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Liu H, Welburn JPI. A circle of life: platelet and megakaryocyte cytoskeleton dynamics in health and disease. Open Biol 2024; 14:240041. [PMID: 38835242 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.240041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Platelets are blood cells derived from megakaryocytes that play a central role in regulating haemostasis and vascular integrity. The microtubule cytoskeleton of megakaryocytes undergoes a critical dynamic reorganization during cycles of endomitosis and platelet biogenesis. Quiescent platelets have a discoid shape maintained by a marginal band composed of microtubule bundles, which undergoes remarkable remodelling during platelet activation, driving shape change and platelet function. Disrupting or enhancing this process can cause platelet dysfunction such as bleeding disorders or thrombosis. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying the reorganization of the cytoskeleton in the platelet lineage. Recent studies indicate that the emergence of a unique platelet tubulin code and specific pathogenic tubulin mutations cause platelet defects and bleeding disorders. Frequently, these mutations exhibit dominant negative effects, offering valuable insights into both platelet disease mechanisms and the functioning of tubulins. This review will highlight our current understanding of the role of the microtubule cytoskeleton in the life and death of platelets, along with its relevance to platelet disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haonan Liu
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Julie P I Welburn
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
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2
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Ye Z, Li D, Niu X, Yang A, Pan Z, Yu R, Gu H, Shi R, Wu L, Xiang Y, Hao G, Kuang Y, Chen B, Wang L, Sang Q, Li L, Shi J, Li Q. Identification novel mutations and phenotypic spectrum expanding in PATL2 in infertile women with IVF/ICSI failure. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:1233-1243. [PMID: 38536595 PMCID: PMC11143103 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03071-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
AIM Abnormalities in oocyte maturation, fertilization, and early embryonic development are major causes of primary infertility in women who are undergoing IVF/ICSI attempts. Although many genetic factors responsible for these abnormal phenotypes have been identified, there are more additional pathogenic genes and variants yet to be discovered. Previous studies confirmed that bi-allelic PATL2 deficiency is an important factor for female infertility. In this study, 935 infertile patients with IVF/ICSI failure were selected for whole-exome sequencing, and 18 probands carrying PATL2 variants with a recessive inheritance pattern were identified. METHODS We estimated that the prevalence contributed by PATL2 was 1.93% (18/935) in our study cohort. RESULTS 15 novel variants were found in those families, including c.1093C > T, c.1609dupA, c.1204C > T, c.643dupG, c.877-2A > G, c.1228C > G, c.925G > A, c.958G > A, c.4A > G, c.1258T > C, c.1337G > A, c.1264dupA, c.88G > T, c.1065-2A > G, and c.1271T > C. The amino acids altered by the corresponding variants were highly conserved in mammals, and in silico analysis and 3D molecular modeling suggested that the PATL2 mutants impaired the physiologic function of the resulting proteins. Diverse clinical phenotypes, including oocyte maturation defect, fertilization failure, and early embryonic arrest might result from different variants of PATL2. CONCLUSIONS These results expand the spectrum of PATL2 variants and provide an important reference for genetic counseling for female infertility, and they increase our understanding of the mechanisms of oocyte maturation arrest caused by PATL2 deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqi Ye
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Da Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Xiangli Niu
- The Reproductive Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530029, China
| | - Aimin Yang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Zhiqi Pan
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ran Yu
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Hao Gu
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Rong Shi
- Reproductive Center, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, 710000, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ling Wu
- The Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanfang Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Human Reproduction and Genetics, Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nanchang Reproductive Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Guimin Hao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yanping Kuang
- The Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Biaobang Chen
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Center for Women and Children's Health, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Qing Sang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lin Li
- Key Laboratory of Human Reproduction and Genetics, Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nanchang Reproductive Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.
| | - Juanzi Shi
- Reproductive Center, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, 710000, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Qiaoli Li
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Zhang XY, Zhang XX, Wang L. Early embryonic failure caused by a novel mutation in the TUBB8 gene: A case report. World J Clin Cases 2024; 12:2092-2098. [PMID: 38680263 PMCID: PMC11045509 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v12.i12.2092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to explore the relationship between gene mutations and early embryonic development arrest and to provide more possibilities for the diagnosis and treatment of repeated implantation failure. CASE SUMMARY Here, we collected and described the clinical data of a patient with early embryonic development stagnation after repeated in vitro fertilization attempts for primary infertility at the Department Reproductive Center of Zaozhuang Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital. We also detected the whole-exon gene of the patient's spouse and parents, and conducted bioinformatics analysis to determine the pathogenesis of the gene. CONCLUSION A novel mutant of the TUBB8 gene [c.602G>T(p.C201F)] was identified, and this mutant provided new data on the genotype-phenotype relationships of related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Yu Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Center, Zaozhuang Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital, Zaozhuang 277000, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xing-Xing Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Center, Zaozhuang Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital, Zaozhuang 277000, Shandong Province, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Reproductive Center, Zaozhuang Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital, Zaozhuang 277000, Shandong Province, China
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Wei Y, Wang J, Qu R, Zhang W, Tan Y, Sha Y, Li L, Yin T. Genetic mechanisms of fertilization failure and early embryonic arrest: a comprehensive review. Hum Reprod Update 2024; 30:48-80. [PMID: 37758324 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmad026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility and pregnancy loss are longstanding problems. Successful fertilization and high-quality embryos are prerequisites for an ongoing pregnancy. Studies have proven that every stage in the human reproductive process is regulated by multiple genes and any problem, at any step, may lead to fertilization failure (FF) or early embryonic arrest (EEA). Doctors can diagnose the pathogenic factors involved in FF and EEA by using genetic methods. With the progress in the development of new genetic technologies, such as single-cell RNA analysis and whole-exome sequencing, a new approach has opened up for us to directly study human germ cells and reproductive development. These findings will help us to identify the unique mechanism(s) that leads to FF and EEA in order to find potential treatments. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The goal of this review is to compile current genetic knowledge related to FF and EEA, clarifying the mechanisms involved and providing clues for clinical diagnosis and treatment. SEARCH METHODS PubMed was used to search for relevant research articles and reviews, primarily focusing on English-language publications from January 1978 to June 2023. The search terms included fertilization failure, early embryonic arrest, genetic, epigenetic, whole-exome sequencing, DNA methylation, chromosome, non-coding RNA, and other related keywords. Additional studies were identified by searching reference lists. This review primarily focuses on research conducted in humans. However, it also incorporates relevant data from animal models when applicable. The results were presented descriptively, and individual study quality was not assessed. OUTCOMES A total of 233 relevant articles were included in the final review, from 3925 records identified initially. The review provides an overview of genetic factors and mechanisms involved in the human reproductive process. The genetic mutations and other genetic mechanisms of FF and EEA were systematically reviewed, for example, globozoospermia, oocyte activation failure, maternal effect gene mutations, zygotic genome activation abnormalities, chromosome abnormalities, and epigenetic abnormalities. Additionally, the review summarizes progress in treatments for different gene defects, offering new insights for clinical diagnosis and treatment. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The information provided in this review will facilitate the development of more accurate molecular screening tools for diagnosing infertility using genetic markers and networks in human reproductive development. The findings will also help guide clinical practice by identifying appropriate interventions based on specific gene mutations. For example, when an individual has obvious gene mutations related to FF, ICSI is recommended instead of IVF. However, in the case of genetic defects such as phospholipase C zeta1 (PLCZ1), actin-like7A (ACTL7A), actin-like 9 (ACTL9), and IQ motif-containing N (IQCN), ICSI may also fail to fertilize. We can consider artificial oocyte activation technology with ICSI to improve fertilization rate and reduce monetary and time costs. In the future, fertility is expected to be improved or restored by interfering with or supplementing the relevant genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqiu Wei
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jingxuan Wang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Rui Qu
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Weiqian Zhang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yiling Tan
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanwei Sha
- Department of Andrology, Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Lin Li
- Central Laboratory, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tailang Yin
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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Biswas L, Schindler K. Predicting Infertility: How Genetic Variants in Oocyte Spindle Genes Affect Egg Quality. ADVANCES IN ANATOMY, EMBRYOLOGY, AND CELL BIOLOGY 2024; 238:1-22. [PMID: 39030352 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-55163-5_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
Successful reproduction relies on the union of a single chromosomally normal egg and sperm. Chromosomally normal eggs develop from precursor cells, called oocytes, that have undergone accurate chromosome segregation. The process of chromosome segregation is governed by the oocyte spindle, a unique cytoskeletal machine that splits chromatin content of the meiotically dividing oocyte. The oocyte spindle develops and functions in an idiosyncratic process, which is vulnerable to genetic variation in spindle-associated proteins. Human genetic variants in several spindle-associated proteins are associated with poor clinical fertility outcomes, suggesting that heritable etiologies for oocyte dysfunction leading to infertility exist and that the spindle is a crux for female fertility. This chapter examines the mammalian oocyte spindle through the lens of human genetic variation, covering the genes TUBB8, TACC3, CEP120, AURKA, AURKC, AURKB, BUB1B, and CDC20. Specifically, it explores how patient-identified variants perturb spindle development and function, and it links these molecular changes in the oocyte to their cognate clinical consequences, such as oocyte maturation arrest, elevated egg aneuploidy, primary ovarian insufficiency, and recurrent pregnancy loss. This discussion demonstrates that small genetic errors in oocyte meiosis can result in remarkably far-ranging embryonic consequences, and thus reveals the importance of the oocyte's fine machinery in sustaining life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leelabati Biswas
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
- Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
- Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Karen Schindler
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA.
- Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA.
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Zhang W, Zhang R, Wu L, Zhu C, Zhang C, Xu C, Zhao S, Liu X, Guo T, Lu Y, Gao Z, Yu X, Li L, Chen ZJ, Qin Y, Jiao X. NLRP14 deficiency causes female infertility with oocyte maturation defects and early embryonic arrest by impairing cytoplasmic UHRF1 abundance. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113531. [PMID: 38060382 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Oocyte maturation is vital to attain full competence required for fertilization and embryogenesis. NLRP14 is preferentially expressed in mammalian oocytes and early embryos. Yet, the role and molecular mechanism of NLRP14 in oocyte maturation and early embryogenesis are poorly understood, and whether NLRP14 deficiency accounts for human infertility is unknown. Here, we found that maternal loss of Nlrp14 resulted in sterility with oocyte maturation defects and early embryonic arrest (EEA). Nlrp14 ablation compromised oocyte competence due to impaired cytoplasmic and nuclear maturation. Importantly, we revealed that NLRP14 maintained cytoplasmic UHRF1 abundance by protecting it from proteasome-dependent degradation and anchoring it from nuclear translocation in the oocyte. Furthermore, we identified compound heterozygous NLRP14 variants in women affected by infertility with EEA, which interrupted the NLRP14-UHRF1 interaction and decreased UHRF1 levels. Our data demonstrate NLRP14 as a cytoplasm-specific regulator of UHRF1 during oocyte maturation, providing insights into genetic diagnosis for female infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenzhe Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Rongrong Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Ling Wu
- The Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Chendi Zhu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Chuanxin Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Chengpeng Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Beijing Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Shidou Zhao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Xinchen Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Ting Guo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Yueshuang Lu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Zheng Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510150, China
| | - Xiao Yu
- Key Laboratory Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education and Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Lei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Beijing Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Yingying Qin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
| | - Xue Jiao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Suzhou Research Institute, Shandong University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China.
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7
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Abbaali I, Truong D, Day SD, Mushayeed F, Ganesh B, Haro-Ramirez N, Isles J, Nag H, Pham C, Shah P, Tomar I, Manel-Romero C, Morrissette NS. The tubulin database: Linking mutations, modifications, ligands and local interactions. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0295279. [PMID: 38064432 PMCID: PMC10707541 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Microtubules are polymeric filaments, constructed of α-β tubulin heterodimers that underlie critical subcellular structures in eukaryotic organisms. Four homologous proteins (γ-, δ-, ε- and ζ-tubulin) additionally contribute to specialized microtubule functions. Although there is an immense volume of publicly available data pertaining to tubulins, it is difficult to assimilate all potentially relevant information across diverse organisms, isotypes, and categories of data. We previously assembled an extensive web-based catalogue of published missense mutations to tubulins with >1,500 entries that each document a specific substitution to a discrete tubulin, the species where the mutation was described and the associated phenotype with hyperlinks to the amino acid sequence and citation(s) for research. This report describes a significant update and expansion of our online resource (TubulinDB.bio.uci.edu) to nearly 18,000 entries. It now encompasses a cross-referenced catalog of post-translational modifications (PTMs) to tubulin drawn from public datasets, primary literature, and predictive algorithms. In addition, tubulin protein structures were used to define local interactions with bound ligands (GTP, GDP and diverse microtubule-targeting agents) and amino acids at the intradimer interface, within the microtubule lattice and with associated proteins. To effectively cross-reference these datasets, we established a universal tubulin numbering system to map entries into a common framework that accommodates specific insertions and deletions to tubulins. Indexing and cross-referencing permitted us to discern previously unappreciated patterns. We describe previously unlinked observations of loss of PTM sites in the context of cancer cells and tubulinopathies. Similarly, we expanded the set of clinical substitutions that may compromise MAP or microtubule-motor interactions by collecting tubulin missense mutations that alter amino acids at the interface with dynein and doublecortin. By expanding the database as a curated resource, we hope to relate model organism data to clinical findings of pathogenic tubulin variants. Ultimately, we aim to aid researchers in hypothesis generation and design of studies to dissect tubulin function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izra Abbaali
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States of America
| | - Danny Truong
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States of America
| | - Shania Deon Day
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States of America
| | - Faliha Mushayeed
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States of America
| | - Bhargavi Ganesh
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States of America
| | - Nancy Haro-Ramirez
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States of America
| | - Juliet Isles
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States of America
| | - Hindol Nag
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States of America
| | - Catherine Pham
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States of America
| | - Priya Shah
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States of America
| | - Ishaan Tomar
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States of America
| | - Carolina Manel-Romero
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States of America
| | - Naomi S. Morrissette
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States of America
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8
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Hu T, Li C, Qiao S, Liu W, Han W, Li W, Shi R, Xue X, Shi J, Huang G, Lin T. Novel variants in TUBB8 gene cause multiple phenotypic abnormalities in human oocytes and early embryos. J Ovarian Res 2023; 16:228. [PMID: 38007525 PMCID: PMC10675859 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-023-01274-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The genotype-phenotype relationships between TUBB8 variants and female infertility are difficult to clearly define due to the complex inheritance patterns and the highly heterogeneous phenotypes. This study aims to identify novel TUBB8 variants and relevant phenotypes in more infertile females. METHODS A total of 35 females with primary infertility were recruited from two reproductive centers and investigated for identifying variants in TUBB8. Pedigree analysis, in-silico analysis and molecular remodeling were performed to assess their clinical significance. The effects of the variants on human oocytes and embryos as well as HeLa cells were analyzed by morphological observations, immunostaining and Western blot. RESULTS We totally identified five novel variants (p.G13R, p.Y50C, p.T136I, p.F265V and p.T366A) and five previously reported variants (p.I4L, p.L42V, p.Q134*, p.V255M and p.V349I) in TUBB8 from 9 unrelated females with primary infertility. These variants were rare and highly conserved among different species, and were inherited in autosomal dominant/recessive patterns, or occurred de novo. In vitro functional assays in HeLa cells revealed that exogenous expression of mutant TUBB8 proteins caused different degrees of microtubule structural disruption. The existence of these pathogenic TUBB8 variants finally induced oocyte maturation arrest or morphological abnormalities, fertilization failure, cleavage failure, embryonic development defects and implantation failure in the affected females. CONCLUSION These findings enriched the variant spectrum of TUBB8 gene and could contribute to optimize genetic counselling and clinical management of females with primary infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingwenyi Hu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Chong Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Sen Qiao
- Reproductive Center, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, 710003, Shaanxi, China
| | - Weiwei Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Wei Han
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Wei Li
- Reproductive Center, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, 710003, Shaanxi, China
| | - Rong Shi
- Reproductive Center, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, 710003, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xia Xue
- Reproductive Center, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, 710003, Shaanxi, China
| | - Juanzi Shi
- Reproductive Center, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, 710003, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Guoning Huang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China.
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, 400010, China.
| | - Tingting Lin
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China.
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, 400010, China.
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9
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Chang T, Zhao J, Li Q, Meng A, Xia Q, Li Y, Xiang W, Yao Z. Nuclear-cytoplasmic asynchrony in oocyte maturation caused by TUBB8 variants via impairing microtubule function: a novel pathogenic mechanism. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2023; 21:109. [PMID: 37993944 PMCID: PMC10664611 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-023-01161-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND TUBB8, a crucial gene encoding microtubule protein, plays a pivotal role in cellular processes. Deleterious TUBB8 variants have been shown to significantly hinder oocyte maturation. In this study, we conducted an in vitro investigation using TUBB8 mutant mouse oocytes to elucidate the pathogenic mechanisms of TUBB8 variants in oocyte nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation. METHODS A mutant model was successfully established in mouse oocytes via microinjection to further investigate the effects of four novel discovered TUBB8 mutations on the nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation of mouse oocytes. Immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy were performed to observe the cortical polarity and spindle and of mutant oocytes. Active mitochondrial staining was performed to analyze mitochondrial distribution patterns. Endoplasmic reticulum and Ca2+ staining were conducted to assess ER distribution and cytoplasmic calcium ion concentration in oocytes. RESULTS In mouse oocytes, TUBB8 variants (p.A313V, p.C239W, p.R251Q, and p.G96R) resulted in a reduction of the first polar body extrusion rate, disruption of spindle assembly, and abnormal chromosome distribution. Additionally, these variants induced oocyte organelle abnormalities, including anomalies in mitochondrial redistribution and endoplasmic reticulum stress compared to the wild-type. CONCLUSION Deleterious TUBB8 variants could disrupt microtubule function, affecting critical processes such as spindle assembly, chromosome distribution, and organelle rearrangement during oocyte meiosis. These disruptions culminate in compromised nuclear-cytoplasmic maturation, consequently giving rise to oocyte maturation defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianli Chang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Qi Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Anning Meng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Qiuping Xia
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Yanping Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Wenpei Xiang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hongshan, China
| | - Zhongyuan Yao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China.
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10
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Ebru H, Dahan MH, Sezer O, Başbuğ A, Kaan H, Güngör ND, Baltacı V, Tan SL, Şafak H. TUBB8 mutations as a cause of oocyte maturation abnormalities: presentation of oocyte and embryo profiles and novel mutations. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 47:103257. [PMID: 37672871 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION What are the embryonic profiles and oocyte maturation dynamics in patients with tubulin beta eight class VIII (TUBB8) mutations leading to oocyte maturation abnormalities (OMAS), and are pregnancies possible in this population? DESIGN A prospective cohort study was undertaken in a private fertility clinic between January 2019 and December 2022. Whole-exome genomic studies (WES) were performed to detect mutation types. In-vitro maturation (IVM) was compared in 18 subjects: nine with TUBB8 mutations, and nine without TUBB8 mutations to act as the control group. The distributions of oocyte maturation and embryonic development profiles were recorded. IVF and IVM outcomes of the 18 cases were evaluated. The primary outcomes were the embryonic profiles and maturation dynamics of oocytes derived from IVF or IVM in women as related to TUBB8 mutations. RESULTS Mutations were detected in 52 of 89 (58.4%) women who underwent WES analysis. Twelve TUBB8 mutations were detected in nine women (10.1%) with OMAS. Seven novel TUBB8 mutations were noted. Two pregnancies were obtained in women with c.535 G>A TUBB8 mutations. When comparing IVM outcomes between women with and without TUBB8 mutations, there were no differences in oocyte, embryo or pregnancy parameters (P>0.05 in all cases). CONCLUSIONS It is clear that further TUBB8 mutations which cause oocyte or embryonic arrest will be detected in future. Although biochemical or ectopic pregnancies may be possible in some of these women, no live births or ongoing pregnancies have been reported to date.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael H Dahan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; OriginElle Fertility Centre, OriginElle Fertility Clinic and Women's Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ozlem Sezer
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Samsun University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Alper Başbuğ
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Düzce University, Düzce, Turkey
| | - Hatirnaz Kaan
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Ondokuzmayıs University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Nur Dokuzeylül Güngör
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BAU Medikalpark Göztepe Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Volkan Baltacı
- Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Yüksek Ihtisas University, Ankara, Turkey; Microgen Genetic Diagnosis Centre, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Seang Lin Tan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; OriginElle Fertility Centre, OriginElle Fertility Clinic and Women's Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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11
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Dou Q, Xu H, Ma L, Tan L, Tang W. Phenotypic variability in two female siblings with oocyte maturation arrest due to a TUBB8 variant. BMC Med Genomics 2023; 16:271. [PMID: 37904145 PMCID: PMC10614405 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-023-01712-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Tubulin beta-8 (TUBB8) is expressed exclusively in the oocyte and early embryo, encoding a beta-tubulin polypeptide that participates in the assembly of microtubules. TUBB8 was first attributed to being responsible for oocyte MI arrest. Further studies have demonstrated that patients with different pathogenic variants have variable phenotypes. We report a TUBB8 variant (c.10 A > C) in two siblings who presented different clinical features of primary infertility. The younger sister showed severe oocyte maturation arrest with abnormal morphology, whereas a few mature oocytes and zygotes could be retrieved from the older sister, but no embryo was available for transfer. This variant was previously reported without in vitro functional assays. In the present study, RT‒qPCR and western blot analyses revealed that c.10 A > C reduces TUBB8 mRNA and protein levels; however, immunofluorescence demonstrated that this variant does not change the localization of the protein. These findings confirm the pathogenicity of the c.10 A > C variant and support the relationship between the variant and phenotype in the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Dou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - HongEn Xu
- Precision Medicine Center, Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - LiYing Ma
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Li Tan
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
| | - WenXue Tang
- Precision Medicine Center, Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
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12
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Dong J, Jin L, Bao S, Chen B, Zeng Y, Luo Y, Du X, Sang Q, Wu T, Wang L. Ectopic expression of human TUBB8 leads to increased aneuploidy in mouse oocytes. Cell Discov 2023; 9:105. [PMID: 37875488 PMCID: PMC10598138 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-023-00599-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Aneuploidy seriously compromises female fertility and increases incidence of birth defects. Rates of aneuploidy in human eggs from even young women are significantly higher than those in other mammals. However, intrinsic genetic factors underlying this high incidence of aneuploidy in human eggs remain largely unknown. Here, we found that ectopic expression of human TUBB8 in mouse oocytes increases rates of aneuploidy by causing kinetochore-microtubule (K-MT) attachment defects. Stretched bivalents in mouse oocytes expressing TUBB8 are under less tension, resulting in continuous phosphorylation status of HEC1 by AURKB/C at late metaphase I that impairs the established correct K-MT attachments. This reduced tension in stretched bivalents likely correlates with decreased recruitment of KIF11 on meiotic spindles. We also found that ectopic expression of TUBB8 without its C-terminal tail decreases aneuploidy rates by reducing erroneous K-MT attachments. Importantly, variants in the C-terminal tail of TUBB8 were identified in patients with recurrent miscarriages. Ectopic expression of an identified TUBB8 variant in mouse oocytes also compromises K-MT attachments and increases aneuploidy rates. In conclusion, our study provides novel understanding for physiological mechanisms of aneuploidy in human eggs as well as for pathophysiological mechanisms involved in recurrent miscarriages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Dong
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liping Jin
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shihua Bao
- Department of Reproductive Immunology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Biaobang Chen
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Zeng
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuxi Luo
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xingzhu Du
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Sang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Tianyu Wu
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Lei Wang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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13
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Boroujeni PB, Rooney K, Alikhani M, Rahmati S, Feli G, Haratian K, Movaghar B, Meybodi AM. Evaluation of TUBB8 gene alterations in infertile women with oocyte maturation and cleavage arrest referred to Royan Institute. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 47:103226. [PMID: 37597348 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Are TUBB8 gene variations present in Iranian infertile women with oocyte maturation arrest or embryo cleavage arrest? DESIGN TUBB8 gene variations were investigated by polymerase chain reaction sequencing on blood samples from 16 women with oocyte maturation arrest and 12 women with cleavage arrest, collectively referred to as the experimental cohort, as well as 56 fertile women as the control group. The Exome Sequencing Project and dbSNP databases and the Genome Aggregation Database were used to search the frequency of corresponding variants. PolyPhen and SIFT were used to conduct in-silico analysis of gene variations and Align-GVGD was used to predict the effect of missense variants on proteins. The homology modelling and structure evaluation of variations was also checked. RESULTS Two likely pathogenic variants [c.713C>T (p.Thr238Met), c.1054G>T (p.Ala352Ser)] were identified in patients with oocyte maturation arrest and one likely pathogenic variant [c.G763A, (p.Val255Met)] was identified in a patient with cleavage arrest. These changes were absent in controls. CONCLUSIONS Three deleterious variants in TUBB8 related to oocyte maturation arrest or cleavage arrest and infertility were identified. TUBB8 variant screening for patients with oocyte maturation and cleavage arrest is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parnaz Borjian Boroujeni
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kathleen Rooney
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Molecular Diagnostics Division, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mehdi Alikhani
- Department of Molecular Systems Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saman Rahmati
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ghazaleh Feli
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kaveh Haratian
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Bahar Movaghar
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Anahita Mohseni Meybodi
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran; Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Molecular Diagnostics Division, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
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14
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Zhang X, Hu C, Wu L. Advances in the study of genetic factors and clinical interventions for fertilization failure. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:1787-1805. [PMID: 37289376 PMCID: PMC10371943 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02810-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Fertilization failure refers to the failure in the pronucleus formation, evaluating 16-18 h post in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection. It can be caused by sperm, oocytes, and sperm-oocyte interaction and lead to great financial and physical stress to the patients. Recent advancements in genetics, molecular biology, and clinical-assisted reproductive technology have greatly enhanced research into the causes and treatment of fertilization failure. Here, we review the causes that have been reported to lead to fertilization failure in fertilization processes, including the sperm acrosome reaction, penetration of the cumulus and zona pellucida, recognition and fusion of the sperm and oocyte membranes, oocyte activation, and pronucleus formation. Additionally, we summarize the progress of corresponding treatment methods of fertilization failure. This review will provide the latest research advances in the genetic aspects of fertilization failure and will benefit both researchers and clinical practitioners in reproduction and genetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangjun Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China
| | - Congyuan Hu
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China
| | - Limin Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China.
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15
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Ozturk S. Genetic variants underlying developmental arrests in human preimplantation embryos. Mol Hum Reprod 2023; 29:gaad024. [PMID: 37335858 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaad024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Developmental arrest in preimplantation embryos is one of the major causes of assisted reproduction failure. It is briefly defined as a delay or a failure of embryonic development in producing viable embryos during ART cycles. Permanent or partial developmental arrest can be observed in the human embryos from one-cell to blastocyst stages. These arrests mainly arise from different molecular biological defects, including epigenetic disturbances, ART processes, and genetic variants. Embryonic arrests were found to be associated with a number of variants in the genes playing key roles in embryonic genome activation, mitotic divisions, subcortical maternal complex formation, maternal mRNA clearance, repairing DNA damage, transcriptional, and translational controls. In this review, the biological impacts of these variants are comprehensively evaluated in the light of existing studies. The creation of diagnostic gene panels and potential ways of preventing developmental arrests to obtain competent embryos are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saffet Ozturk
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Antalya, Turkey
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16
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Sahin GN, Yildirim RM, Seli E. Embryonic arrest: causes and implications. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2023; 35:184-192. [PMID: 37039141 DOI: 10.1097/gco.0000000000000871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Embryonic arrest is a key determinant of the number of euploid blastocysts obtained after IVF. Here, we review factors that are implicated in the developmental arrest of preimplantation embryos and their relevance for assisted reproduction outcomes. RECENT FINDINGS Among the treatment options available to infertile women, IVF is the one associated with most favorable outcomes. The cumulative pregnancy rates in women undergoing IVF are determined by aneuploidy rate (age), ovarian response to stimulation (ovarian reserve), and the rate of embryo developmental arrest. Mutations in maternal effect genes, especially those encoding for subcortical maternal complex, have been implicated in human embryo developmental arrest. In addition, perturbation of biological processes, such as mitochondrial unfolded protein response and long noncoding RNA regulatory pathways, may play a role. However, how each of these factors contributes to embryos' arrest in different cohorts and age groups has not been determined. SUMMARY Arrest of human embryos during preimplantation development is a common occurrence and is partly responsible for the limited number of euploid blastocysts obtained in assisted reproduction cycles. Although genetic and metabolic causes have been implicated, the mechanisms responsible for human embryo developmental arrest remain poorly characterized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gizem N Sahin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Raziye M Yildirim
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Emre Seli
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- IVIRMA New Jersey, Basking Ridge, New Jersey, USA
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17
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Wang W, Guo J, Shi J, Li Q, Chen B, Pan Z, Qu R, Fu J, Shi R, Xue X, Mu J, Zhang Z, Wu T, Wang W, Zhao L, Li Q, He L, Sun X, Sang Q, Lin G, Wang L. Bi-allelic pathogenic variants in PABPC1L cause oocyte maturation arrest and female infertility. EMBO Mol Med 2023:e17177. [PMID: 37052235 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202217177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Oocyte maturation arrest is one of the important causes of female infertility, but the genetic factors remain largely unknown. PABPC1L, a predominant poly(A)-binding protein in Xenopus, mouse, and human oocytes and early embryos prior to zygotic genome activation, plays a key role in translational activation of maternal mRNAs. Here, we identified compound heterozygous and homozygous variants in PABPC1L that are responsible for female infertility mainly characterized by oocyte maturation arrest in five individuals. In vitro studies demonstrated that these variants resulted in truncated proteins, reduced protein abundance, altered cytoplasmic localization, and reduced mRNA translational activation by affecting the binding of PABPC1L to mRNA. In vivo, three strains of Pabpc1l knock-in (KI) female mice were infertile. RNA-sequencing analysis showed abnormal activation of the Mos-MAPK pathway in the zygotes of KI mice. Finally, we activated this pathway in mouse zygotes by injecting human MOS mRNA, and this mimicked the phenotype of KI mice. Our findings reveal the important roles of PABPC1L in human oocyte maturation and add a genetic potential candidate gene to be screened for causes of infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijie Wang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, the Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Guo
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Juanzi Shi
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shaanxi Maternal and Child Care Service Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Qun Li
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, the Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Biaobang Chen
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiqi Pan
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, the Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ronggui Qu
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, the Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Fu
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rong Shi
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shaanxi Maternal and Child Care Service Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Xia Xue
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shaanxi Maternal and Child Care Service Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Jian Mu
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, the Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhihua Zhang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, the Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianyu Wu
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, the Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjing Wang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, the Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Zhao
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, the Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiaoli Li
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, the Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin He
- Bio-X Center, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoxi Sun
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Sang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, the Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ge Lin
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, the Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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18
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Li Q, Zhao L, Zeng Y, Kuang Y, Guan Y, Chen B, Xu S, Tang B, Wu L, Mao X, Sun X, Shi J, Xu P, Diao F, Xue S, Bao S, Meng Q, Yuan P, Wang W, Ma N, Song D, Xu B, Dong J, Mu J, Zhang Z, Fan H, Gu H, Li Q, He L, Jin L, Wang L, Sang Q. Large-scale analysis of de novo mutations identifies risk genes for female infertility characterized by oocyte and early embryo defects. Genome Biol 2023; 24:68. [PMID: 37024973 PMCID: PMC10080761 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-023-02894-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oocyte maturation arrest and early embryonic arrest are important reproductive phenotypes resulting in female infertility and cause the recurrent failure of assisted reproductive technology (ART). However, the genetic etiologies of these female infertility-related phenotypes are poorly understood. Previous studies have mainly focused on inherited mutations based on large pedigrees or consanguineous patients. However, the role of de novo mutations (DNMs) in these phenotypes remains to be elucidated. RESULTS To decipher the role of DNMs in ART failure and female infertility with oocyte and embryo defects, we explore the landscape of DNMs in 473 infertile parent-child trios and identify a set of 481 confident DNMs distributed in 474 genes. Gene ontology analysis reveals that the identified genes with DNMs are enriched in signaling pathways associated with female reproductive processes such as meiosis, embryonic development, and reproductive structure development. We perform functional assays on the effects of DNMs in a representative gene Tubulin Alpha 4a (TUBA4A), which shows the most significant enrichment of DNMs in the infertile parent-child trios. DNMs in TUBA4A disrupt the normal assembly of the microtubule network in HeLa cells, and microinjection of DNM TUBA4A cRNAs causes abnormalities in mouse oocyte maturation or embryo development, suggesting the pathogenic role of these DNMs in TUBA4A. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest novel genetic insights that DNMs contribute to female infertility with oocyte and embryo defects. This study also provides potential genetic markers and facilitates the genetic diagnosis of recurrent ART failure and female infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qun Li
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, the Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Lin Zhao
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, the Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yang Zeng
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, the Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yanping Kuang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai Ninth Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Yichun Guan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Biaobang Chen
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Shiru Xu
- Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, 518001, Guangdong, China
| | - Bin Tang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First People's Hospital of Changde City, Changde, 415000, China
| | - Ling Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai Ninth Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Xiaoyan Mao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai Ninth Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Xiaoxi Sun
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Juanzi Shi
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, 710000, China
| | - Peng Xu
- Hainan Jinghua Hejing Hospital for Reproductive Medicine, Haikou, 570125, China
| | - Feiyang Diao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, 210036, China
| | - Songguo Xue
- Reproductive Medicine Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shihua Bao
- Department of Reproductive Immunology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201204, China
| | - Qingxia Meng
- Center for Reproduction and Genetics, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Ping Yuan
- IVF Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Wenjun Wang
- IVF Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Ning Ma
- Reproductive Medical Center, Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Hainan Province, Haikou, 570206, Hainan Province, China
| | - Di Song
- Naval Medical University, Changhai Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Bei Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jie Dong
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, the Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jian Mu
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, the Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zhihua Zhang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, the Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Huizhen Fan
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, the Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Hao Gu
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, the Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Qiaoli Li
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, the Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lin He
- Bio-X Center, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Li Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, the Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Qing Sang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, the Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Zhang J, Li S, Huang F, Xu R, Wang D, Song T, Liang B, Liu D, Chen J, Shi X, Huang HL. A novel compound heterozygous mutation in TUBB8 causing early embryonic developmental arrest. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:753-763. [PMID: 36735156 PMCID: PMC10224908 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02734-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Mutations in the β-tubulin isotype, TUBB8, can cause female infertility. Although several mutations of TUBB8 have been reported, the full spectrum for guiding genetics counseling still needs to be further explored. Here, we sought to identify novel variants in TUBB8 and their phenotypic effects on microtubule network structure in vitro. METHODS Whole-exome sequence analysis was performed in two families with infertility to detect pathogenic variants, with validation by Sanger sequencing. All gene variants and protein structures were predicted in silico. Cells were transfected with wild-type and mutants, and immunofluorescence analysis was performed to visualize microtubule network changes. RESULTS We detected a novel compound heterozygous mutation, c.915_916delCC (p.Arg306Serfs*21) and c.82C > T (p.His28Tyr), and a benign heterozygous variant c.1286C > T (p.Thr429Met) in TUBB8 in the two families. Female patients with p.Arg306Serfs*21 and p.His28Tyr were infertile with early embryonic developmental arrest. The female patient with p.Thr429Met gave birth to a healthy baby in the second in vitro fertilization frozen embryo transfer cycle. The p.Arg306Serfs*21 mutation was predicted to cause large structural alteration in the TUBB8 protein and was confirmed to produce a truncated and trace protein by western blot analysis. Immunofluorescence analysis of transfected HeLa cells showed that p.Arg306Serfs*21 significantly disrupted microtubule structure. CONCLUSIONS Our findings expand the known mutational spectrum of TUBB8 associated with early embryonic developmental arrest and female infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 139, Renmin Middle Road, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Suping Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Chenzhou No. 1 People's Hospital, Chenzhou, 412000, Hunan, China
| | - Fei Huang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 139, Renmin Middle Road, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Ru Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 139, Renmin Middle Road, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Dao Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 139, Renmin Middle Road, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Tian Song
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 139, Renmin Middle Road, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Boluo Liang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 139, Renmin Middle Road, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 139, Renmin Middle Road, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Jianlin Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 139, Renmin Middle Road, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaobo Shi
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 139, Renmin Middle Road, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Hua-Lin Huang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 139, Renmin Middle Road, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China.
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20
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Yu W, Zhang S, Yin B, Dong C, Zhang VW, Zhang C. Identification of TUBB8 Variants in 5 Primary Infertile Women with Multiple Phenotypes in Oocytes and Early Embryos. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:1376-1382. [PMID: 36197634 PMCID: PMC10159944 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-01079-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/10/2022]
Abstract
Tubulin beta 8 class VIII (TUBB8) is a β-tubulin isotype that is specifically expressed in human oocytes and early embryos. It has been identified as a disease-causing gene in primary female infertility by affecting oocyte maturation arrest. This study investigated the genetic cause of female infertility in five patients from four families. Five women with primary infertility were recruited. Medical-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing were performed on the patients, and their family members to identify candidate genes that explained infertility. Additionally, the morphology of oocytes and zygotes from the patients and controls were assessed. We observed recurrent oocytes MI arrest, oocytes abnormal fertilization, uncleaved embryos, and embryo transfer failure in the patients. Heterozygous missense variants in TUBB8, c.538G > A (p.V180M), c.527C > G (p.S176W), c.124C > G (p.L42V), and c.628A > C (p.I210L), were verified in four unrelated families. This study expanded the mutational spectrum of TUBB8 by identifying three novel heterozygous missense variants. Screening for TUBB8 mutation demonstrated the diagnostic utility of female infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenzhu Yu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, and Henan Provincial People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproductive Bioengineering, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Shaodi Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, and Henan Provincial People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
- Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproductive Bioengineering, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
| | - Baoli Yin
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, and Henan Provincial People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproductive Bioengineering, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Chang Dong
- AmCare Genomics Lab, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | | | - Cuilian Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, and Henan Provincial People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
- Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproductive Bioengineering, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
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21
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Lin T, Liu W, Han W, Tong K, Xiang Y, Liao H, Chen K, He Y, Liu D, Huang G. Genetic screening and analysis of TUBB8 variants in females seeking ART. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 46:244-254. [PMID: 36463079 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2022.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION More than 100 variants have been identified in the TUBB8 gene, which account for approximately 30% of infertile women with oocyte maturation defects. But what is the correlation between the highly phenotypic diversity and genetic variability? Are there other variants in TUBB8 related to female infertility? DESIGN TUBB8 resequencing was performed in 80 female subjects who were experiencing infertility and were seeking treatment with assisted reproductive technologies (ART), or had ever experienced ART failure due to oocyte maturation defects. All variants were evaluated with pedigree analysis, population frequency, in-silico analysis and molecular modelling. The effects of the variants on oocytes/arrested embryos were assessed by morphological observations, immunostaining, embryo biopsies and chromosome euploidy analysis. RESULTS Nine missense variants and two frameshift variants from an additional 15 families were identified, including four novel variants and seven previously reported recurrent variants. These TUBB8 variants were related to highly variable phenotypes, including abnormalities in oocyte maturation or morphology, fertilization failure, embryonic development abnormalities and implantation failure. Also further clarified were the incomplete penetrance of heterozygous p.E108K, the likely benign significance of heterozygous p.A313V and the clinical effect of a novel variant of p.R380C. CONCLUSIONS This study significantly expands the variant spectrum of the TUBB8 gene and, together with the available findings on TUBB8 variants and female infertility, will potentially facilitate the genetic counselling of infertile women in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Lin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Chongqing, China; Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children Chongqing, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering Chongqing, China
| | - Weiwei Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Chongqing, China; Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Han
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Chongqing, China; Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children Chongqing, China
| | - Keya Tong
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Chongqing, China; Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children Chongqing, China
| | - Yezhou Xiang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Chongqing, China; Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children Chongqing, China
| | - Haiyuan Liao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Chongqing, China; Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children Chongqing, China
| | - Ke Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Chongqing, China; Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children Chongqing, China
| | - Yao He
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Chongqing, China; Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children Chongqing, China
| | - Dongyun Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Chongqing, China; Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children Chongqing, China.
| | - Guoning Huang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Chongqing, China; Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children Chongqing, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering Chongqing, China.
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22
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Li W, Li Q, Xu X, Wang C, Hu K, Xu J. Novel mutations in TUBB8 and ZP3 cause human oocyte maturation arrest and female infertility. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2022; 279:132-139. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2022.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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23
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Mu J, Zhou Z, Sang Q, Wang L. The physiological and pathological mechanisms of early embryonic development. FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 2:859-872. [PMID: 38933386 PMCID: PMC11197659 DOI: 10.1016/j.fmre.2022.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Early embryonic development is a complex process. The zygote undergoes several rounds of division to form a blastocyst, and during this process, the zygote undergoes the maternal-to-zygotic transition to gain control of embryonic development and makes two cell fate decisions to differentiate into an embryonic and two extra-embryonic lineages. With the use of new molecular biotechnologies and animal models, we can now further study the molecular mechanisms of early embryonic development and the pathological causes of early embryonic arrest. Here, we first summarize the known molecular regulatory mechanisms of early embryonic development in mice. Then we discuss the pathological factors leading to the early embryonic arrest. We hope that this review will give researchers a relatively complete view of the physiology and pathology of early embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Mu
- The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhou Zhou
- The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Qing Sang
- The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Lei Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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24
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Solovova OA, Chernykh VB. Genetics of Oocyte Maturation Defects and Early Embryo Development Arrest. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:1920. [PMID: 36360157 PMCID: PMC9689903 DOI: 10.3390/genes13111920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Various pathogenic factors can lead to oogenesis failure and seriously affect both female reproductive health and fertility. Genetic factors play an important role in folliculogenesis and oocyte maturation but still need to be clarified. Oocyte maturation is a well-organized complex process, regulated by a large number of genes. Pathogenic variants in these genes as well as aneuploidy, defects in mitochondrial genome, and other genetic and epigenetic factors can result in unexplained infertility, early pregnancy loss, and recurrent failures of IVF/ICSI programs due to poor ovarian response to stimulation, oocyte maturation arrest, poor gamete quality, fertilization failure, or early embryonic developmental arrest. In this paper, we review the main genes, as well as provide a description of the defects in the mitochondrial genome, associated with female infertility.
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25
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Attard TJ, Welburn JPI, Marsh JA. Understanding molecular mechanisms and predicting phenotypic effects of pathogenic tubulin mutations. PLoS Comput Biol 2022; 18:e1010611. [PMID: 36206299 PMCID: PMC9581425 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells rely heavily on microtubules for several processes, including cell division and molecular trafficking. Mutations in the different tubulin-α and -β proteins that comprise microtubules have been associated with various diseases and are often dominant, sporadic and congenital. While the earliest reported tubulin mutations affect neurodevelopment, mutations are also associated with other disorders such as bleeding disorders and infertility. We performed a systematic survey of tubulin mutations across all isotypes in order to improve our understanding of how they cause disease, and increase our ability to predict their phenotypic effects. Both protein structural analyses and computational variant effect predictors were very limited in their utility for differentiating between pathogenic and benign mutations. This was even worse for those genes associated with non-neurodevelopmental disorders. We selected tubulin-α and -β disease mutations that were most poorly predicted for experimental characterisation. These mutants co-localise to the mitotic spindle in HeLa cells, suggesting they may exert dominant-negative effects by altering microtubule properties. Our results show that tubulin mutations represent a blind spot for current computational approaches, being much more poorly predicted than mutations in most human disease genes. We suggest that this is likely due to their strong association with dominant-negative and gain-of-function mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J. Attard
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Julie P. I. Welburn
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Joseph A. Marsh
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics & Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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26
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Liu Q, Chen X, Qiao J. Advances in studying human gametogenesis and embryonic development in China. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:12-26. [PMID: 35788258 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac134] [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: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Reproductive medicine in China has developed rapidly since 1988 due to the support from the government and scientific exploration. However, the success rate of assisted reproduction technology (ART) is around 30-40% and many unknown "black boxes" in gametogenesis and embryo development are still present. With the development of single-cell and low-input sequencing technologies, the network of transcriptome and epigenetic regulation (DNA methylation, chromatin accessibility, and histone modifications) during the development of human primordial germ cells (PGCs), gametes and embryos has been investigated in depth. Furthermore, pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT) has also rapidly developed. In this review, we summarize and analyze China's outstanding progress in these fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Qiao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China.,Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Beijing, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Research Units of Comprehensive Diagnosis and Treatment of Oocyte Maturation Arrest, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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Wieland J, Buchan S, Sen Gupta S, Mantzouratou A. Genomic instability and the link to infertility: A focus on microsatellites and genomic instability syndromes. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2022; 274:229-237. [PMID: 35671666 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2022.06.001] [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: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Infertility is associated to multiple types of different genomic instabilities and is a genetic feature of genomic instability syndromes. While the mismatch repair machinery contributes to the maintenance of genome integrity, surprisingly its potential role in infertility is overlooked. Defects in mismatch repair mechanisms contribute to microsatellite instability and genomic instability syndromes, due to the inability to repair newly replicated DNA. This article reviews the literature to date to elucidate the contribution of microsatellite instability to genomic instability syndromes and infertility. The key findings presented reveal microsatellite instability is poorly researched in genomic instability syndromes and infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Wieland
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Bournemouth University, Poole BH12 5BB, UK.
| | - Sarah Buchan
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Bournemouth University, Poole BH12 5BB, UK.
| | - Sioban Sen Gupta
- Institute for Women's Health, 86-96 Chenies Mews, University College London, London WC1E 6HX, UK.
| | - Anna Mantzouratou
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Bournemouth University, Poole BH12 5BB, UK.
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28
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Abstract
The microtubule cytoskeleton is assembled from the α- and β-tubulin subunits of the canonical tubulin heterodimer, which polymerizes into microtubules, and a small number of other family members, such as γ-tubulin, with specialized functions. Overall, microtubule function involves the collective action of multiple α- and β-tubulin isotypes. However, despite 40 years of awareness that most eukaryotes harbor multiple tubulin isotypes, their role in the microtubule cytoskeleton has remained relatively unclear. Various model organisms offer specific advantages for gaining insight into the role of tubulin isotypes. Whereas simple unicellular organisms such as yeast provide experimental tractability that can facilitate deeper access to mechanistic details, more complex organisms, such as the fruit fly, nematode and mouse, can be used to discern potential specialized functions of tissue- and structure-specific isotypes. Here, we review the role of α- and β-tubulin isotypes in microtubule function and in associated tubulinopathies with an emphasis on the advances gained using model organisms. Overall, we argue that studying tubulin isotypes in a range of organisms can reveal the fundamental mechanisms by which they mediate microtubule function. It will also provide valuable perspectives on how these mechanisms underlie the functional and biological diversity of the cytoskeleton.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel T Nsamba
- Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Mohan L Gupta
- Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
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Yao Z, Zeng J, Zhu H, Zhao J, Wang X, Xia Q, Li Y, Wu L. Mutation analysis of the TUBB8 gene in primary infertile women with oocyte maturation arrest. J Ovarian Res 2022; 15:38. [PMID: 35354490 PMCID: PMC8969352 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-022-00971-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Oocyte maturation arrest at metaphase I leads to fertilization failure in humans. In early embryos, the tubulin beta 8 class VIII (TUBB8) encodes a β-tubulin isotype and aids in the assembling of the human oocyte spindle. Mutations in the TUBB8 potentially interfere with human oocyte maturation—a crucial prerequisite for fertilization and subsequent embryonic development. This study aims to investigate the novel mutations in TUBB8 and their prevalence. Results Hundred fertile women (controls) and eleven infertile women with oocyte maturation arrest were chosen for the study. A total of five TUBB8 heterozygous/homozygous mutations were found in eleven infertile females (p.A313V, p.C239W, p.R251Q, p.P358L, and p.G96R). The Exome Aggregation Consortium (ExAC), SIFT, and PolyPhen-2 analyses revealed that p. A313V has unknown pathogenicity and p.C239W, p.R251Q, p.P358L, and p.G96R have possible pathogenicity. The wild-type (WT) and four mutant gene constructs were transfected to Hela cells. The Western blot analysis indicates that the TUBB8 expression of the p.C239W, p.R251Q, and p.G96R mutations was significantly decreased than that of WT. The immunofluorescence assay showed that the Hela cells transfected with either p.C239W, p.R251Q, or p.G96R mutations exhibited the disrupted microtubule structure, revealing a significant difference in the organization of the microtubule network compared to the WT. Conclusions We identified three novel variants and two reported variants out of 11 infertile women with oocyte metaphase I arrest. According to the present data, TUBB8 gene variants account for 31.96% of all participants (109/341) with oocyte maturation arrest. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13048-022-00971-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongyuan Yao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China.,Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Jun Zeng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Huimin Zhu
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China.,Clinical Research Center for Women's, Reproductive Health in Hunan Province, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaoxia Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Qiuping Xia
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China.,Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Yanping Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China. .,Clinical Research Center for Women's, Reproductive Health in Hunan Province, Hunan, China.
| | - Lingqian Wu
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China.
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Hatırnaz Ş, Hatırnaz ES, Ellibeş Kaya A, Hatırnaz K, Soyer Çalışkan C, Sezer Ö, Dokuzeylül Güngor N, Demirel C, Baltacı V, Tan S, Dahan M. Oocyte maturation abnormalities - A systematic review of the evidence and mechanisms in a rare but difficult to manage fertility pheneomina. Turk J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 19:60-80. [PMID: 35343221 PMCID: PMC8966321 DOI: 10.4274/tjod.galenos.2022.76329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A small proportion of infertile women experience repeated oocyte maturation abnormalities (OMAS). OMAS include degenerated and dysmorphic oocytes, empty follicle syndrome, oocyte maturation arrest (OMA), resistant ovary syndrome and maturation defects due to primary ovarian insufficiency. Genetic factors play an important role in OMAS but still need specifications. This review documents the spectrum of OMAS and to evaluate the multiple subtypes classified as OMAS. In this review, readers will be able to understand the oocyte maturation mechanism, gene expression and their regulation that lead to different subtypes of OMAs, and it will discuss the animal and human studies related to OMAS and lastly the treatment options for OMAs. Literature searches using PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence were performed to identify articles written in English focusing on Oocyte Maturation Abnormalities by looking for the following relevant keywords. A search was made with the specified keywords and included books and documents, clinical trials, animal studies, human studies, meta-analysis, randomized controlled trials, reviews, systematic reviews and options written in english. The search detected 3,953 sources published from 1961 to 2021. After title and abstract screening for study type, duplicates and relevancy, 2,914 studies were excluded. The remaining 1,039 records were assessed for eligibility by full-text reading and 886 records were then excluded. Two hundred and twenty seven full-text articles and 0 book chapters from the database were selected for inclusion. Overall, 227 articles, one unpublished and one abstract paper were included in this final review. In this review study, OMAS were classified and extensively evaluatedand possible treatment options under the light of current information, present literature and ongoing studies. Either genetic studies or in vitro maturation studies that will be handled in the future will lead more informations to be reached and may make it possible to obtain pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Şafak Hatırnaz
- Medicana Samsun International Hospital, In Vitro Fertilization-In Vitro Maturation Unit, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Ebru Saynur Hatırnaz
- Medicana Samsun International Hospital, In Vitro Fertilization-In Vitro Maturation Unit, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Aşkı Ellibeş Kaya
- Private Office, Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Kaan Hatırnaz
- Ondokuz Mayıs University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Canan Soyer Çalışkan
- University of Health Sciences Turkey, Samsun Training and Research Hospital, Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Özlem Sezer
- University of Health Sciences Turkey, Samsun Training and Research Hospital, Clinic of Genetics, Samsun, Turkey
| | | | - Cem Demirel
- Memorial Ataşehir Hospital, In Vitro Fertilization Unit, İstanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Seang Tan
- James Edmund Dodds Chair in ObGyn, Department of ObGyn, McGill University, OriginElle Fertility Clinic and Women, QC, Canada
| | - Michael Dahan
- McGill Reproductive Centre, Department of ObGyn, McGill University Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Picchetta L, Caroselli S, Figliuzzi M, Cogo F, Zambon P, Costa M, Pergher I, Patassini C, Cortellessa F, Zuccarello D, Poli M, Capalbo A. Molecular tools for the genomic assessment of oocyte’s reproductive competence. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:847-860. [PMID: 35124783 PMCID: PMC9050973 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02411-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The most important factor associated with oocytes' developmental competence has been widely identified as the presence of chromosomal abnormalities. However, growing application of genome-wide sequencing (GS) in population diagnostics has enabled the identification of multifactorial genetic predispositions to sub-lethal pathologies, including those affecting IVF outcomes and reproductive fitness. Indeed, GS analysis in families with history of isolated infertility has recently led to the discovery of new genes and variants involved in specific human infertility endophenotypes that impact the availability and the functionality of female gametes by altering unique mechanisms necessary for oocyte maturation and early embryo development. Ongoing advancements in analytical and bioinformatic pipelines for the study of the genetic determinants of oocyte competence may provide the biological evidence required not only for improving the diagnosis of isolated female infertility but also for the development of novel preventive and therapeutic approaches for reproductive failure. Here, we provide an updated discussion and review of the progresses made in preconception genomic medicine in the identification of genetic factors associated with oocyte availability, function, and competence.
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Huo M, Zhang Y, Shi S, Shi H, Liu Y, Zhang L, Wang Y, Niu W. Gene Spectrum and Clinical Traits of Nine Patients With Oocyte Maturation Arrest. Front Genet 2022; 13:772143. [PMID: 35140748 PMCID: PMC8819080 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.772143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Oocyte maturation arrest is a disease that produces immature oocytes and cannot be mature after culturing in vitro, which leads to female primary infertility. We aimed to summarize nine representative patients in our center to retrospectively analyze the genetic variants and clinical characteristics of oocyte maturation arrest. Methods: This study examined and analyzed nine families with oocyte maturation arrest. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) of the probands was performed to detect the pathogenic variants. Sanger sequencing verified the WES findings in patients and available parents. ExAC database was used to search the variant frequency. The variants were assessed by pathogenicity and conservational property prediction analysis and according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG). Phenotypes of oocytes were evaluated by a light microscopy, and the phenotype-genotype correlation was also evaluated. Results: Nine pathogenic variants in five genes were detected in nine patients, of which three were novel variants, including PATL2 [c.1374A > G (p. Ile458Met)] and [1289-1291del TCC (p. Leu430del)] and ZP2 [c.1543C > T (p. Pro515Ser)]. Nine variants were predicted to be pathogenic, resulting in different types of oocyte maturation arrest and clinical phenotypes. Conclusion: Three novel pathogenic variants were identified, enabling the expansion of the gene variant spectrum. The related pathogenic mutations of the PATL2, TUBB8, and ZP1∼3 genes were highly suggestive of being causative of oocyte maturation arrest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhu Huo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Provincial Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases (Reproductive Medicine) Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Engineering Laboratory of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis and Screening, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yile Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Provincial Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases (Reproductive Medicine) Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Engineering Laboratory of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis and Screening, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Senlin Shi
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Provincial Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases (Reproductive Medicine) Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Engineering Laboratory of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis and Screening, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hao Shi
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Provincial Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases (Reproductive Medicine) Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Engineering Laboratory of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis and Screening, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yidong Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Provincial Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases (Reproductive Medicine) Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Engineering Laboratory of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis and Screening, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lingyun Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Provincial Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases (Reproductive Medicine) Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Engineering Laboratory of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis and Screening, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yanchi Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Provincial Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases (Reproductive Medicine) Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Engineering Laboratory of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis and Screening, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wenbin Niu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Provincial Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases (Reproductive Medicine) Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Engineering Laboratory of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis and Screening, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Wenbin Niu,
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Abstract
Maternal effect genes (MEGs) encode factors (e.g., RNA) that are present in the oocyte and required for early embryonic development. Hence, while these genes and gene products are of maternal origin, their phenotypic consequences result from effects on the embryo. The first mammalian MEGs were identified in the mouse in 2000 and were associated with early embryonic loss in the offspring of homozygous null females. In humans, the first MEG was identified in 2006, in women who had experienced a range of adverse reproductive outcomes, including hydatidiform moles, spontaneous abortions, and stillbirths. Over 80 mammalian MEGs have subsequently been identified, including several that have been associated with phenotypes in humans. In general, pathogenic variants in MEGs or the absence of MEG products are associated with a spectrum of adverse outcomes, which in humans range from zygotic cleavage failure to offspring with multi-locus imprinting disorders. Although less established, there is also evidence that MEGs are associated with structural birth defects (e.g., craniofacial malformations, congenital heart defects). This review provides an updated summary of mammalian MEGs reported in the literature through early 2021, as well as an overview of the evidence for a link between MEGs and structural birth defects.
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Zhu L, Yang Q, Jin H, Zhou J, Wang M, Yang L, Li Z, Qian K, Jin L. Oocyte phenotype, genetic diagnosis, and clinical outcome in case of patients with oocyte maturation arrest. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1016563. [PMID: 36440233 PMCID: PMC9684610 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1016563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND oocyte maturation arrest (OMA) is currently one of the major causes of in vitro fertilization (IVF) failure, and several gene mutations were found to be associated with OMA. The purpose of this study was to identify the oocyte phenotype, genetic diagnosis, and clinical outcomes of patients with OMA and explore their possible interrelationships, thus providing a more individualized and efficient treatment strategy guidance accordingly. METHODS A retrospective study was conducted, involving 28 infertile women with OMA in the Reproductive Medicine Center of Tongji Hospital from 2018 to 2021. Whole-exome sequencing was performed for the detection of gene mutations. Patients were classified into three groups based on their oocyte phenotype, and for each group, the immature oocytes were cultured in vitro and mature oocytes were fertilized to evaluate both the maturation capacity and developmental potential. The clinical outcomes of OMA patients with different gene mutations or from different groups were further analyzed and compared. RESULTS Twenty-eight women with OMA were evaluated in this study. According to the stage of OMA, 14 (50.0%) women were classified as OMA Type-1 (GV arrest), 5 (17.9%) were OMA Type-2 (MI arrest), and 9 (32.1%) were OMA Type-3 (with both GV and MI arrest). Immature oocytes from OMA patients exhibited significantly lower maturation rates even after IVM, compared to those in general patients. Seven patients (25.0%) were detected to have deleterious variations in two genes (PATL2 and TUBB8), known to be associated with the OMA phenotype. Patients with identified mutations were found to have little opportunity to obtain offspring with their own oocytes. Among the patients without mutations identified, those classified as OMA Type-1 or Type-3 still had a chance to obtain offspring through IVF or natural pregnancy, while all patients in the Type-2 group failed to obtain live birth. CONCLUSIONS Three different phenotypes were observed in patients with OMA. The clinical outcomes of patients were associated with the presence of gene mutations and the classification of oocyte phenotype, thus a reasonable triage system was proposed to optimize the allocation of health care resources and maximize patient benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Zhou Li
- *Correspondence: Zhou Li, ; Kun Qian, ; Lei Jin,
| | - Kun Qian
- *Correspondence: Zhou Li, ; Kun Qian, ; Lei Jin,
| | - Lei Jin
- *Correspondence: Zhou Li, ; Kun Qian, ; Lei Jin,
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Xue Y, Cheng X, Xiong Y, Li K. Gene mutations associated with fertilization failure after in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1086883. [PMID: 36589837 PMCID: PMC9800785 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1086883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Fertilization failure during assisted reproductive technologies (ART) is often unpredictable, as this failure is encountered only after in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) have been performed. The etiology of fertilization failure remains elusive. More and more mutations of genes are found to be involved in human fertilization failure in infertile patients as high throughput sequencing techniques are becoming widely applied. In this review, the mutations of nine important genes expressed in sperm or oocytes, PLCZ1, ACTL7A, ACTL9, DNAH17, WEE2, TUBB8, NLRP5, ZP2, and TLE6, were summarized and discussed. These abnormalities mainly have shown Mendelian patterns of inheritance, including dominant and recessive inheritance, although de novo mutations were present in some cases. The review revealed the crucial roles of each reported gene in the fertilization process and summarized all known mutations and their corresponding phenotypes. The review suggested the mutations might become promising targets for precision treatments in reproductive medicine. Moreover, our work will provide some helpful clues for genetic counseling, risk prediction, and optimizing clinical treatments for human infertility by supplying the useful and timely information on the genetic causes leading to fertilization failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamei Xue
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohong Cheng
- Institute for Reproductive Health, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuping Xiong
- Institute for Reproductive Health, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kun Li
- Institute for Reproductive Health, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Experimental Animal’s & Nonclinical Laboratory Studies, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Kun Li,
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Li J, Chen H, Gou M, Tian C, Wang H, Song X, Keefe DL, Bai X, Liu L. Molecular Features of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Revealed by Transcriptome Analysis of Oocytes and Cumulus Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:735684. [PMID: 34552933 PMCID: PMC8450412 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.735684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is typically characterized by a polycystic ovarian morphology, hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, and infertility. Furthermore, PCOS patients undergoing ovarian stimulation have more oocytes; however, the poor quality of oocytes leads to lower fertilization and implantation rates, decreased pregnancy rates, and increased miscarriage rates. The complex molecular mechanisms underlying PCOS and the poor quality of oocytes remain to be elucidated. We obtained matched oocytes and cumulus cells (CCs) from PCOS patients, compared them with age-matched controls, and performed RNA sequencing analysis to explore the transcriptional characteristics of their oocytes and CCs. Moreover, we validated our newly confirmed candidate genes for PCOS by immunofluorescence. Unsupervised clustering analysis showed that the overall global gene expression patterns and transposable element (TE) expression profiles of PCOS patients tightly clustered together, clearly distinct from those of controls. Abnormalities in functionally important pathways are found in PCOS oocytes. Notably, genes involved in microtubule processes, TUBB8 and TUBA1C, are overexpressed in PCOS oocytes. The metabolic and oxidative phosphorylation pathways are also dysregulated in both oocytes and CCs from PCOS patients. Moreover, in oocytes, differentially expressed TEs are not uniformly dispersed in human chromosomes. Endogenous retrovirus 1 (ERV1) elements located on chromosomes 2, 3, 4, and 5 are rather highly upregulated. Interestingly, these correlate with the most highly expressed protein-coding genes, including tubulin-associated genes TUBA1C, TUBB8P8, and TUBB8, linking the ERV1 elements to the occurrence of PCOS. Our comprehensive analysis of gene expression in oocytes and CCs, including TE expression, revealed the specific molecular features of PCOS. The aberrantly elevated expression of TUBB8 and TUBA1C and ERV1 provides additional markers for PCOS and may contribute to the compromised oocyte developmental competence in PCOS patients. Our findings may also have implications for treatment strategies to improve oocyte maturation and the pregnancy outcomes for women with PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Haixia Chen
- The Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Mo Gou
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Chenglei Tian
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Huasong Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xueru Song
- The Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - David L Keefe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Xiaohong Bai
- The Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Lin Liu
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
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37
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Cao T, Guo J, Xu Y, Lin X, Deng W, Cheng L, Zhao H, Jiang S, Gao M, Huang J, Xu Y. Two mutations in TUBB8 cause developmental arrest in human oocytes and early embryos. Reprod Biomed Online 2021; 43:891-898. [PMID: 34509376 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2021.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION How can the effect of genetic mutations that may cause primary female infertility be evaluated? DESIGN Patients and their family members underwent whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing to detect the infertility-causing gene and inheritance pattern. To study the function of mutant proteins in vitro, vectors containing wild-type or mutant TUBB8 cDNA were constructed for transient expression in HeLa cells, and in-vitro transcribed mRNA were used for microinjection in germinal vesicle-stage mouse oocytes. Immunofluorescence staining was used to observe the microtubule structure in HeLa cells or meiotic spindle in mouse oocytes. RESULTS A maternally inherited TUBB8 (Tubulin beta 8 class VIII) mutation (NM_177987.2: c. 959G>A: p. R320H) and a previously reported (NM_177987.2: c. 161C>T: p. A54V) recessive mutation from two infertile female patients were identified. The oocytes from the patient carrying p.A54V mutation failed fertilization, whereas oocytes with p.R320H mutation could be fertilized but showed heavy fragmentation during early development. In vitro, functional assays showed that p. A54V mutant disrupted the microtubule structure in HeLa cells (49.3% of transfected cells) and caused large polar body extrusion in mouse oocytes (27.5%), whereas the p.R320H mutant caused a higher abnormal rate (69.7%) in cultured cells and arrested mouse oocytes at meiosis I (38.7%). CONCLUSION Two TUBB8 mutations (p.A54V and p.R320H) were identified and their pathogeny was confirmed by in-vitro functional assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianqi Cao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, the First Affiliated Hospital and School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275
| | - Jing Guo
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, the First Affiliated Hospital and School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275
| | - Yan Xu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, the First Affiliated Hospital and School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275
| | - Xiufeng Lin
- Boai Hospital of Zhongshan, Zhongshan Guangdong, China
| | - Weifen Deng
- Shenzhen Entry and Exit Border Inspection Station Hospital, Shenzhen Guangdong, China
| | - Lizi Cheng
- Boai Hospital of Zhongshan, Zhongshan Guangdong, China
| | - Huan Zhao
- Shenzhen Entry and Exit Border Inspection Station Hospital, Shenzhen Guangdong, China
| | - Shan Jiang
- Boai Hospital of Zhongshan, Zhongshan Guangdong, China
| | - Min Gao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, the First Affiliated Hospital and School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275
| | - Junjiu Huang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, the First Affiliated Hospital and School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275.
| | - Yanwen Xu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, the First Affiliated Hospital and School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275.
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Lu Q, Zhang X, Cao Q, Wang C, Ding J, Zhao C, Zhang J, Ling X, Meng Q, Huo R, Li H. Expanding the Genetic and Phenotypic Spectrum of Female Infertility Caused by TUBB8 Mutations. Reprod Sci 2021; 28:3448-3457. [PMID: 34494234 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00694-0] [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: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Tubulin beta eight class VIII (TUBB8) is a subtype of β-tubulin that only exists in primates. TUBB8 mutations have been reported to cause arrest of oocyte maturation and embryonic development. We aim to further investigate the mutational spectrum of TUBB8 and its relevance with female infertility. In our study, infertile patients were recruited, and their basal and clinical characteristics were analyzed. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood donated by patients. Candidate variants were identified by whole-exome sequencing, selected by relevant criteria, and validated by Sanger sequencing. We found five heterozygous variants: c.C208A(p.P70T), c.T907C(p.C303R), c.G173A(p.R58K), c.G326T(p.G109V), and c.C916T(p.R306C) in TUBB8 among six infertile patients characterized by abnormal phenotypes in oocyte maturation, fertilization, or embryo development. Most of oocytes retrieved from affected individuals were arrested at GV (germinal vesicle) stage and early embryos were arrested at variable stages. In vitro experiments were performed, and the relationship between variant c.G173A(p.R58K), c.C208A(p.P70T), and infertility phenotype was confirmed. We also discussed the possibility about patient II-1 from family 4 is affected by germinal/germline mosaicism. These results expand the kinds of variants and phenotypic spectrum of TUBB8 variants with regard to female infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianneng Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaolan Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiqi Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Congjing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jie Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Reproductive Genetic Center, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Suzhou, China
| | - Chun Zhao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Junqiang Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiufeng Ling
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Qingxia Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China. .,Reproductive Genetic Center, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Suzhou, China.
| | - Ran Huo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China. .,Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Hong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Reproductive Genetic Center, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Suzhou, China
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Dong J, Zhang H, Mao X, Zhu J, Li D, Fu J, Hu J, Wu L, Chen B, Sun Y, Mu J, Zhang Z, Sun X, Zhao L, Wang W, Wang W, Zhou Z, Zeng Y, Du J, Li Q, He L, Jin L, Kuang Y, Wang L, Sang Q. Novel biallelic mutations in MEI1: expanding the phenotypic spectrum to human embryonic arrest and recurrent implantation failure. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:2371-2381. [PMID: 34037756 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are any novel mutations and corresponding new phenotypes, other than recurrent hydatidiform moles, seen in patients with MEI1 mutations? SUMMARY ANSWER We identified several novel mutations in MEI1 causing new phenotypes of early embryonic arrest and recurrent implantation failure. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY It has been reported that biallelic mutations in MEI1, encoding meiotic double-stranded break formation protein 1, cause azoospermia in men and recurrent hydatidiform moles in women. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We first focused on a pedigree in which two sisters were diagnosed with recurrent hydatidiform moles in December 2018. After genetic analysis, two novel mutations in MEI1 were identified. We then expanded the mutational screening to patients with the phenotype of embryonic arrest, recurrent implantation failure, and recurrent pregnancy loss, and found another three novel MEI1 mutations in seven new patients from six families recruited from December 2018 to May 2020. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Nine primary infertility patients were recruited from the reproduction centers in local hospitals. Genomic DNA from the affected individuals, their family members, and healthy controls was extracted from peripheral blood. The MEI1 mutations were screened using whole-exome sequencing and were confirmed by the Sanger sequencing. In silico analysis of mutations was performed with Sorting Intolerant From Tolerant (SIFT) and Protein Variation Effect Analyzer (PROVEAN). The influence of the MEI1 mutations was determined by western blotting and minigene analysis in vitro. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE In this study, we identified five novel mutations in MEI1 in nine patients from seven independent families. Apart from recurrent hydatidiform moles, biallelic mutations in MEI1 were also associated with early embryonic arrest and recurrent implantation failure. In addition, we demonstrated that protein-truncating and missense mutations reduced the protein level of MEI1, while the splicing mutations caused abnormal alternative splicing of MEI1. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Owing to the lack of in vivo data from the oocytes of the patients, the exact molecular mechanism(s) involved in the phenotypes remains unknown and should be further investigated using knock-out or knock-in mice. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our results not only reveal the important role of MEI1 in human oocyte meiosis and early embryonic development, but also extend the phenotypic and mutational spectrum of MEI1 and provide new diagnostic markers for genetic counseling of clinical patients. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2018YFC1003800, 2017YFC1001500, and 2016YFC1000600), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81725006, 81822019, 81771581, 81971450, and 81971382), the project supported by the Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Major Project (2017SHZDZX01), the Project of the Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Commission (19JC1411001), the Natural Science Foundation of Shanghai (19ZR1444500), the Shuguang Program of the Shanghai Education Development Foundation and the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission (18SG03), the Shanghai Health and Family Planning Commission Foundation (20154Y0162), the Strategic Collaborative Research Program of the Ferring Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Ferring Pharmaceuticals and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (FIRMC200507) and the Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering (2020KFKT008). No competing interests are declared. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Dong
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoyan Mao
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Junhua Zhu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The First Hospital of YuLin, Shaanxi, China
| | - Da Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Jing Fu
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jijun Hu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Ling Wu
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Biaobang Chen
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiming Sun
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Mu
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhihua Zhang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoxi Sun
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Zhao
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
| | - Wenjing Wang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weijie Wang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhou Zhou
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Zeng
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Du
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiaoli Li
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin He
- Bio-X Center, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanping Kuang
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Sang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Molecular Drivers of Developmental Arrest in the Human Preimplantation Embryo: A Systematic Review and Critical Analysis Leading to Mapping Future Research. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158353. [PMID: 34361119 PMCID: PMC8347543 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Developmental arrest of the preimplantation embryo is a multifactorial condition, characterized by lack of cellular division for at least 24 hours, hindering the in vitro fertilization cycle outcome. This systematic review aims to present the molecular drivers of developmental arrest, focusing on embryonic and parental factors. A systematic search in PubMed/Medline, Embase and Cochrane-Central-Database was performed in January 2021. A total of 76 studies were included. The identified embryonic factors associated with arrest included gene variations, mitochondrial DNA copy number, methylation patterns, chromosomal abnormalities, metabolic profile and morphological features. Parental factors included, gene variation, protein expression levels and infertility etiology. A valuable conclusion emerging through critical analysis indicated that genetic origins of developmental arrest analyzed from the perspective of parental infertility etiology and the embryo itself, share common ground. This is a unique and long-overdue contribution to literature that for the first time presents an all-inclusive methodological report on the molecular drivers leading to preimplantation embryos’ arrested development. The variety and heterogeneity of developmental arrest drivers, along with their inevitable intertwining relationships does not allow for prioritization on the factors playing a more definitive role in arrested development. This systematic review provides the basis for further research in the field.
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Liu Z, Xi Q, Zhu L, Yang X, Jin L, Wang J, Zhang T, Zhou X, Zhang D, Peng X, Luo Y, Li Z, Zhang X. TUBB8 Mutations Cause Female Infertility with Large Polar Body Oocyte and Fertilization Failure. Reprod Sci 2021; 28:2942-2950. [PMID: 34160777 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00633-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Tubulin beta 8 class VIII (TUBB8) is a special β-tubulin isotype that mainly expressed in primate oocytes and early embryos and identified as the disease-causing gene of human oocyte maturation arrest. To identify the disease-causing genes in 2 patients with female infertility due to large polar body oocyte or fertilization failure, whole-exome sequencing was performed on the patients and available family members. We identified a novel heterozygous missense mutation c.817C>G (p.L273V) and a recently reported heterozygous missense mutation c.608A>G (p.D203G) in TUBB8 from two patients, respectively. We found oocyte with a large polar body in the patient who carried the p.D203G mutation in TUBB8. Bioinformatics analysis showed that these two mutations are harmful. The results of western blot and RT-PCR experiments showed that the D203G mutation caused a significant decrease in the expression of TUBB8, and immunostaining showed that the TUBB8 mutation caused abnormal microtubule morphology. These findings suggest that TUBB8 mutations resulted in oocyte with a large polar body and fertilization failure in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenxing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Qingsong Xi
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Lixia Zhu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xue Yang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Lei Jin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jiarui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaopei Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Dazhi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Xuejie Peng
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Yalin Luo
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Zhou Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Xianqin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, Hubei, China.
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Zheng W, Hu H, Zhang S, Xu X, Gao Y, Gong F, Lu G, Lin G. The comprehensive variant and phenotypic spectrum of TUBB8 in female infertility. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:2261-2272. [PMID: 33970371 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02219-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE TUBB8 is a gene that is frequently analysed in the genetic diagnosis of female infertility; 102 variants of this gene have been identified. However, the evaluation of its pathogenicity and the resulting phenotypes vary. Here, we aimed to identify novel TUBB8 variants as well as to summarize the reported variants and phenotypes in order for them to be included in genetic counselling analyses. METHODS We performed whole exome sequencing to screen for candidate variants in 100 infertile female subjects and 100 controls who were able to conceive naturally. All variants were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. The effects of the variants in oocytes/arrested embryos were assessed by morphological observations, polar body biopsies, and chromosome analysis. A molecular modelling analysis was used to evaluate the possible effects of variants on protein secondary structure. RESULTS We identified 29 TUBB8 variants, of which 20 were novel and five were maternally inherited. We identified three of a total of six recurrent variants that were specific for complete cleavage failure. Moreover, we obtained evidence that TUBB8 variants with large polar bodies had chromosome segregation errors. CONCLUSIONS Our study expands the spectrum of TUBB8 variants, particularly for embryonic arrest. Together with the extant knowledge of TUBB8 variants, this study provides a foundation for the genetic counselling of female infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zheng
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Huiling Hu
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Shuoping Zhang
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Xilin Xu
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Yong Gao
- Wuhan BGI Clinical Laboratory Co., Ltd., Wuhan, 430075, China
| | - Fei Gong
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, 410008, China.,Laboratory of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Guangxiu Lu
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, 410008, China.,Laboratory of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Ge Lin
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, 410008, China. .,Laboratory of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
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Sang Q, Zhou Z, Mu J, Wang L. Genetic factors as potential molecular markers of human oocyte and embryo quality. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:993-1002. [PMID: 33895934 PMCID: PMC8190202 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02196-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful human reproduction requires gamete maturation, fertilization, and early embryonic development. Human oocyte maturation includes nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation, and abnormalities in the process will lead to infertility and recurrent failure of IVF/ICSI attempts. In addition, the quality of oocytes/embryos in the clinic can only be determined by morphological markers, and there is currently a lack of molecular markers for determining oocyte quality. As the number of patients undergoing IVF/ICSI has increased, many patients have been identified with recurrent IVF/ICSI failure. However, the genetic basis behind this phenotype remains largely unknown. In recent years, a few mutant genes have been identified by us and others, which provide potential molecular markers for determining the quality of oocytes/embryos. In this review, we outline the genetic determinants of abnormalities in the processes of oocyte maturation, fertilization, and early embryonic development. Currently, 16 genes (PATL2, TUBB8, TRIP13, ZP1, ZP2, ZP3, PANX1, TLE6, WEE2, CDC20, BTG4, PADI6, NLRP2, NLRP5, KHDC3L, and REC114) have been reported to be the causes of oocyte maturation arrest, fertilization failure, embryonic arrest, and preimplantation embryonic lethality. These abnormalities mainly have Mendelian inheritance patterns, including both dominant inheritance and recessive inheritance, although in some cases de novo mutations have also appeared. In this review, we will introduce the effects of each gene in the specific processes of human early reproduction and will summarize all known variants in these genes and their corresponding phenotypes. Variants in some genes have specific effects on certain steps in the early human reproductive processes, while other variants result in a spectrum of phenotypes. These variants and genetic markers will lay the foundation for individualized genetic counseling and potential treatments for patients and will be the target for precision treatments in reproductive medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Sang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, the Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, and the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Zhou Zhou
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, the Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, and the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jian Mu
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, the Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, and the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, the Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, and the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Zhao L, Guan Y, Meng Q, Wang W, Wu L, Chen B, Hu J, Zhu J, Zhang Z, Mu J, Chen Y, Sun Y, Wu T, Wang W, Zhou Z, Dong J, Zeng Y, Liu R, Li Q, Du J, Kuang Y, Sang Q, Wang L. Identification of Novel Mutations in CDC20: Expanding the Mutational Spectrum for Female Infertility. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:647130. [PMID: 33898437 PMCID: PMC8063106 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.647130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Oocyte maturation and fertilization are fundamental processes for successful human reproduction, and abnormalities in these processes will cause infertility. Recently, we identified biallelic mutations in CDC20 that are responsible for human oocyte maturation arrest, fertilization failure, and early embryonic development arrest. In this study, we screened for further CDC20 mutations in a new cohort of patients with abnormalities in oocyte maturation, fertilization, and early embryonic development. Through whole-exome sequencing, we identified the four novel mutations c.887G > A (p. Arg296Gln), c.964C > T (p.Arg322∗), c.1155G > C (p.Trp385Cys), and c.330 + 1G > A (p. Glu111Ilefs∗36) and one previously reported mutation c.965G > A (p.Arg322Gln) in CDC20 in four infertile individuals from three independent families. The patients had different phenotypes of oocyte maturation arrest and fertilization failure resulting from the different mutations. This study confirms our previous research and expands the spectrum of known mutations in CDC20, providing new evidence supporting the function of CDC20 in the genetic etiology of female infertility characterized by oocyte maturation arrest and fertilization failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhao
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yichun Guan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qingxia Meng
- Center for Reproduction and Genetics, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Weijie Wang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai Ninth Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Biaobang Chen
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jijun Hu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jiawei Zhu
- Center for Reproduction and Genetics, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zhihua Zhang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Mu
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yao Chen
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiming Sun
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianyu Wu
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjing Wang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhou Zhou
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Dong
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Zeng
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruyi Liu
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiaoli Li
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Du
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanping Kuang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai Ninth Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Sang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Dai J, Zhang T, Guo J, Zhou Q, Gu Y, Zhang J, Hu L, Zong Y, Song J, Zhang S, Dai C, Gong F, Lu G, Zheng W, Lin G. Homozygous pathogenic variants in ACTL9 cause fertilization failure and male infertility in humans and mice. Am J Hum Genet 2021; 108:469-481. [PMID: 33626338 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2021.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Total fertilization failure (TFF) can occur during in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments, even following intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Various male or female factors could contribute to TFF. Increasing evidence suggested that genetic variations in PLCZ1, which encodes 1-phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate phosphodiesterase zeta-1 (PLCζ), is involved in oocyte activation and is a key male factor in TFF. In the present study, we explored the genetic variants in male individuals that led to TFF. A total of 54 couples with TFF or poor fertilization (fertilization rate < 20%) were screened, and 21 couples were determined to have a male infertility factor by the mouse oocyte activation test. Whole-exome sequencing of these 21 male individuals identified three homozygous pathogenic variants in ACTL9 (actin like 9) in three individuals. ACTL9 variations led to abnormal ultrastructure of the perinuclear theca (PT), and PLCζ was absent in the head and present in the neck of the mutant sperm, which contributed to failed normal calcium oscillations in oocytes and subsequent TFF. The key roles of ACTL9 in the PT structure and TFF after ICSI were further confirmed in an Actl9-mutated mouse model. Furthermore, assisted oocyte activation by calcium ionophore exposure successfully overcame TFF and achieved live births in a couple with an ACTL9 variant. These findings identified the role of ACTL9 in the PT structure and the correct localization of PLCζ. The results also provide a genetic marker and a therapeutic option for individuals who have undergone ICSI without successful fertilization.
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46
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Biswas L, Tyc K, Yakoubi WE, Morgan K, Xing J, Schindler K. Meiosis interrupted: the genetics of female infertility via meiotic failure. Reproduction 2021; 161:R13-R35. [PMID: 33170803 PMCID: PMC7855740 DOI: 10.1530/rep-20-0422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Idiopathic or 'unexplained' infertility represents as many as 30% of infertility cases worldwide. Conception, implantation, and term delivery of developmentally healthy infants require chromosomally normal (euploid) eggs and sperm. The crux of euploid egg production is error-free meiosis. Pathologic genetic variants dysregulate meiotic processes that occur during prophase I, meiotic resumption, chromosome segregation, and in cell cycle regulation. This dysregulation can result in chromosomally abnormal (aneuploid) eggs. In turn, egg aneuploidy leads to a broad range of clinical infertility phenotypes, including primary ovarian insufficiency and early menopause, egg fertilization failure and embryonic developmental arrest, or recurrent pregnancy loss. Therefore, maternal genetic variants are emerging as infertility biomarkers, which could allow informed reproductive decision-making. Here, we select and deeply examine human genetic variants that likely cause dysregulation of critical meiotic processes in 14 female infertility-associated genes: SYCP3, SYCE1, TRIP13, PSMC3IP, DMC1, MCM8, MCM9, STAG3, PATL2, TUBB8, CEP120, AURKB, AURKC, andWEE2. We discuss the function of each gene in meiosis, explore genotype-phenotype relationships, and delineate the frequencies of infertility-associated variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leelabati Biswas
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Katarzyna Tyc
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Warif El Yakoubi
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Katie Morgan
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Jinchuan Xing
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Karen Schindler
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
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47
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Aneuploidy in human eggs: contributions of the meiotic spindle. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:107-118. [PMID: 33449109 PMCID: PMC7925012 DOI: 10.1042/bst20200043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Human eggs frequently contain an incorrect number of chromosomes, a condition termed aneuploidy. Aneuploidy affects ∼10-25% of eggs in women in their early 30s, and more than 50% of eggs from women over 40. Most aneuploid eggs cannot develop to term upon fertilization, making aneuploidy in eggs a leading cause of miscarriages and infertility. The cellular origins of aneuploidy in human eggs are incompletely understood. Aneuploidy arises from chromosome segregation errors during the two meiotic divisions of the oocyte, the progenitor cell of the egg. Chromosome segregation is driven by a microtubule spindle, which captures and separates the paired chromosomes during meiosis I, and sister chromatids during meiosis II. Recent studies reveal that defects in the organization of the acentrosomal meiotic spindle contribute to human egg aneuploidy. The microtubules of the human oocyte spindle are very frequently incorrectly attached to meiotic kinetochores, the multi-protein complexes on chromosomes to which microtubules bind. Multiple features of human oocyte spindles favour incorrect attachments. These include spindle instability and many age-related changes in chromosome and kinetochore architecture. Here, we review how the unusual spindle assembly mechanism in human oocytes contributes to the remarkably high levels of aneuploidy in young human eggs, and how age-related changes in chromosome and kinetochore architecture cause aneuploidy levels to rise even higher as women approach their forties.
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Capalbo A, Poli M, Riera-Escamilla A, Shukla V, Kudo Høffding M, Krausz C, Hoffmann ER, Simon C. Preconception genome medicine: current state and future perspectives to improve infertility diagnosis and reproductive and health outcomes based on individual genomic data. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 27:254-279. [PMID: 33197264 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our genetic code is now readable, writable and hackable. The recent escalation of genome-wide sequencing (GS) applications in population diagnostics will not only enable the assessment of risks of transmitting well-defined monogenic disorders at preconceptional stages (i.e. carrier screening), but also facilitate identification of multifactorial genetic predispositions to sub-lethal pathologies, including those affecting reproductive fitness. Through GS, the acquisition and curation of reproductive-related findings will warrant the expansion of genetic assessment to new areas of genomic prediction of reproductive phenotypes, pharmacogenomics and molecular embryology, further boosting our knowledge and therapeutic tools for treating infertility and improving women's health. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE In this article, we review current knowledge and potential development of preconception genome analysis aimed at detecting reproductive and individual health risks (recessive genetic disease and medically actionable secondary findings) as well as anticipating specific reproductive outcomes, particularly in the context of IVF. The extension of reproductive genetic risk assessment to the general population and IVF couples will lead to the identification of couples who carry recessive mutations, as well as sub-lethal conditions prior to conception. This approach will provide increased reproductive autonomy to couples, particularly in those cases where preimplantation genetic testing is an available option to avoid the transmission of undesirable conditions. In addition, GS on prospective infertility patients will enable genome-wide association studies specific for infertility phenotypes such as predisposition to premature ovarian failure, increased risk of aneuploidies, complete oocyte immaturity or blastocyst development failure, thus empowering the development of true reproductive precision medicine. SEARCH METHODS Searches of the literature on PubMed Central included combinations of the following MeSH terms: human, genetics, genomics, variants, male, female, fertility, next generation sequencing, genome exome sequencing, expanded carrier screening, secondary findings, pharmacogenomics, controlled ovarian stimulation, preconception, genetics, genome-wide association studies, GWAS. OUTCOMES Through PubMed Central queries, we identified a total of 1409 articles. The full list of articles was assessed for date of publication, limiting the search to studies published within the last 15 years (2004 onwards due to escalating research output of next-generation sequencing studies from that date). The remaining articles' titles were assessed for pertinence to the topic, leaving a total of 644 articles. The use of preconception GS has the potential to identify inheritable genetic conditions concealed in the genome of around 4% of couples looking to conceive. Genomic information during reproductive age will also be useful to anticipate late-onset medically actionable conditions with strong genetic background in around 2-4% of all individuals. Genetic variants correlated with differential response to pharmaceutical treatment in IVF, and clear genotype-phenotype associations are found for aberrant sperm types, oocyte maturation, fertilization or pre- and post-implantation embryonic development. All currently known capabilities of GS at the preconception stage are reviewed along with persisting and forthcoming barriers for the implementation of precise reproductive medicine. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The expansion of sequencing analysis to additional monogenic and polygenic traits may enable the development of cost-effective preconception tests capable of identifying underlying genetic causes of infertility, which have been defined as 'unexplained' until now, thus leading to the development of a true personalized genomic medicine framework in reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Capalbo
- Igenomix Italy, Marostica, Italy.,Igenomix Foundation, INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Antoni Riera-Escamilla
- Andrology Department, Fundació Puigvert, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Sant Pau (IIB-Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vallari Shukla
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, DRNF Center for Chromosome Stability, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Miya Kudo Høffding
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, DRNF Center for Chromosome Stability, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Csilla Krausz
- Andrology Department, Fundació Puigvert, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Sant Pau (IIB-Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Centre of Excellence DeNothe, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Eva R Hoffmann
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, DRNF Center for Chromosome Stability, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Carlos Simon
- Igenomix Foundation, INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology BIDMC, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
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Jia Y, Li K, Zheng C, Tang Y, Bai D, Yin J, Chi F, Zhang Y, Li Y, Tu Z, Wang Y, Pan J, Liang S, Guo Y, Ruan J, Kong P, Wu B, Hu Y, Wang H, Liu W, Teng X, Gao S. Identification and rescue of a novel TUBB8 mutation that causes the first mitotic division defects and infertility. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:2713-2722. [PMID: 32949002 PMCID: PMC7642063 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01945-w] [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: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Tubulin beta eight class VIII (TUBB8) is essential for oogenesis, fertilization, and pre-implantation embryo development in human. Although TUBB8 mutations were recently discovered in meiosis-arrested oocytes of infertile females, there is no effective therapy for this gene mutation caused infertility. Our study aims to further reveal the infertility-causing gene mutations in the patient's family and to explore whether the infertility could be rescued by optimizing the conditions of embryo culture and finally achieve the purpose of making the patient pregnant. METHODS Whole-exome sequence analysis and Sanger sequencing were performed on patients' family members to screen and identify candidate mutant genes. Construction of plasmids, in vitro transcription, microinjection of disease-causing gene cRNA, and immunofluorescence staining were used to recapitulate the infertility phenotype observed in patients and to understand the pathogenic principles. Simultaneously, overexpression of mutant and wild-type cRNA of the candidate gene in mouse oocytes at either germinal vesicle (GV) or metaphase II (MII) stage was performed in the rescue experiment. RESULTS We first identified a novel heritable TUBB8 mutation (c.1041C>A: p.N347K) in the coding region which specifically affects the first mitosis and causes the developmental arrest of early embryos in a three-generation family. We further demonstrated that TUBB8 mutation could lead to abnormal spindle assemble. And moreover, additional expression of wild-type TUBB8 cRNA in the mouse oocytes in which the mutant TUBB8 were expressed can successfully rescue the developmental defects of resulting embryo and produce full-term offspring. CONCLUSIONS Our study not only defines a novel mutation of TUBB8 causing the early cleavage arrest of embryos, but also provides an important basis for treating such female infertility in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanping Jia
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Kunming Li
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Caihong Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Yuanyuan Tang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
- The People's Hospital of Rizhao City in Shandong Province, Rizhao, 276800, China
| | - Dandan Bai
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Jiqing Yin
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Fengli Chi
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yalin Zhang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yanhe Li
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Zhifen Tu
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Jiaping Pan
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Shanshan Liang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yi Guo
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Jingling Ruan
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Pengcheng Kong
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Bi Wu
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Ye Hu
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Hong Wang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Wenqiang Liu
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Xiaoming Teng
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Shaorong Gao
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
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50
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Albertini DF. Closing the circle of reverse genetics in reproductive medicine. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:2631-2633. [PMID: 33111221 PMCID: PMC7590987 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01992-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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