang C, Yan P, Guo X. Single-Cell Transcriptomics Analysis Reveals a Cell Atlas and Cell Communication in Yak Ovary. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24031839. [PMID: 36768166 PMCID: PMC9915757 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Yaks (Bos grunniens) are the only bovine species that adapt well to the harsh high-altitude environment in the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau. However, the reproductive adaptation to the climate of the high elevation remains to be elucidated. Cell composition and molecular characteristics are the foundation of normal ovary function which determines reproductive performance. So, delineating ovarian characteristics at a cellular molecular level is conducive to elucidating the mechanism underlying the reproductive adaption of yaks. Here, the single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) was employed to depict an atlas containing different cell types with specific molecular signatures in the yak ovary. The cell types were identified on the basis of their specifically expressed genes and biological functions. As a result, a cellular atlas of yak ovary was established successfully containing theca cells, stromal cells, endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, natural killer cells, macrophages, and proliferating cells. A cell-to-cell communication network between the distinct cell types was constructed. The theca cells were clustered into five subtypes based on their biological functions. Further, CYP11A1 was confirmed as a marker gene for the theca cells by immunofluorescence staining. Our work reveals an ovarian atlas at the cellular molecular level and contributes to providing insights into reproductive adaption in yaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Pei
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Lin Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Shaoke Guo
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Xingdong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Yongfu La
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Min Chu
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Chunnian Liang
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Ping Yan
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Xian Guo
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
- Correspondence:
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Pei J, Xiong L, Guo S, Wang X, Bao P, Wu X, Yan P, Guo X. A single-cell transcriptomic atlas characterizes cell types and their molecular features in yak ovarian cortex. FASEB J 2023; 37:e22718. [PMID: 36527406 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202201176rr] [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: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The ovary as one of the most dynamic organs produces steroids to orchestrate female secondary sexual characteristics, harbors ovarian reserve for oocytes, releases mature oocytes for fertilization, and maintains pregnancy. Yak (Bos grunniens) is the only bovid animal that can adapt to the harsh climatic conditions on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (altitudes of over 3000 m above sea level). However, the cellular atlas is composed of oocytes and other somatic cells, and their individual molecular characteristics remain to be elucidated in the yak ovary. Here, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was performed to delineate the molecular signature of various cell types in the yak ovarian cortex. A cellular atlas of yak ovarian cortex was constructed successfully on the basis of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from the distinct cell types and their functional enrichment analysis, comprising endothelial cells, nature kill cells, stromal cells, smooth muscle cells, oocytes, macrophages, epithelial cells, and granulosa cells. Meanwhile, the signature genes were determined based on their expression specificity in each cell type. A cell-to-cell communication network was built in light of the differentially overexpressed ligand and receptor genes from each cell type. Further, the oocytes were subdivided into four subtypes based on their individual DEGs and the functional enrichment of the DEGs. FST and TOP2A were identified as maker genes for oocytes by immunostaining in the yak ovarian cortex. The cellular atlas reveals the biological characteristics of the ovarian cortex at the cellular molecular level and provides insights into female reproductive biology via cellular communications in the yak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Pei
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou, China
| | - Lin Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou, China
| | - Shaoke Guo
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xingdong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Pengjia Bao
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyun Wu
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ping Yan
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xian Guo
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou, China
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Meng L, Zhang Y, Hua Y, Ma Y, Wang H, Li X, Jiang Y, Zhu G. Identification of oogonial stem cells in chicken ovary. Cell Prolif 2022; 56:e13371. [PMID: 36526415 PMCID: PMC9977656 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Oogonial stem cells (OSCs) are germ cells that can sustain neo-oogenesis to replenish the pool of primary follicles in adult ovaries. In lower vertebrates, fresh oocytes are produced by numerous OSCs through mitosis and meiosis during each reproduction cycle, but the OSCs in adult mammals are rare. The birds have retained many conserved features and developed unique features of ovarian physiology during evolution, and the presence of OSCs within avian species remain unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, we investigated the existence and function of OSCs in adult chickens. The chicken OSCs were isolated and expanded in culture. We then used cell transplantation system to evaluate their potential for migration and differentiation in vivo. RESULTS DDX4/SSEA1-positive OSCs were identified in both the cortex and medulla of the adult chicken ovary. These putative OSCs undergo meiosis in the reproductively active ovary. Furthermore, the isolated OSCs were expanded in vitro for months and found to express germline markers similar to those of primordial germ cells. When transplanted into the bloodstream of recipient embryos, these OSCs efficiently migrated into developing gonads, initiated meiosis, and then derived oocytes in postnatal ovaries. CONCLUSIONS This study has confirmed the presence of functional OSCs in birds for the first time. The identification of chicken OSCs has great potential for improving egg laying and preserving endangered species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Meng
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Veterinary MedicineShandong Agricultural UniversityTaianChina,College of Animal Science and TechnologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Yun Zhang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Veterinary MedicineShandong Agricultural UniversityTaianChina
| | - Yao Hua
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Veterinary MedicineShandong Agricultural UniversityTaianChina,College of Animal Science and TechnologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Yuxiao Ma
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Veterinary MedicineShandong Agricultural UniversityTaianChina
| | - Heng Wang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Veterinary MedicineShandong Agricultural UniversityTaianChina
| | - Xianyao Li
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Veterinary MedicineShandong Agricultural UniversityTaianChina
| | - Yunliang Jiang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Veterinary MedicineShandong Agricultural UniversityTaianChina
| | - Guiyu Zhu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Veterinary MedicineShandong Agricultural UniversityTaianChina,College of Animal Science and TechnologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
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Amirian M, Azizi H, Hashemi Karoii D, Skutella T. VASA protein and gene expression analysis of human non-obstructive azoospermia and normal by immunohistochemistry, immunocytochemistry, and bioinformatics analysis. Sci Rep 2022; 12:17259. [PMID: 36241908 PMCID: PMC9568577 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-22137-9] [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: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
VASA, also known as DDX4, is a member of the DEAD-box proteins and an RNA binding protein with an ATP-dependent RNA helicase. The VASA gene expression, which is required for human germ cell development, may lead to infertility. Immunocytochemistry and immunohistochemistry were used to examine the expression of VASA protein in the human testis sections of azoospermic patients, in-vitro and in-silico models. Some studies of fertile humans showed VASA expression in the basal and adluminal compartments of seminiferous tubules. Our Immunocytochemistry and immunohistochemistry in infertile humans showed expression of VASA in the luminal compartments of the seminiferous tubule. The immunohistochemical analysis of three human cases with different levels of non-obstructive azoospermia revealed a higher expression of VASA-positive cells. For this purpose, Enrichr and Shiny Gene Ontology databases were used for pathway enrichment analysis and gene ontology. STRING and Cytoscape online evaluation were applied to predict proteins' functional and molecular interactions and performed to recognize the master genes, respectively. According to the obtained results, the main molecular functions of the up-regulated and downregulated genes include the meiotic cell cycle, RNA binding, and differentiation. STRING and Cytoscape analyses presented seven genes, i.e., DDX5, TNP2, DDX3Y, TDRD6, SOHL2, DDX31, and SYCP3, as the hub genes involved in infertility with VASA co-function and protein-protein interaction. Our findings suggest that VASA and its interacting hub proteins could help determine the pathophysiology of germ cell abnormalities and infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Amirian
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 307, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hossein Azizi
- grid.495554.cFaculty of Biotechnology, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, Iran
| | - Danial Hashemi Karoii
- grid.495554.cFaculty of Biotechnology, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, Iran
| | - Thomas Skutella
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 307, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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Silvestris E, Minoia C, Guarini A, Opinto G, Negri A, Dellino M, Tinelli R, Cormio G, Paradiso AV, De Palma G. Ovarian Stem Cells (OSCs) from the Cryopreserved Ovarian Cortex: A Potential for Neo-Oogenesis in Women with Cancer-Treatment Related Infertility: A Case Report and a Review of Literature. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2022; 44:2309-2320. [PMID: 35678686 PMCID: PMC9164018 DOI: 10.3390/cimb44050157] [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: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer treatment related infertility (CTRI) affects more than one third of young women undergoing anti-cancer protocols, inducing a premature exhaustion of the ovarian reserve. In addition to ovarian suppression by GnRHa, oocyte and cortex cryopreservation has gained interest in patients with estrogen-sensitive tumors for whom the hormonal burst to prompt the multiple follicular growth could provide a further pro-life tumor pulsing. On the other hand, cortex reimplantation implies a few drawbacks due to the unknown consistency of the follicles to be reimplanted or the risk of reintroducing malignant cells. The capability of ovarian stem cells (OCSs) from fresh ovarian cortex fragments to differentiate in vitro to mature oocytes provides a tool to overcome these drawbacks. In fact, since ovarian cortex sampling and cryopreservation is practicable before gonadotoxic treatments, the recruitment of OSCs from defrosted fragments could provide a novel opportunity to verify their suitability to be expanded in vitro as oocyte like cells (OLCs). Here, we describe in very preliminary experiments the consistency of an OSC population from a single cryopreserved ovarian cortex after thawing as well as both their viability and their suitability to be further explored in their property to differentiate in OLCs, thus reinforcing interest in stemness studies in the treatment of female CTRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Silvestris
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, 70124 Bari, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Carla Minoia
- Haematology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (C.M.); (A.G.); (G.O.); (A.N.)
| | - Attilio Guarini
- Haematology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (C.M.); (A.G.); (G.O.); (A.N.)
| | - Giuseppina Opinto
- Haematology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (C.M.); (A.G.); (G.O.); (A.N.)
| | - Antonio Negri
- Haematology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (C.M.); (A.G.); (G.O.); (A.N.)
| | - Miriam Dellino
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “San Paolo” Hospital, 70123 Bari, Italy;
| | - Raffaele Tinelli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Valle d’Itria” Hospital, 74015 Martina Franca, Italy;
| | - Gennaro Cormio
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Angelo Virgilio Paradiso
- Institutional BioBank, Experimental Oncology and Biobank Management Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.V.P.); (G.D.P.)
| | - Giuseppe De Palma
- Institutional BioBank, Experimental Oncology and Biobank Management Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.V.P.); (G.D.P.)
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Marečková M, Massalha H, Lorenzi V, Vento-Tormo R. Mapping Human Reproduction with Single-Cell Genomics. Annu Rev Genomics Hum Genet 2022; 23:523-547. [PMID: 35567278 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-genom-120121-114415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The trillions of cells in the human body develop as a result of the fusion of two extremely specialized cells: an oocyte and a sperm. This process is essential for the continuation of our species, as it ensures that parental genetic information is mixed and passed on from generation to generation. In addition to producing oocytes, the female reproductive system must provide the environment for the appropriate development of the fetus until birth. New genomic and computational tools offer unique opportunities to study the tight spatiotemporal regulatory mechanisms that are required for the cycle of human reproduction. This review explores how single-cell technologies have been used to build cellular atlases of the human reproductive system across the life span and how these maps have proven useful to better understand reproductive pathologies and dissect the heterogeneity of in vitro model systems. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Genomics and Human Genetics, Volume 23 is October 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magda Marečková
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom; .,Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom;
| | - Hassan Massalha
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom; .,Theory of Condensed Matter Group, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Aging and “rejuvenation” of resident stem cells — a new way to active longevity? КЛИНИЧЕСКАЯ ПРАКТИКА 2022. [DOI: 10.17816/clinpract104999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
This review presents the current data on the methodology for assessing the biological and epigenetic age, describes the concept of the epigenetic clock, and characterizes the main types of resident stem cells and the specifics of their aging. It has been shown that age-related changes in organs and tissues, as well as age-related diseases, are largely due to the aging of resident stem cells. The latter represent an attractive target for cell rejuvenation, as they can be isolated, cultured ex vivo, modified, and re-introduced into the resident niches. Two main methodologies for the cellular rejuvenation are presented: genetic reprogramming with zeroing the age of a cell using transient expression of transcription factors, and various approaches to epigenetic rejuvenation. The close relationship between aging, regeneration, and oncogenesis, and between these factors and the functioning of resident stem cell niches requires further precision studies, which, we are sure, can result in the creation of an effective anti-aging strategy and prolongation of human active life.
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Samoilova EM, Belopasov VV, Ekusheva EV, Zhang C, Troitskiy AV, Baklaushev VP. Epigenetic Clock and Circadian Rhythms in Stem Cell Aging and Rejuvenation. J Pers Med 2021; 11:1050. [PMID: 34834402 PMCID: PMC8620936 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11111050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This review summarizes the current understanding of the interaction between circadian rhythms of gene expression and epigenetic clocks characterized by the specific profile of DNA methylation in CpG-islands which mirror the senescence of all somatic cells and stem cells in particular. Basic mechanisms of regulation for circadian genes CLOCK-BMAL1 as well as downstream clock-controlled genes (ССG) are also discussed here. It has been shown that circadian rhythms operate by the finely tuned regulation of transcription and rely on various epigenetic mechanisms including the activation of enhancers/suppressors, acetylation/deacetylation of histones and other proteins as well as DNA methylation. Overall, up to 20% of all genes expressed by the cell are subject to expression oscillations associated with circadian rhythms. Additionally included in the review is a brief list of genes involved in the regulation of circadian rhythms, along with genes important for cell aging, and oncogenesis. Eliminating some of them (for example, Sirt1) accelerates the aging process, while the overexpression of Sirt1, on the contrary, protects against age-related changes. Circadian regulators control a number of genes that activate the cell cycle (Wee1, c-Myc, p20, p21, and Cyclin D1) and regulate histone modification and DNA methylation. Approaches for determining the epigenetic age from methylation profiles across CpG islands in individual cells are described. DNA methylation, which characterizes the function of the epigenetic clock, appears to link together such key biological processes as regeneration and functioning of stem cells, aging and malignant transformation. Finally, the main features of adult stem cell aging in stem cell niches and current possibilities for modulating the epigenetic clock and stem cells rejuvenation as part of antiaging therapy are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina M. Samoilova
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Specialized Medical Care and Medical Technologies, FMBA of Russia, 115682 Moscow, Russia; (A.V.T.); (V.P.B.)
| | | | - Evgenia V. Ekusheva
- Academy of Postgraduate Education of the Federal Scientific and Clinical Center for Specialized Types of Medical Care and Medical Technologies, FMBA of Russia, 125371 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Chao Zhang
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China;
| | - Alexander V. Troitskiy
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Specialized Medical Care and Medical Technologies, FMBA of Russia, 115682 Moscow, Russia; (A.V.T.); (V.P.B.)
| | - Vladimir P. Baklaushev
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Specialized Medical Care and Medical Technologies, FMBA of Russia, 115682 Moscow, Russia; (A.V.T.); (V.P.B.)
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11
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Tocci A. The safety of VASA pos presumptive adult ovarian stem cells. Reprod Biomed Online 2021; 43:587-597. [PMID: 34474974 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2021.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Isolation and characterization of presumptive human adult ovarian stem cells (OSC) has broken the long standing dogma of the absence of postnatal neo-oogenesis. Human adult OSC have been immunosorted by antibodies reacting against the RNA helicase VASA and have been reported to engraft into appropriate stem cell niches to promote neo-oogenesis. Analysis of published research, however, questions some of the findings on isolation, characterization, in-vitro self-renewal and clinical safety of the presumptive human adult OSC. In the present study, human VASApos embryo-fetal primordial germ cells and presumptive adult OSC are shown to share several pluripotency and early germ cell markers not ascertained in the initial characterization of adult OSC. A new hypothesis is made that the restoration of fertility claimed to result from presumptive human adult OSC may be attributed instead to VASApos embryo-fetal primordial germ cell remnants in the adult ovary, or alternatively to earlier VASAneg germ cells generated by in-vitro de-differentiation of the presumptive OSC. The suggested hypotheses have extensive implications for the practice and safety of adult OSC in the development of new treatments aimed at rescuing the ovarian reserve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Tocci
- Gruppo Donnamed, Reproductive Medicine Unit Via Cassia 1110 00189, Rome, Italy.
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12
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Ariyath A, Kanthi JM, Paul-Prasanth B. Differentiation Potential of Cultured Extracellular DEAD-Box Helicase 4+ Oogonial Stem Cells from Adult Human Ovaries into Somatic Lineages. Cells Tissues Organs 2021; 211:577-588. [PMID: 34412061 DOI: 10.1159/000519087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ajish Ariyath
- Centre for Nanosciences and Molecular Medicine, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, India
| | - Janu Mangala Kanthi
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, India
| | - Bindhu Paul-Prasanth
- Centre for Nanosciences and Molecular Medicine, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, India
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13
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Rodríguez-Varela C, Herraiz S, Labarta E. Mitochondrial enrichment in infertile patients: a review of different mitochondrial replacement therapies. Ther Adv Reprod Health 2021; 15:26334941211023544. [PMID: 34263171 PMCID: PMC8243099 DOI: 10.1177/26334941211023544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Poor ovarian responders exhibit a quantitative reduction in their follicular
pool, and most cases are also associated with poor oocyte quality due to
patient’s age, which leads to impaired in vitro fertilisation
outcomes. In particular, poor oocyte quality has been related to mitochondrial
dysfunction and/or low mitochondrial count as these organelles are crucial in
many essential oocyte processes. Therefore, mitochondrial enrichment has been
proposed as a potential therapy option in infertile patients to improve oocyte
quality and subsequent in vitro fertilisation outcomes.
Nowadays, different options are available for mitochondrial enrichment
treatments that are encompassed in two main approaches: heterologous and
autologous. In the heterologous approach, mitochondria come from an external
source, which is an oocyte donor. These techniques include transferring either a
portion of the donor’s oocyte cytoplasm to the recipient oocyte or nuclear
material from the patient to the donor’s oocyte. In any case, this approach
entails many ethical and safety concerns that mainly arise from the uncertain
degree of mitochondrial heteroplasmy deriving from it. Thus the autologous
approach is considered a suitable potential tool to improve oocyte quality by
overcoming the heteroplasmy issue. Autologous mitochondrial transfer, however,
has not yielded as many beneficial outcomes as initially expected. Proposed
mitochondrial autologous sources include immature oocytes, granulosa cells,
germline stem cells, and adipose-derived stem cells. Presently, it would seem
that these autologous techniques do not improve clinical outcomes in human
infertile patients. However, further trials still need to be performed to
confirm these results. Besides these two main categories, new strategies have
arisen for oocyte rejuvenation by improving patient’s own mitochondrial function
and avoiding the unknown consequences of third-party genetic material. This is
the case of antioxidants, which may enhance mitochondrial activity by
counteracting and/or preventing oxidative stress damage. Among others,
coenzyme-Q10 and melatonin have shown promising results in low-prognosis
infertile patients, although further randomised clinical trials are still
necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Elena Labarta
- IVI Foundation – IIS La Fe, Valencia, Spain;
IVIRMA Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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14
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In vitro cytotoxicity of zinc oxide nanoparticles in mouse ovarian germ cells. Toxicol In Vitro 2021; 70:105032. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2020.105032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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15
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Kee K. Reply: Will Single-Cell RNAseq decipher stem cells biology in normal and cancerous tissues? Hum Reprod Update 2020; 27:423. [PMID: 33367738 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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16
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Satirapod C, Wang N, MacDonald JA, Sun M, Woods DC, Tilly JL. Estrogen regulation of germline stem cell differentiation as a mechanism contributing to female reproductive aging. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:7313-7333. [PMID: 32302290 PMCID: PMC7202493 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Progressive loss of ovarian estrogen (E2) production is a hallmark feature of, if not a driving force behind, reproductive aging and the menopause. Recent genetic studies in mice have shown that female germline or oogonial stem cells (OSCs) contribute to maintenance of adult ovarian function and fertility under physiological conditions through support of de-novo oogenesis. Here we show that mouse OSCs express E2 receptor-α (ERα). In the presence of E2, ERα interacts with the stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8 (Stra8) promoter to drive Stra8 expression followed by oogenesis. Treatment of mice with E2 in vivo increases Stra8 expression and oogenesis, and these effects are nullified by ERα (Esr1), but not ERβ (Esr2), gene disruption. Although mice lacking ERα are born with a normal quota of oocytes, ERα-deficient females develop premature ovarian insufficiency in adulthood due to impaired oogenesis. Lastly, mice treated with reversible ER antagonists show a loss of Stra8 expression and oocyte numbers; however, both endpoints rebound to control levels after ceasing drug treatment. These findings establish a key physiological role for E2-ERα signaling in promoting OSC differentiation as a potential mechanism to maintain adequate numbers of ovarian follicles during reproductive life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chonthicha Satirapod
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ning Wang
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Current address: Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Julie A. MacDonald
- Department of Biology, Laboratory of Aging and Infertility Research, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Current address: Department of Medical Oncology Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Minghan Sun
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Dori C. Woods
- Department of Biology, Laboratory of Aging and Infertility Research, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jonathan L. Tilly
- Department of Biology, Laboratory of Aging and Infertility Research, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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17
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Wagner M, Yoshihara M, Douagi I, Damdimopoulos A, Panula S, Petropoulos S, Lu H, Pettersson K, Palm K, Katayama S, Hovatta O, Kere J, Lanner F, Damdimopoulou P. Single-cell analysis of human ovarian cortex identifies distinct cell populations but no oogonial stem cells. Nat Commun 2020; 11:1147. [PMID: 32123174 PMCID: PMC7052271 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-14936-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The human ovary orchestrates sex hormone production and undergoes monthly structural changes to release mature oocytes. The outer lining of the ovary (cortex) has a key role in defining fertility in women as it harbors the ovarian reserve. It has been postulated that putative oogonial stem cells exist in the ovarian cortex and that these can be captured by DDX4 antibody isolation. Here, we report single-cell transcriptomes and cell surface antigen profiles of over 24,000 cells from high quality ovarian cortex samples from 21 patients. Our data identify transcriptional profiles of six main cell types; oocytes, granulosa cells, immune cells, endothelial cells, perivascular cells, and stromal cells. Cells captured by DDX4 antibody are perivascular cells, not oogonial stem cells. Our data do not support the existence of germline stem cells in adult human ovaries, thereby reinforcing the dogma of a limited ovarian reserve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Wagner
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Masahito Yoshihara
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Iyadh Douagi
- Center of Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Flow Cytometry Section, Research Technologies Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Sarita Panula
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sophie Petropoulos
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Medicine, Centre de recherche du CHUM, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Haojiang Lu
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karin Pettersson
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kerstin Palm
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Visby hospital, Visby, Sweden
| | - Shintaro Katayama
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Outi Hovatta
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Juha Kere
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Folkhälsan Research Institute, Helsinki, and Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Fredrik Lanner
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. .,Ming Wai Lau Center for Reparative Medicine, Stockholm node, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Pauliina Damdimopoulou
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
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18
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Bharti D, Jang SJ, Lee SY, Lee SL, Rho GJ. In Vitro Generation of Oocyte Like Cells and Their In Vivo Efficacy: How Far We have been Succeeded. Cells 2020; 9:E557. [PMID: 32120836 PMCID: PMC7140496 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last few decades, stem cell therapy has grown as a boon for many pathological complications including female reproductive disorders. In this review, a brief description of available strategies that are related to stem cell-based in vitro oocyte-like cell (OLC) development are given. We have tried to cover all the aspects and latest updates of the in vitro OLC developmental methodologies, marker profiling, available disease models, and in vivo efficacies, with a special focus on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and embryonic stem cells (ESCs) usage. The differentiation abilities of both the ovarian and non-ovarian stem cell sources under various induction conditions have shown different effects on morphological alterations, proliferation- and size-associated developments, hormonal secretions under gonadotropic stimulations, and their neo-oogenesis or folliculogenesis abilities after in vivo transplantations. The attainment of characters like oocyte-like morphology, size expansion, and meiosis initiation have been found to be major obstacles during in vitro oogenesis. A number of reports have either lacked in vivo studies or have shown their functional incapability to produce viable and healthy offspring. Though researchers have gained many valuable insights regarding in vitro gametogenesis, still there are many things to do to make stem cell-derived OLCs fully functional.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh Bharti
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea; (D.B.); (S.-J.J.); (S.-Y.L.); (S.-L.L.)
| | - Si-Jung Jang
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea; (D.B.); (S.-J.J.); (S.-Y.L.); (S.-L.L.)
| | - Sang-Yun Lee
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea; (D.B.); (S.-J.J.); (S.-Y.L.); (S.-L.L.)
| | - Sung-Lim Lee
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea; (D.B.); (S.-J.J.); (S.-Y.L.); (S.-L.L.)
| | - Gyu-Jin Rho
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea; (D.B.); (S.-J.J.); (S.-Y.L.); (S.-L.L.)
- Research Institute of Life Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea
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19
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Clarkson YL, Weatherall E, Waterfall M, McLaughlin M, Lu H, Skehel PA, Anderson RA, Telfer EE. Extracellular Localisation of the C-Terminus of DDX4 Confirmed by Immunocytochemistry and Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting. Cells 2019; 8:cells8060578. [PMID: 31212843 PMCID: PMC6627596 DOI: 10.3390/cells8060578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Putative oogonial stem cells (OSCs) have been isolated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) from adult human ovarian tissue using an antibody against DEAD-box helicase 4 (DDX4). DDX4 has been reported to be germ cell specific within the gonads and localised intracellularly. White et al. (2012) hypothesised that the C-terminus of DDX4 is localised on the surface of putative OSCs but is internalised during the process of oogenesis. This hypothesis is controversial since it is assumed that RNA helicases function intracellularly with no extracellular expression. To determine whether the C-terminus of DDX4 could be expressed on the cell surface, we generated a novel expression construct to express full-length DDX4 as a DsRed2 fusion protein with unique C- and N-terminal epitope tags. DDX4 and the C-terminal myc tag were detected at the cell surface by immunocytochemistry and FACS of non-permeabilised human embryonic kidney HEK 293T cells transfected with the DDX4 construct. DDX4 mRNA expression was detected in the DDX4-positive sorted cells by RT-PCR. This study clearly demonstrates that the C-terminus of DDX4 can be expressed on the cell surface despite its lack of a conventional membrane-targeting or secretory sequence. These results validate the use of antibody-based FACS to isolate DDX4-positive putative OSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne L Clarkson
- Institute of Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FF, UK.
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.
- Ashworth Laboratories, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3JR, UK.
| | - Emma Weatherall
- Institute of Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FF, UK.
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.
- Ashworth Laboratories, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3JR, UK.
| | - Martin Waterfall
- Ashworth Laboratories, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3JR, UK.
| | - Marie McLaughlin
- Institute of Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FF, UK.
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.
- Ashworth Laboratories, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3JR, UK.
| | - Haojiang Lu
- Institute of Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FF, UK.
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.
- Ashworth Laboratories, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3JR, UK.
| | - Paul A Skehel
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.
| | - Richard A Anderson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK.
| | - Evelyn E Telfer
- Institute of Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FF, UK.
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.
- Ashworth Laboratories, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3JR, UK.
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20
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[Neo-oogenesis in the adult ovary: What do we know?]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 47:478-483. [PMID: 30818039 DOI: 10.1016/j.gofs.2019.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
For more than a decade, the existence of ovarian stem cells that can contribute to neo-oogenesis in the adult ovary is reported by some teams, challenging the dogma according to which mammalian females are born with a fixed and non-renewed germinal cell pool. The presence of germinal stem cells with mitotic activity suggests the possibility of potential postnatal oogenesis. These cells have both germ-line and stem cell markers in culture. They have been isolated using different strategies and their ability to differentiate into oocytes has been demonstrated since after reintroduction in an ovarian somatic environment, these cells generate follicles capable of producing healthy offspring in rodents. However, many scientists remain skeptical and question the reliability of the methods used. Despite that there is no consensus on the origin of these ovarian stem cells, private companies are now proposing to use their stem cell potential to treat human infertility.
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21
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Martin JJ, Woods DC, Tilly JL. Implications and Current Limitations of Oogenesis from Female Germline or Oogonial Stem Cells in Adult Mammalian Ovaries. Cells 2019; 8:E93. [PMID: 30696098 PMCID: PMC6407002 DOI: 10.3390/cells8020093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A now large body of evidence supports the existence of mitotically active germ cells in postnatal ovaries of diverse mammalian species, including humans. This opens the possibility that adult stem cells naturally committed to a germline fate could be leveraged for the production of female gametes outside of the body. The functional properties of these cells, referred to as female germline or oogonial stem cells (OSCs), in ovaries of women have recently been tested in various ways, including a very recent investigation of the differentiation capacity of human OSCs at a single cell level. The exciting insights gained from these experiments, coupled with other data derived from intraovarian transplantation and genetic tracing analyses in animal models that have established the capacity of OSCs to generate healthy eggs, embryos and offspring, should drive constructive discussions in this relatively new field to further exploring the value of these cells to the study, and potential management, of human female fertility. Here, we provide a brief history of the discovery and characterization of OSCs in mammals, as well as of the in-vivo significance of postnatal oogenesis to adult ovarian function. We then highlight several key observations made recently on the biology of OSCs, and integrate this information into a broader discussion of the potential value and limitations of these adult stem cells to achieving a greater understanding of human female gametogenesis in vivo and in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica J Martin
- Laboratory of Aging and Infertility Research, Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Dori C Woods
- Laboratory of Aging and Infertility Research, Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Jonathan L Tilly
- Laboratory of Aging and Infertility Research, Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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22
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Abstract
It has long been accepted that the complement of follicles within the ovary is formed before birth in humans, or shortly after birth in rodents, and that no follicles are formed thereafter. This follows entry of all oogonia into meiosis in fetal life, with no remaining germ stem cells in the ovary, in contrast to the presence of spermatogonia in the testis. This has been brought back into debate in recent years, following the demonstration of isolation of cells expressing both germline and stem markers from the postnatal ovary in several species, including humans. We describe these cells as putative ovarian stem cells. Isolation of these cells is challenging, adding to the debate as to their existence, and the validity of DDX4 as the main marker used for their isolation has also to be questioned. While different groups have used varying techniques and indeed terminology to describe these cells, the body of evidence regarding their initial characterization after isolation is growing. There remain very limited data regarding their developmental potential, but the demonstration of the production of functional oocytes from induced pluripotent stem cells and the advances in ovarian follicle culture techniques provide a basis for such studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- E E Telfer
- a Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences , University of Edinburgh , Edinburgh , UK
| | - R A Anderson
- b MRC Centre for Reproductive Health , Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh , Edinburgh , UK
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23
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Ubaldi FM, Cimadomo D, Vaiarelli A, Fabozzi G, Venturella R, Maggiulli R, Mazzilli R, Ferrero S, Palagiano A, Rienzi L. Advanced Maternal Age in IVF: Still a Challenge? The Present and the Future of Its Treatment. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:94. [PMID: 30842755 PMCID: PMC6391863 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced maternal age (AMA; >35 year) is associated with a decline in both ovarian reserve and oocyte competence. At present, no remedies are available to counteract the aging-related fertility decay, however different therapeutic approaches can be offered to women older than 35 year undergoing IVF. This review summarizes the main current strategies proposed for the treatment of AMA: (i) oocyte cryopreservation to conduct fertility preservation for medical reasons or "social freezing" for non-medical reasons, (ii) personalized controlled ovarian stimulation to maximize the exploitation of the ovarian reserve in each patient, (iii) enhancement of embryo selection via blastocyst-stage preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies and frozen single embryo transfer, or (iv) oocyte donation in case of minimal/null residual chance of pregnancy. Future strategies and tools are in the pipeline that might minimize the risks of AMA through non-invasive approaches for embryo selection (e.g., molecular analyses of leftover products of IVF, such as spent culture media). These are yet challenging but potentially ground-breaking perspectives promising a lower clinical workload with a higher cost-effectiveness. We also reviewed emerging experimental therapeutic approaches to attempt at restoring maternal reproductive potential, e.g., spindle-chromosomal complex, pronuclear or mitochondrial transfer, and chromosome therapy. In vitro generation of gametes is also an intriguing challenge for the future. Lastly, since infertility is a social issue, social campaigns, and education among future generations are desirable to promote the awareness of the impact of age and lifestyle habits upon fertility. This should be a duty of the clinical operators in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Maria Ubaldi
- Clinica Valle Giulia, G.en.e.r.a. Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Danilo Cimadomo
- Clinica Valle Giulia, G.en.e.r.a. Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Danilo Cimadomo
| | - Alberto Vaiarelli
- Clinica Valle Giulia, G.en.e.r.a. Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Gemma Fabozzi
- Clinica Valle Giulia, G.en.e.r.a. Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Venturella
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Roberta Maggiulli
- Clinica Valle Giulia, G.en.e.r.a. Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Mazzilli
- Clinica Valle Giulia, G.en.e.r.a. Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy
- Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Susanna Ferrero
- Clinica Valle Giulia, G.en.e.r.a. Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Palagiano
- Department of Gynecological, Obstetrical and Reproductive Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Caserta, Italy
| | - Laura Rienzi
- Clinica Valle Giulia, G.en.e.r.a. Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy
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24
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Clarkson YL, McLaughlin M, Waterfall M, Dunlop CE, Skehel PA, Anderson RA, Telfer EE. Initial characterisation of adult human ovarian cell populations isolated by DDX4 expression and aldehyde dehydrogenase activity. Sci Rep 2018; 8:6953. [PMID: 29725036 PMCID: PMC5934371 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-25116-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The existence of a population of putative stem cells with germline developmental potential (oogonial stem cells: OSCs) in the adult mammalian ovary has been marked by controversy over isolation methodology and potential for in-vitro transformation, particularly where cell sorting has been based on expression of DEAD box polypeptide 4 (DDX4). This study describes a refined tissue dissociation/fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) protocol for the ovaries of adult women which results in increased cell viability and yield of putative OSCs. A FACS technique incorporating dual-detection of DDX4 with aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) demonstrates the existence of two sub-populations of small DDX4-positive cells (approx. 7 µm diameter) with ALDH1 activity, distinguished by expression of differentially spliced DDX4 transcripts and of DAZL, a major regulator of germ cell differentiation. These may indicate stages of differentiation from a progenitor population and provide a likely explanation for the expression disparities reported previously. These findings provide a robust basis for the further characterisation of these cells, and exploration of their potential physiological roles and therapeutic application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne L Clarkson
- Institute of Cell Biology and the Centre for Integrative Physiology, Hugh Robson Building, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK.,School of Biological Sciences, Ashworth Laboratories, the King's Buildings, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3JR, UK
| | - Marie McLaughlin
- Institute of Cell Biology and the Centre for Integrative Physiology, Hugh Robson Building, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK.,School of Biological Sciences, Ashworth Laboratories, the King's Buildings, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3JR, UK
| | - Martin Waterfall
- School of Biological Sciences, Ashworth Laboratories, the King's Buildings, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3JR, UK
| | - Cheryl E Dunlop
- Institute of Cell Biology and the Centre for Integrative Physiology, Hugh Robson Building, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK.,MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Paul A Skehel
- Institute of Cell Biology and the Centre for Integrative Physiology, Hugh Robson Building, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Richard A Anderson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Evelyn E Telfer
- Institute of Cell Biology and the Centre for Integrative Physiology, Hugh Robson Building, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK. .,School of Biological Sciences, Ashworth Laboratories, the King's Buildings, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3JR, UK.
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25
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The Role of Nonhuman Primate Animal Models in the Clinical Development of Pluripotent Stem Cell Therapies. Mol Ther 2018; 24:1165-9. [PMID: 27506376 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2016.131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
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26
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Silvestris E, Cafforio P, D’Oronzo S, Felici C, Silvestris F, Loverro G. In vitro differentiation of human oocyte-like cells from oogonial stem cells: single-cell isolation and molecular characterization. Hum Reprod 2018; 33:464-473. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dex377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Erica Silvestris
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Section of Internal Medicine and Clinical Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, P.za G. Cesare, 11-70124 Bari, Italy
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, P.za G. Cesare, 11-70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Paola Cafforio
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Section of Internal Medicine and Clinical Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, P.za G. Cesare, 11-70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Stella D’Oronzo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Section of Internal Medicine and Clinical Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, P.za G. Cesare, 11-70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Claudia Felici
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Section of Internal Medicine and Clinical Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, P.za G. Cesare, 11-70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Franco Silvestris
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Section of Internal Medicine and Clinical Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, P.za G. Cesare, 11-70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Loverro
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, P.za G. Cesare, 11-70124 Bari, Italy
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27
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Genetic studies in mice directly link oocytes produced during adulthood to ovarian function and natural fertility. Sci Rep 2017; 7:10011. [PMID: 28855574 PMCID: PMC5577229 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-10033-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple labs have reported that mammalian ovaries contain oogonial stem cells (OSCs), which can differentiate into oocytes that fertilize to produce offspring. However, the physiological relevance of these observations to adult ovarian function is unknown. Here we performed targeted and reversible ablation of premeiotic germ cells undergoing differentiation into oocytes in transgenic mice expressing the suicide gene, herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSVtk), driven by the promoter of stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8 (Stra8), a germ cell-specific gene activated during meiotic commitment. Over a 21-day ablation phase induced by the HSVtk pro-drug, ganciclovir (GCV), oocyte numbers declined due to a disruption of new oocyte input. However, germ cell differentiation resumed after ceasing the ablation protocol, enabling complete regeneration of the oocyte pool. We next employed inducible lineage tracing to fate map, through Cre recombinase-mediated fluorescent reporter gene activation only in Stra8-expressing cells, newly-formed oocytes. Induction of the system during adulthood yielded a mosaic pool of unmarked (pre-existing) and marked (newly-formed) oocytes. Marked oocytes matured and fertilized to produce offspring, which grew normally to adulthood and transmitted the reporter to second-generation offspring. These findings establish that oocytes generated during adulthood contribute directly to ovarian function and natural fertility in mammals.
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28
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Tsai TS, Johnson J, White Y, John JC. The molecular characterization of porcine egg precursor cells. Oncotarget 2017; 8:63484-63505. [PMID: 28969006 PMCID: PMC5609938 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.18833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 06/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Female-factor infertility can be caused by poor oocyte quality and depleted ovarian reserves. Egg precursor cells (EPCs), isolated from the ovarian cortex, have the potential to be used to overcome female infertility. We aimed to define the origins of EPCs by analyzing their gene expression profiles and mtDNA content using a mini-pig model. We characterized FAC-sorted DDX4+-derived porcine EPCs by performing RNA-sequencing and determined that they utilize pathways important for cell cycle and proliferation, which supports the existence of adult mitotically active oogonial cells. Expression of the pluripotent markers Sox2 and Oct4, and the primitive germ cell markers Blimp1 and Stella were not detected. However, Nanog and Ddx4 were expressed, as were the primitive germ cell markers Fragilis, c-Kit and Tert. Moreover, porcine EPCs expressed self-renewal and proliferation markers including Myc, Esrrb, Id2, Klf4, Klf5, Stat3, Fgfr1, Fgfr2 and Il6st. The presence of Zp1, Zp2, Zp3 and Nobox were not detected, indicating that porcine EPCs are not indicative of mature primordial oocytes. We performed mitochondrial DNA Next Generation Sequencing and determined that one mtDNA variant harbored by EPCs was present in oocytes, preimplantation embryos and somatic tissues over three generations in our mini-pig model indicating the potential germline origin of EPCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Te-Sha Tsai
- Centre for Genetic Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.,Centre for Genetic Diseases, Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Jacqueline Johnson
- Centre for Genetic Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | | | - Justin C John
- Centre for Genetic Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.,Centre for Genetic Diseases, Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
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29
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Yazdekhasti H, Rajabi Z, Parvari S, Abbasi M. Used protocols for isolation and propagation of ovarian stem cells, different cells with different traits. J Ovarian Res 2016; 9:68. [PMID: 27765047 PMCID: PMC5072317 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-016-0274-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2016] [Accepted: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Although existence of ovarian stem cells (OSCs) in mammalian postnatal ovary is still under controversy, however, it has been almost accepted that OSCs are contributing actively to folliculogenesis and neo-oogenesis. Recently, various methods with different efficacies have been employed for OSCs isolation from ovarian tissue, which these methods could be chosen depends on aim of isolation and accessible equipments and materials in lab. Although isolated OSCs from different methods have various traits and characterizations, which might become from their different nature and origin, however these stem cells are promising source for woman infertility treatment or source of energy for women with a history of repeat IVF failure in near future. This review has brought together and summarized currently used protocols for isolation and propagation of OSCs in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Yazdekhasti
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Rajabi
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Soraya Parvari
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Mehdi Abbasi
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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30
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Abstract
CONTEXT A current limitation of assisted reproduction is the number of available female gametes. This Commentary discusses in vitro activation (IVA), a technique that activates dormant ovarian follicles so that these follicles can become mature oocytes for fertilization. There is considerable evidence that mechanical signaling plays an important role in oocyte maturation and survival; manipulation of the mechanical environment is a key component of the IVA process. IVA acts on existing follicles and does not promote neo-oogenesis, which likely contributes little to the primordial follicle pool in the adult. CONCLUSIONS Several women with primary ovarian insufficiency who underwent the IVA procedure have achieved live births. IVA might also be applicable to women with pathological diminished ovarian reserve and those with physiological diminished reserve due to natural aging. Cancer patients with cryopreserved ovarian tissue also might benefit from IVA. Based on future studies, IVA could prove to be a revolutionary tool for assisted reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ophelia Yin
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287
| | - Kamaria Cayton
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287
| | - James H Segars
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287
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31
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Schultz MB, Sinclair DA. When stem cells grow old: phenotypes and mechanisms of stem cell aging. Development 2016; 143:3-14. [PMID: 26732838 DOI: 10.1242/dev.130633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 199] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
All multicellular organisms undergo a decline in tissue and organ function as they age. An attractive theory is that a loss in stem cell number and/or activity over time causes this decline. In accordance with this theory, aging phenotypes have been described for stem cells of multiple tissues, including those of the hematopoietic system, intestine, muscle, brain, skin and germline. Here, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of why adult stem cells age and how this aging impacts diseases and lifespan. With this increased understanding, it is feasible to design and test interventions that delay stem cell aging and improve both health and lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael B Schultz
- Paul F. Glenn Center for the Biological Mechanisms of Aging, Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - David A Sinclair
- Paul F. Glenn Center for the Biological Mechanisms of Aging, Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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32
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Ding X, Liu G, Xu B, Wu C, Hui N, Ni X, Wang J, Du M, Teng X, Wu J. Human GV oocytes generated by mitotically active germ cells obtained from follicular aspirates. Sci Rep 2016; 6:28218. [PMID: 27357640 PMCID: PMC4928061 DOI: 10.1038/srep28218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2015] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Human female germline stem cells (FGSCs) have opened new opportunities for understanding human oogenesis, delaying menopause, treating infertility, and providing a new strategy for preserving fertility. However, the shortage of adult human ovaries tissues available impedes their future investigations and clinical applications. Here, we have established FGSC lines from scarce ovarian cortical tissues that exist in follicular aspirates (faFGSCs), which are produced and discarded in in vitro fertilization centers worldwide. The faFGSCs have characteristics of germline stem cells involved in the gene expression profile, growth characteristics, and a normal karyotype consistent with that of FGSCs obtained from ovarian cortexes surgically removed from patients (srFGSCs). Furthermore, faFGSCs have developmental potentials including spontaneous differentiation into oocytes under feeder-free conditions, communicating with granulosa cells by gap junctions and paracrine factors, entering meiosis after RA induction, as well as forming follicles after injection into human ovarian cortical tissues xenografted into adult immunodeficient female mice. Lastly, we developed a strategy guiding FGSCs differentiated into germinal vesicle (GV) stage oocytes in vitro and revealed their developmental mechanisms. Our study not only provides a new approach to obtain human FGSCs for medical treatment, but also opens several avenues to investigate human oogenesis in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinbao Ding
- Renji Hospital Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental &Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Guishu Liu
- The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, Chenzhou 42300, Hunan, China
| | - Bo Xu
- Renji Hospital Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental &Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Changqing Wu
- Renji Hospital Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental &Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Ning Hui
- Changhai Hospital of Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Xin Ni
- Department of Physiology, Second Military Medical University, 800 Xiangyin Road, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Renji Hospital Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental &Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Meirong Du
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Xiaoming Teng
- Center of Reproductive medicine, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Ji Wu
- Renji Hospital Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental &Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.,Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
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33
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FACS-sorted putative oogonial stem cells from the ovary are neither DDX4-positive nor germ cells. Sci Rep 2016; 6:27991. [PMID: 27301892 PMCID: PMC4908409 DOI: 10.1038/srep27991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Accepted: 05/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Whether the adult mammalian ovary contains oogonial stem cells (OSCs) is controversial. They have been isolated by a live-cell sorting method using the germ cell marker DDX4, which has previously been assumed to be cytoplasmic, not surface-bound. Furthermore their stem cell and germ cell characteristics remain disputed. Here we show that although OSC-like cells can be isolated from the ovary using an antibody to DDX4, there is no good in silico modelling to support the existence of a surface-bound DDX4. Furthermore these cells when isolated were not expressing DDX4, and did not initially possess germline identity. Despite these unremarkable beginnings, they acquired some pre-meiotic markers in culture, including DDX4, but critically never expressed oocyte-specific markers, and furthermore were not immortal but died after a few months. Our results suggest that freshly isolated OSCs are not germ stem cells, and are not being isolated by their DDX4 expression. However it may be that culture induces some pre-meiotic markers. In summary the present study offers weight to the dogma that the adult ovary is populated by a fixed number of oocytes and that adult de novo production is a rare or insignificant event.
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34
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Guo K, Li CH, Wang XY, He DJ, Zheng P. Germ stem cells are active in postnatal mouse ovary under physiological conditions. Mol Hum Reprod 2016; 22:316-28. [PMID: 26916381 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaw015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 02/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY HYPOTHESIS Are active ovarian germ stem cells present in postnatal mouse ovaries under physiological conditions? STUDY FINDING Active ovarian germ stem cells exist and function in adult mouse ovaries under physiological conditions. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY In vitro studies suggested the existence of germ stem cells in postnatal ovaries of mouse, pig and human. However, in vivo studies provided evidence against the existence of active germ stem cells in postnatal mouse ovaries. Thus, it remains controversial whether such germ stem cells really exist and function in vivo in postnatal mammalian ovaries. STUDY DESIGN, SAMPLES/MATERIALS, METHODS Octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Oct4)-MerCreMer transgenic mice were crossed with R26R-enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (EYFP) mice to establish a tamoxifen-inducible tracing system so that Oct4-expressing potential ovarian germ stem cells in young adult mice (5-6 weeks old) can be labeled with EYFP. The germ cell activities of DNA replication, mitotic division, entry into meiosis and progression to primordial follicle stage were investigated by means of immunofluorescent staining of ovarian tissues collected at different time points post-tamoxifen injection (1 day, 3 days, 2 months and 4 months). Meiosis entry and primordial follicle formation were also measured by EYFP-labeled single-cell RT-PCR. Germ cell proliferation and mitotic division were examined through 5-bromodeoxyuridine triphosphate incorporation assay. At each time point, ovaries from two to three animals were used for each set of experiment. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE By labeling the Oct4-expressing small germ cells and tracing their fates for up to 4 months, we observed persistent meiosis entry and primordial follicle replenishment. Furthermore, we captured the transient processes of mitotic DNA replication as well as mitotic division of the marked germ cells at various time periods after tracing. These lines of evidence unambiguously support the presence of active germ stem cells in postnatal ovaries and their function in replenishing primordial follicle pool under physiological conditions. Moreover, we pointed out that Oct4(+) deleted in azoospermia-like (Dazl)(-) but not Oct4(+)Dazl(+) or Oct4(+) DEAD (Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp) Box Polypeptide 4 (Ddx4)(+) cells contain a population of germ stem cells in mouse ovary. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This study was conducted in mice. Whether or not the results are applicable to human remain unclear. The future work should aim at identifying the specific ovarian germ stem cell marker and evaluating the significance of these stem cells to normal ovarian function. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Clarifying the existence of active germ stem cells and their functional significance in postnatal mammalian ovaries could provide new insights in understanding the mechanism of ovarian aging and failure. LARGE SCALE DATA Not applicable. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This work was supported by the National Key Basic Research Program of China (grant number 2012CBA01300) and the National Natural Science Foundation of China to P.Z. (31571484). No competing interests are reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 Jiao Chang Dong Lu, Kunming 650223, Yunnan, China Yunnan Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 Jiao Chang Dong Lu, Kunming 650223, Yunnan, China Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650204, Yunnan, China
| | - Chao-Hui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 Jiao Chang Dong Lu, Kunming 650223, Yunnan, China Yunnan Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 Jiao Chang Dong Lu, Kunming 650223, Yunnan, China Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650204, Yunnan, China
| | - Xin-Yi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 Jiao Chang Dong Lu, Kunming 650223, Yunnan, China Yunnan Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 Jiao Chang Dong Lu, Kunming 650223, Yunnan, China Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650204, Yunnan, China
| | - Da-Jian He
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 Jiao Chang Dong Lu, Kunming 650223, Yunnan, China Yunnan Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 Jiao Chang Dong Lu, Kunming 650223, Yunnan, China Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650204, Yunnan, China
| | - Ping Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 Jiao Chang Dong Lu, Kunming 650223, Yunnan, China Yunnan Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 Jiao Chang Dong Lu, Kunming 650223, Yunnan, China
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35
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Anderson RA, Telfer EE. Replenishing the adult ovarian follicle population: a fresh look at dogma. Mol Hum Reprod 2016; 22:313-5. [PMID: 26916382 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaw017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 02/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Richard A Anderson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Evelyn E Telfer
- Institute of Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK Centre for Integrative Physiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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36
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Affiliation(s)
- Dori C Woods
- Department of Biology, Laboratory of Aging and Infertility Research, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jonathan L Tilly
- Department of Biology, Laboratory of Aging and Infertility Research, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Office of the Dean of the College of Science, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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