1
|
Wang C, Zhao X, Wu Z, Huang G, Lin R, Chen H, Xu K, Sun K, Zhou H, Shu J. Identification of Differentially Expressed mRNAs and miRNAs and Related Regulatory Networks in Cumulus Oophorus Complexes Associated with Fertilization. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:1408-1419. [PMID: 38216777 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01413-7] [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: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
Cumulus oophorus complexes (COCs) are the first extracellular barriers that sperm must pass through to fuse with oocytes, which have an important role in oocyte maturation and fertilization. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms of COCs involved in fertilization. In this study, COCs were collected and then randomly divided into a test group that interacted with sperm and a control group that did not interact with sperm. Then, the total RNA was extracted; RNA transcriptome and small RNA libraries were prepared, sequenced, and analyzed. The results showed that 1283 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 560 upregulated and 723 downregulated genes. In addition, 57 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMIs) with 35 upregulated and 22 downregulated were also detected. After the RNA-seq results were verified by RT-qPCR, 86 effective DEGs and 40 DEMIs were finally screened and a DEMI-DEG regulatory network was constructed. From this, the top ten hub target genes were HNF4A, SPN, WSCD1, TMEM239, SLC2A4, E2F2, SIAH3, ADORA3, PIK3R2, and GDNF, and they were all downregulated. The top ten hub DEMIs were miR-6876-5p, miR-877-3p, miR-6818-5p, miR-4690-3p, miR-6789-3p, miR-6837-5p, miR-6861-5p, miR-4421, miR-6501-5p, and miR-6875-3p, all of which were upregulated. The KEGG signaling pathway enrichment analysis showed that the effective DEGs were significantly enriched in the calcium, AMPK, and phospholipase D signaling pathways. Our study identified several DEGs and DEMIs and potential miRNA-mRNA regulatory pathways in COCs and these may contribute to fertilization. This study may provide novel insights into potential biomarkers for fertilization failure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caizhu Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Guangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanning, 530003, Guangxi, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Guangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanning, 530003, Guangxi, China
| | - Zhulian Wu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Guangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanning, 530003, Guangxi, China
| | - Guiting Huang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Guangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanning, 530003, Guangxi, China
| | - Ruoyun Lin
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Guangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanning, 530003, Guangxi, China
| | - Huanhua Chen
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Guangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanning, 530003, Guangxi, China
| | - Kongrong Xu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Guangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanning, 530003, Guangxi, China
| | - Kejian Sun
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Guangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanning, 530003, Guangxi, China
| | - Hong Zhou
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Guangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanning, 530003, Guangxi, China.
| | - Jinhui Shu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Guangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanning, 530003, Guangxi, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Fang L, Sun YP, Cheng JC. The role of amphiregulin in ovarian function and disease. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:60. [PMID: 36749397 PMCID: PMC11071807 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04709-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Amphiregulin (AREG) is an epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like growth factor that binds exclusively to the EGF receptor (EGFR). Treatment with luteinizing hormone (LH) and/or human chorionic gonadotropin dramatically induces the expression of AREG in the granulosa cells of the preovulatory follicle. In addition, AREG is the most abundant EGFR ligand in human follicular fluid. Therefore, AREG is considered a predominant propagator that mediates LH surge-regulated ovarian functions in an autocrine and/or paracrine manner. In addition to the well-characterized stimulatory effect of LH on AREG expression, recent studies discovered that several local factors and epigenetic modifications participate in the regulation of ovarian AREG expression. Moreover, aberrant expression of AREG has recently been reported to contribute to the pathogenesis of several ovarian diseases, such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome, and epithelial ovarian cancer. Furthermore, increasing evidence has elucidated new applications of AREG in assisted reproductive technology. Collectively, these studies highlight the importance of AREG in female reproductive health and disease. Understanding the normal and pathological roles of AREG and elucidating the molecular and cellular mechanisms of AREG regulation of ovarian functions will inform innovative approaches for fertility regulation and the prevention and treatment of ovarian diseases. Therefore, this review summarizes the functional roles of AREG in ovarian function and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lanlan Fang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Ying-Pu Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Jung-Chien Cheng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
He H, Zhang H, Pan Y, Zhang T, Yang S, Liu M, Robert N, Wang J, Zhao T, Zhao L, Fan J, Cui Y, Yu S. Low oxygen concentration improves yak oocyte maturation and inhibits apoptosis through HIF-1 and VEGF. Reprod Domest Anim 2021; 57:381-392. [PMID: 34967955 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14076] [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: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The gas-phase environment of in vitro culture system plays an important role in the development of oocytes, and oxygen concentration is one of the important factors. In the present study, we aimed to explore the effect of different oxygen concentrations (20%, 10%, 5% or 1% O2 ) in yak oocyte maturation and to detect the expression of HIF-1α, VEGF and cell apoptosis in yak COCs. First, the maturation rate of oocytes, cleavage rate and blastocysts rate following parthenogenetic activation in the group with 5% oxygen concentration were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the other groups. Then, TUNEL analysis showed that the 5% oxygen concentration group significantly inhibited apoptosis of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) compared to the other group, and the transcription and protein levels of pro-apoptotic factor Bax, HIF-1α and VEGF in yak COCs significantly reduced, while anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-2 significantly increased. Furthermore, immunohistochemical staining results indicated that HIF-1α protein was mainly located in theca follicle interna, mural follicular stratum granulosum, corona radiata and ovarian stroma in the follicular ovarian tissue; while VEGF protein was mainly located in the granulosa and theca cell layers. In summary, our findings demonstrate that 5% oxygen concentration may promote maturation and inhibit apoptosis of oocytes through HIF-1α-mediated VEGF expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Honghong He
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China.,College of Animal Husbandry and Verterinary Medicine, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Huizhu Zhang
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yangyang Pan
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Tongxiang Zhang
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Shanshan Yang
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Minqing Liu
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Niayale Robert
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jinglei Wang
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Tian Zhao
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ling Zhao
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jiangfeng Fan
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yan Cui
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Sijiu Yu
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lim M, Brown HM, Rose RD, Thompson JG, Dunning KR. Dysregulation of bisphosphoglycerate mutase during in vitro maturation of oocytes. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:1363-1372. [PMID: 34052998 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02230-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Oxygen is vital for oocyte maturation; however, oxygen regulation within ovarian follicles is not fully understood. Hemoglobin is abundant within the in vivo matured oocyte, indicating potential function as an oxygen regulator. However, hemoglobin is significantly reduced following in vitro maturation (IVM). The molecule 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate (2,3-BPG) is essential in red blood cells, facilitating release of oxygen from hemoglobin. Towards understanding the role of 2,3-BPG in the oocyte, we characterized gene expression and protein abundance of bisphosphoglycerate mutase (Bpgm), which synthesizes 2,3-BPG, and whether this is altered under low oxygen or hemoglobin addition during IVM. METHODS Hemoglobin and Bpgm expression within in vivo matured human cumulus cells and mouse cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were evaluated to determine physiological levels of Bpgm. During IVM, Bpgm gene expression and protein abundance were analyzed in the presence or absence of low oxygen (2% and 5% oxygen) or exogenous hemoglobin. RESULTS The expression of Bpgm was significantly lower than hemoglobin when mouse COCs were matured in vivo. Following IVM at 20% oxygen, Bpgm gene expression and protein abundance were significantly higher compared to in vivo. At 2% oxygen, Bpgm was significantly higher compared to 20% oxygen, while exogenous hemoglobin resulted in significantly lower Bpgm in the COC. CONCLUSION Hemoglobin and 2,3-BPG may play a role within the maturing COC. This study shows that IVM increases Bpgm within COCs compared to in vivo. Decreasing oxygen concentration and the addition of hemoglobin altered Bpgm, albeit not to levels observed in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan Lim
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Hannah M Brown
- The Victorian Heart Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ryan D Rose
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Fertility SA, St. Andrews Hospital, South Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jeremy G Thompson
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Kylie R Dunning
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
- Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Whitty A, Kind KL, Dunning KR, Thompson JG. Effect of oxygen and glucose availability during in vitro maturation of bovine oocytes on development and gene expression. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:1349-1362. [PMID: 34031767 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02218-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Oxygen tension during the in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes is important for oocyte developmental competence. A conflict exists in the literature as to whether low oxygen during IVM is detrimental or beneficial to the oocyte. Many research and clinical labs use higher than physiological oxygen tension perhaps believing that low-oxygen tension is detrimental to oocyte development. Other studies show that glucose is important if low-oxygen tension is used during maturation. In this study, we look at the link between low oxygen and glucose availability during IVM to resolve misconceptions around low-oxygen tension during IVM. METHODS Bovine cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were matured at 20% vs 7% oxygen in media containing differing glucose concentrations or varying availability. Cleavage and blastocyst rates were recorded. RT-PCR determined expression levels of metabolic, oxygen, and stress-responsive genes following IVM. RESULTS Embryo development in 7% oxygen groups with 2.3mM glucose/low glucose availability was lower than 20% oxygen groups. Under 7% oxygen with 5.6mM glucose or higher glucose availability, rates were restored to those seen in 20% oxygen. Expressions of BNIP3, ENO1, GAPDH, and SLC2A1, were upregulated in 7% oxygen/low glucose, compared to 20% oxygen groups. BNIP3 expression was higher in 7% oxygen group with low glucose availability compared to the 20% groups. CONCLUSION Oocyte developmental competence is negatively impacted following IVM in low oxygen when glucose availability is limited. Glucose concentration and physical culture conditions need to be considered when comparing the effects of different oxygen concentrations during IVM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annie Whitty
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Karen L Kind
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Kylie R Dunning
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia. .,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia. .,Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Level 2, Helen Mayo South Building, Frome Rd, Adelaide, 5005, Australia.
| | - Jeremy G Thompson
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lim M, Brown HM, Kind KL, Thompson JG, Dunning KR. Hemoglobin: potential roles in the oocyte and early embryo†. Biol Reprod 2020; 101:262-270. [PMID: 31058953 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hemoglobin (Hb) is commonly known for its capacity to bind and transport oxygen and carbon dioxide in erythroid cells. However, it plays additional roles in cellular function and health due to its capacity to bind other gases including nitric oxide. Further, Hb acts as a potent antioxidant, quenching reactive oxygen species. Despite its potential roles in cellular function, the preponderance of Hb research remains focused on its role in oxygen regulation. There is increasing evidence that Hb expression is more ubiquitous than previously thought, with Hb and its variants found in a myriad of cell types ranging from macrophages to spermatozoa. The majority of nonerythroid cell types that express Hb are situated within hypoxic environments, suggesting Hb may play a role in hypoxia-inducible factor-regulated gene expression by controlling the level of oxygen available or as an adaptation to low oxygen providing a mechanism to store oxygen. Oocyte maturation and preimplantation embryo development occur within the low oxygen environments of the antral follicle and oviduct/uterus, respectively. Interestingly, Hb was recently found in human cumulus and granulosa cells and murine cumulus-oocyte complexes and preimplantation embryos. Here, we consolidate and analyze the research generated todate on Hb expression in nonerythroid cells with a particular focus on reproductive cell types. We outline future directions of this research to elucidate the role of Hb during oocyte maturation and preimplantation embryo development and finally, we explore the potential clinical applications and benefits of Hb supplementation during the in vitro culture of gametes and embryos.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan Lim
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics.,Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Hannah M Brown
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Karen L Kind
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jeremy G Thompson
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics.,Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Kylie R Dunning
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics.,Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Elshewy N, Ji D, Zhang Z, Chen D, Chen B, Xue R, Wu H, Wang J, Zhou P, Cao Y. Association between mild stimulated IVF/M cycle and early embryo arrest in sub fertile women with/without PCOS. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2020; 18:71. [PMID: 32669130 PMCID: PMC7362506 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-020-00622-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The in vitro maturation (IVM) technique has physical and financial benefits, but a lower efficiency and outcome that is still unclear whether it is related to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) itself or the IVM procedure. In this study, we analyzed the clinical and laboratory outcomes of an optimized IVM protocol in patients with and without PCOS. We also discussed the possible reasons for early embryo arrest in the IVM cycle. METHODS This prospective study involved 58 PCOS patients and 56 non-PCOS patients who underwent mild stimulated IVF combined IVM (IVF/M) cycles. The clinical and laboratory outcomes were compared between the two groups. Also, metaphase II (MII) oocytes were obtained after IVM from the two groups, and in vivo MII oocytes randomly collected from IVF patients were examined for mitochondrial function using a laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM). The aneuploidy rate for arrested cleavage embryos from IVM and IVF oocytes were screened using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). RESULTS Mildly stimulated IVF/M resulted in cumulative clinical pregnancy and implantation rates (40.2, 28.7% in the PCOS group vs. 41.9, 36% in the non-PCOS group), respectively. The blastocyst formation rates were comparable (28% vs. 28.2%) in PCOS and non-PCOS groups, respectively. Using LSCM, there was a significant decrease in the mitochondrial membrane potential of IVM oocytes compared with the control IVF oocytes (P < 0.001), but no significant difference between the PCOS and non-PCOS groups. The NGS showed that the aneuploidy rates were comparable (75, 75, and 66.6%) in IVM-PCOS, IVM-non-PCOS, and control IVF arrested embryos, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The mildly stimulated IVF/M protocol produced acceptable clinical outcomes in PCOS and non-PCOS patients. IVM itself rather than the PCOS condition adversely affected the embryo development through its effect on mitochondrial function, which appeared to be a possible cause for the embryo arrest in the IVM cycles rather than chromosomal aneuploidy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nagwa Elshewy
- grid.412679.f0000 0004 1771 3402Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Dongmei Ji
- grid.412679.f0000 0004 1771 3402Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XKey Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, China
| | - Zhiguo Zhang
- grid.412679.f0000 0004 1771 3402Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, China
- grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XNHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Dawei Chen
- grid.412679.f0000 0004 1771 3402Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, China
- grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XNHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Beili Chen
- grid.412679.f0000 0004 1771 3402Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XKey Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, China
| | - Rufeng Xue
- grid.412679.f0000 0004 1771 3402Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XKey Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, China
| | - Huan Wu
- grid.412679.f0000 0004 1771 3402Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, China
| | - Jianye Wang
- grid.412679.f0000 0004 1771 3402Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- grid.412679.f0000 0004 1771 3402Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XKey Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, China
- grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XNHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Technology Research center for Bio preservation and Artificial Organs, Hefei, China
| | - Yunxia Cao
- grid.412679.f0000 0004 1771 3402Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XKey Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, China
- grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XNHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Technology Research center for Bio preservation and Artificial Organs, Hefei, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Walter J, Monthoux C, Fortes C, Grossmann J, Roschitzki B, Meili T, Riond B, Hofmann-Lehmann R, Naegeli H, Bleul U. The bovine cumulus proteome is influenced by maturation condition and maturational competence of the oocyte. Sci Rep 2020; 10:9880. [PMID: 32555221 PMCID: PMC7303117 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-66822-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes has still a negative impact on the developmental competence of oocytes. Therefore, this study analysed the cumulus proteome of individual cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) with and without maturational competence, matured under in vivo or in vitro conditions (n = 5 per group). A novel, ultrasensitive mass spectrometry (MS) based protein profiling approach, using label-free quantification, was applied. The detected cumulus proteome included 2226 quantifiable proteins and was highly influenced by the maturation condition (479 differentially expressed proteins) as well as maturational competence of the corresponding oocyte (424 differentially expressed proteins). Enrichment analysis showed an overrepresentation of the complement and coagulation cascades (CCC), ECM-receptor interaction and steroid biosynthesis in cumulus of COCs that matured successfully under in vivo conditions. Verification of the origin of CCC proteins was achieved through detection of C3 secretion into the maturation medium, with significantly increasing concentrations from 12 (48.4 ng/ml) to 24 hours (68 ng/ml: p < 0.001). In relation, concentrations in follicular fluid, reflecting the in vivo situation, were >100x higher. In summary, this study identified important pathways that are impaired in IVM cumulus, as well as potential markers of the maturational competence of oocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Walter
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - C Monthoux
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - C Fortes
- Functional Genomics Centre Zurich, University and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - J Grossmann
- Functional Genomics Centre Zurich, University and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, (SIB), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - B Roschitzki
- Functional Genomics Centre Zurich, University and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - T Meili
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - B Riond
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - R Hofmann-Lehmann
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - H Naegeli
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - U Bleul
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Lim M, Brown HM, Kind KL, Breen J, Anastasi MR, Ritter LJ, Tregoweth EK, Dinh DT, Thompson JG, Dunning KR. Haemoglobin expression in in vivo murine preimplantation embryos suggests a role in oxygen-regulated gene expression. Reprod Fertil Dev 2019; 31:724-734. [PMID: 30482269 DOI: 10.1071/rd17321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Haemoglobin expression is not restricted to erythroid cells. We investigated the gene expression of the haemoglobin subunits haemoglobin, alpha adult chain 1 (Hba-a1) and haemoglobin, beta (Hbb), 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate mutase (Bpgm) and the oxygen-regulated genes BCL2/adenovirus E1B interacting protein 3 (Bnip3), solute carrier family 2 (facilitated glucose transporter), member 1 (Slc2a1) and N-myc downstream regulated gene 1 (Ndrg1) in the murine preimplantation embryo, comparing invivo to invitro gene expression. Relatively high levels of Hba-a1 and Hbb were expressed invivo from the 2-cell to blastocyst stage; in contrast, little or no expression occurred invitro. We hypothesised that the presence of haemoglobin invivo creates a low oxygen environment to induce oxygen-regulated gene expression, supported by high expression of Slc2a1 and Ndrg1 in invivo relative to invitro embryos. In addition, analysis of an invitro-derived human embryo gene expression public dataset revealed low expression of haemoglobin subunit alpha (HBA) and HBB, and high expression of BPGM. To explore whether there was a developmental stage-specific effect of haemoglobin, we added exogenous haemoglobin either up to the 4-cell stage or throughout development to the blastocyst stage, but observed no difference in blastocyst rate or the inner cell mass to trophectoderm cell ratio. We conclude that haemoglobin in the invivo preimplantation embryo raises an interesting premise of potential mechanisms for oxygen regulation, which may influence oxygen-regulated gene expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Lim
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - H M Brown
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - K L Kind
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - J Breen
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - M R Anastasi
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - L J Ritter
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - E K Tregoweth
- Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - D T Dinh
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - J G Thompson
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - K R Dunning
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ma L, Wang L, Gao H, Liu N, Zheng Y, Gao Y, Liu S, Jiang Z. Hypoxia Limits the Growth of Bovine Follicles in Vitro by Inhibiting Estrogen Receptor α. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9080551. [PMID: 31412668 PMCID: PMC6721027 DOI: 10.3390/ani9080551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary It is well documented that a hypoxic environment at high altitudes decreased the fertility of female domestic animals because of embryonic or fetal losses, intrauterine growth restriction, and birth weight reduction. However, little study has been performed on for the effects of hypoxia on bovine ovary function. In this study, we found that the hypoxia plays an important role in regulating follicular survival and genes expression. Hypoxia limits the growth of bovine follicles cultured in vitro through inhibition of ERα, which could provide useful information for future studies relating to reproduction of cattle. Abstract Female animals living in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau have lower ovulation rates because of the hypoxic environment, however, the mechanism of hypoxia on animal follicles is unclear. In this study, the effects of hypoxia on bovine follicles were investigated using an in vitro follicular culture system. The results show that there was a significant decrease in follicular diameter from day 3 to day 6 in both hypoxia and hypoxia with estrogen (E2) and fulvestrant (ICI 182780) (hypoxia + E2 + ICI) groups, when compared with a normoxia group (p < 0.05). We also observed significant downregulation of ERα and FSHR, while upregulation of LHCGR expression in the hypoxia group and hypoxia + E2 + ICI groups compared to the normoxia group (p < 0.05). The expression of IGF1 gene was significantly downregulated in hypoxia + E2 + ICI group when compared to the hypoxia + E2 group (p < 0.05). The expression of HIF1A, ADAMTS1, VEGFA, and EDN2 were upregulated in both hypoxia and hypoxia + E2 + ICI groups in comparison to normoxia group (p < 0.05). Under hypoxic conditions, the addition of E2 resulted in a decrease of HIF1A protein but an increase of ERα protein in cultured bovine follicles (p < 0.05). In summary, hypoxia limits the growth of bovine follicle cultured in vitro through inhibition of ERα.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lizhu Ma
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Liqiang Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Huimin Gao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Ning Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Yuxin Zheng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Yan Gao
- Faculty of Medical and Chemical Engineering, Xianyang Vocational Technical College, Tongyi Street, Fengxi new city, Xi'an 712100, China
| | - Shujie Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Plateau Grazing Animal Nutrition and Feed Science of Qinghai Province, Qinghai Plateau Yak Research Center, Qinhai University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Zhongliang Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Walter J, Huwiler F, Fortes C, Grossmann J, Roschitzki B, Hu J, Naegeli H, Laczko E, Bleul U. Analysis of the equine "cumulome" reveals major metabolic aberrations after maturation in vitro. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:588. [PMID: 31315563 PMCID: PMC6637639 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-5836-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Maturation of oocytes under in vitro conditions (IVM) results in impaired developmental competence compared to oocytes matured in vivo. As oocytes are closely coupled to their cumulus complex, elucidating aberrations in cumulus metabolism in vitro is important to bridge the gap towards more physiological maturation conditions. The aim of this study was to analyze the equine “cumulome” in a novel combination of proteomic (nano-HPLC MS/MS) and metabolomic (UPLC-nanoESI-MS) profiling of single cumulus complexes of metaphase II oocytes matured either in vivo (n = 8) or in vitro (n = 7). Results A total of 1811 quantifiable proteins and 906 metabolic compounds were identified. The proteome contained 216 differentially expressed proteins (p ≤ 0.05; FC ≥ 2; 95 decreased and 121 increased in vitro), and the metabolome contained 108 metabolites with significantly different abundance (p ≤ 0.05; FC ≥ 2; 24 decreased and 84 increased in vitro). The in vitro “cumulome” was summarized in the following 10 metabolic groups (containing 78 proteins and 21 metabolites): (1) oxygen supply, (2) glucose metabolism, (3) fatty acid metabolism, (4) oxidative phosphorylation, (5) amino acid metabolism, (6) purine and pyrimidine metabolism, (7) steroid metabolism, (8) extracellular matrix, (9) complement cascade and (10) coagulation cascade. The KEGG pathway “complement and coagulation cascades” (ID4610; n = 21) was significantly overrepresented after in vitro maturation. The findings indicate that the in vitro condition especially affects central metabolism and extracellular matrix composition. Important candidates for the metabolic group oxygen supply were underrepresented after maturation in vitro. Additionally, a shift towards glycolysis was detected in glucose metabolism. Therefore, under in vitro conditions, cumulus cells seem to preferentially consume excess available glucose to meet their energy requirements. Proteins involved in biosynthetic processes for fatty acids, cholesterol, amino acids, and purines exhibited higher abundances after maturation in vitro. Conclusion This study revealed the marked impact of maturation conditions on the “cumulome” of individual cumulus oocyte complexes. Under the studied in vitro milieu, cumulus cells seem to compensate for a lack of important substrates by shifting to aerobic glycolysis. These findings will help to adapt culture media towards more physiological conditions for oocyte maturation. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-019-5836-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Walter
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Fabian Huwiler
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Fortes
- Functional Genomics Center Zurich, University and ETH Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jonas Grossmann
- Functional Genomics Center Zurich, University and ETH Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Bernd Roschitzki
- Functional Genomics Center Zurich, University and ETH Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Junmin Hu
- Functional Genomics Center Zurich, University and ETH Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hanspeter Naegeli
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Endre Laczko
- Functional Genomics Center Zurich, University and ETH Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ulrich Bleul
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kamalludin MH, Garcia-Guerra A, Wiltbank MC, Kirkpatrick BW. Trio, a novel high fecundity allele: I. Transcriptome analysis of granulosa cells from carriers and noncarriers of a major gene for bovine ovulation rate. Biol Reprod 2019; 98:323-334. [PMID: 29088317 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A major gene for bovine ovulation rate has been mapped to a 1.2 Mb region of chromosome 10. Screening of coding regions of positional candidate genes within this region failed to reveal a causative polymorphism, leading to the hypothesis that the phenotype results from differences in candidate gene expression rather than alteration of gene structure. This study tested differences in expression of positional candidate genes in granulosa cells between carriers and noncarriers of the high fecundity allele, as well as characterizing differences in the transcriptomic profile between genotypes. Five carriers and five noncarriers, female descendants of "Trio," a carrier of the high fecundity allele were initially used in an RNA-seq analysis of gene expression. Four of ten samples were contaminated with theca cells, so that six samples were used in the final analysis (three of each genotype). Of 14 973 genes expressed, 143 were differentially expressed (false discovery rate P < 0.05) in carriers versus noncarriers. Among the positional candidate genes, SMAD6 was 6.6-fold overexpressed in the carriers compared to noncarriers (P < 5 × 10-5). This result was replicated in an independent group of 12 females (7 carriers and 5 noncarriers) using quantitative real-time PCR; SMAD6 was 9.3-fold overexpressed in carriers versus noncarriers (P = 1.17 × 10-6). Association of overexpression of SMAD6, an inhibitor of the BMP/SMAD signaling pathway, with high ovulation rate corresponds well with disabling mutations in ligands (BMP15 and GDF9) and a receptor (BMPR1B) of this pathway that cause increased ovulation rate in sheep.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mamat H Kamalludin
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.,Department of Animal Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Alvaro Garcia-Guerra
- Department of Dairy Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Milo C Wiltbank
- Department of Dairy Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Brian W Kirkpatrick
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.,Department of Dairy Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Veraguas D, Cuevas SR, Gallegos PF, Saez‐Ruiz D, Castro FO, Rodriguez‐Alvarez L. eCG stimulation in domestic cats increases the expression of gonadotrophin‐induced genes improving oocyte competence during the non‐breeding season. Reprod Domest Anim 2018; 53:1306-1316. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.13229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Veraguas
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences Universidad de Concepcion Chillán Chile
| | - Sandra R. Cuevas
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences Universidad de Concepcion Chillán Chile
| | - Paula F. Gallegos
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences Universidad de Concepcion Chillán Chile
| | - Darling Saez‐Ruiz
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences Universidad de Concepcion Chillán Chile
| | - Fidel O. Castro
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences Universidad de Concepcion Chillán Chile
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Richani D, Gilchrist RB. The epidermal growth factor network: role in oocyte growth, maturation and developmental competence. Hum Reprod Update 2018; 24:1-14. [PMID: 29029246 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmx029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The LH surge induces great physiological changes within the preovulatory follicle, which culminate in the ovulation of a mature oocyte that is capable of supporting embryo and foetal development. However, unlike mural granulosa cells, the oocyte and its surrounding cumulus cells are not directly responsive to LH, indicating that the LH signal is mediated by secondary factors produced by the granulosa cells. The mechanisms by which the oocyte senses the ovulatory LH signal and hence prepares for ovulation has been a subject of considerable controversy for the past four decades. Within the last 15 years several significant insights have been made into the molecular mechanisms orchestrating oocyte development, maturation and ovulation. These findings centre on the epidermal growth factor (EGF) pathway and the role it plays in the complex signalling network that finely regulates oocyte maturation and ovulation. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review outlines the role of the EGF network during oocyte development and regulation of the ovulatory cascade, and in particular focuses on the effect of the EGF network on oocyte developmental competence. Application of this new knowledge to advances in ART is examined. SEARCH METHODS The PubMed database was used to search for peer-reviewed original and review articles concerning the EGF network. Publications offering a comprehensive description of the role of the EGF network in follicle and oocyte development were used. OUTCOMES It is now clear that acute upregulation of the EGF network is an essential component of the ovulatory cascade as it transmits the LH signal from the periphery of the follicle to the cumulus-oocyte complex (COC). More recent findings have elucidated new roles for the EGF network in the regulation of oocyte development. EGF signalling downregulates the somatic signal 3'5'-cyclic guanine monophosphate that suppresses oocyte meiotic maturation and simultaneously provides meiotic inducing signals. The EGF network also controls translation of maternal transcripts in the quiescent oocyte, a process that is integral to oocyte competence. As a means of restricting the ovulatory signal to the Graffian follicle, most COCs in the ovary are unresponsive to EGF-ligands. Recent studies have revealed that development of a functional EGF signalling network in cumulus cells requires dual endocrine (FSH) and oocyte paracrine cues (growth differentiation factor 9 and bone morphogenetic protein 15), and this occurs progressively in COCs during the last stages of folliculogenesis. Hence, a new concept to emerge is that cumulus cell acquisition of EGF receptor responsiveness represents a developmental hallmark in folliculogenesis, analogous to FSH-induction of LH receptor signalling in mural granulosa cells. Likewise, this event represents a major milestone in the oocyte's developmental progression and acquisition of developmental competence. It is now clear that EGF signalling is perturbed in COCs matured in vitro. This has inspired novel concepts in IVM systems to ameliorate this perturbation, resulting in improved oocyte developmental competence. WIDER IMPLICATIONS An oocyte of high quality is imperative for fertility. Elucidating the fundamental molecular and cellular mechanims by which the EGF network regulates oocyte maturation and ovulation can be expected to open new opportunities in ART. This knowledge has already led to advances in oocyte IVM in animal models. Translation of such advances into a clinical setting should increase the efficacy of IVM, making it a viable treatment option for a wide range of patients, thereby simplifying fertility treatment and bringing substantial cost and health benefits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dulama Richani
- School of Women's and Children's Health, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Robert B Gilchrist
- School of Women's and Children's Health, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Morphogenesis-related gene-expression profile in porcine oocytes before and after in vitro maturation. ZYGOTE 2017; 25:331-340. [PMID: 28669375 DOI: 10.1017/s096719941700020x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian oocyte maturation is achieved when oocytes reach metaphase II (MII) stage, and accumulate mRNA and proteins in the cytoplasm following fertilization. It has been shown that oocytes investigated before and after in vitro maturation (IVM) differ significantly in transcriptomic and proteomic profiles. Additionally, folliculogenesis and oogenesis is accompanied by morphogenetic changes, which significantly influence further zygote formation and embryo growth. This study aimed to determine new transcriptomic markers of porcine oocyte morphogenesis that are associated with cell maturation competence. An Affymetrix microarray assay was performed on an RNA template isolated from porcine oocytes before (n = 150) and after (n = 150) IVM. The brilliant cresyl blue (BCB) staining test was used for identification of cells with the highest developmental capacity. DAVID (Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery) software was used for the extraction of the genes belonging to a cell morphogenesis Gene Ontology group. The control group consisted of freshly isolated oocytes. In total, 12,000 different transcripts were analysed, from which 379 genes were downregulated and 40 were upregulated in oocytes following IVM. We found five genes, SOX9, MAP1B, DAB2, FN1, and CXCL12, that were significantly upregulated in oocytes after IVM (in vitro group) compared with oocytes analysed before IVM (in vivo group). In conclusion, we found new transcriptomic markers of oocyte morphogenesis, which may be also recognized as significant mediators of cellular maturation capacity in pigs. Genes SOX9, MAP1B, DAB2, FN1, and CXCL12 may be involved in the regulation of the MII stage oocyte formation and several other processes that are crucial for porcine reproductive competence.
Collapse
|
16
|
Genome-scale identification of nucleosome organization by using 1000 porcine oocytes at different developmental stages. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0174225. [PMID: 28333987 PMCID: PMC5363847 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0174225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The nucleosome is the basic structural unit of chromosomes, and its occupancy and distribution in promoters are crucial for the regulation of gene expression. During the growth process of porcine oocytes, the "growing" oocytes (SF) have a much higher transcriptional activity than the "fully grown" oocytes (BF). However, the chromosome status of the two kinds of oocytes remains poorly understood. In this study, we profiled the nucleosome distributions of SF and BF with as few as 1000 oocytes. By comparing the altered regions, we found that SF tended toward nucleosome loss and more open chromosome architecture than BF did. BF had decreased nucleosome occupancy in the coding region and increased nucleosome occupancy in the promoter compared to SF. The nucleosome occupancy of SF was higher than that of BF in the GC-poor regions, but lower than that of BF in the GC-rich regions. The nucleosome distribution around the transcriptional start site (TSS) of all the genes of the two samples was basically the same, but the nucleosome occupancy around the TSS of SF was lower than that of BF. GO functional annotation of genes with different nucleosome occupancy in promoter showed the genes were mainly involved in cell, cellular process, and metabolic process biological process. The results of this study revealed the dynamic reorganization of porcine oocytes in different developmental stages and the critical role of nucleosome arrangement during the oocyte growth process.
Collapse
|
17
|
Brown HM, Dunning KR, Sutton-McDowall M, Gilchrist RB, Thompson JG, Russell DL. Failure to launch: aberrant cumulus gene expression during oocyte in vitro maturation. Reproduction 2017; 153:R109-R120. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-16-0426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Revised: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
In vitro maturation (IVM) offers significant benefits for human infertility treatment and animal breeding, but this potential is yet to be fully realised due to reduced oocyte developmental competence in comparison with in vivo matured oocytes. Cumulus cells occupy an essential position in determining oocyte developmental competence. Here we have examined the areas of deficient gene expression, as determined within microarrays primarily from cumulus cells of mouse COCs, but also other species, between in vivo matured and in vitro matured oocytes. By retrospectively analysing the literature, directed by focussing on downregulated genes, we provide an insight as to why the in vitro cumulus cells fail to support full oocyte potential and dissect molecular pathways that have important roles in oocyte competence. We conclude that the roles of epidermal growth factor signalling, the expanded extracellular matrix, cumulus cell metabolism and the immune system are critical deficiencies in cumulus cells of IVM COCs.
Collapse
|
18
|
Bidirectional communication between cumulus cells and the oocyte: Old hands and new players? Theriogenology 2016; 86:62-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2015] [Revised: 01/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
19
|
Kind KL, Tam KKY, Banwell KM, Gauld AD, Russell DL, Macpherson AM, Brown HM, Frank LA, Peet DJ, Thompson JG. Oxygen-regulated gene expression in murine cumulus cells. Reprod Fertil Dev 2015; 27:407-18. [PMID: 24388334 DOI: 10.1071/rd13249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2013] [Accepted: 11/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxygen is an important component of the environment of the cumulus-oocyte complex (COC), both in vivo within the ovarian follicle and during in vitro oocyte maturation (IVM). Cumulus cells have a key role in supporting oocyte development, and cumulus cell function and gene expression are known to be altered when the environment of the COC is perturbed. Oxygen-regulated gene expression is mediated through the actions of the transcription factors, the hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs). In the present study, the effect of oxygen on cumulus cell gene expression was examined following in vitro maturation of the murine COC at 2%, 5% or 20% oxygen. Increased expression of HIF-responsive genes, including glucose transporter-1, lactate dehydrogenase A and BCL2/adenovirus E1B interacting protein 3, was observed in cumulus cells matured at 2% or 5%, compared with 20% oxygen. Stabilisation of HIF1α protein in cumulus cells exposed to low oxygen was confirmed by western blot and HIF-mediated transcriptional activity was demonstrated using a transgenic mouse expressing green fluorescent protein under the control of a promoter containing hypoxia response elements. These results indicate that oxygen concentration influences cumulus cell gene expression and support a role for HIF1α in mediating the cumulus cell response to varying oxygen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen L Kind
- The Robinson Institute, Research Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Kimberley K Y Tam
- The Robinson Institute, Research Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Kelly M Banwell
- The Robinson Institute, Research Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Ashley D Gauld
- The Robinson Institute, Research Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Darryl L Russell
- The Robinson Institute, Research Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Anne M Macpherson
- The Robinson Institute, Research Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Hannah M Brown
- The Robinson Institute, Research Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Laura A Frank
- The Robinson Institute, Research Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Daniel J Peet
- School of Molecular and Biomedical Science, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Jeremy G Thompson
- The Robinson Institute, Research Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Thompson JG, Brown HM, Kind KL, Russell DL. The Ovarian Antral Follicle: Living on the Edge of Hypoxia or Not?1. Biol Reprod 2015; 92:153. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.128660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
|
21
|
Shao L, Chian RC, Xu Y, Yan Z, Zhang Y, Gao C, Gao L, Liu J, Cui Y. Genomic expression profiles in cumulus cells derived from germinal vesicle and MII mouse oocytes. Reprod Fertil Dev 2015; 28:RD15077. [PMID: 25989843 DOI: 10.1071/rd15077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2015] [Accepted: 04/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Cumulus cells (CCs) are distinct from other granulosa cells and the mutual communication between CCs and oocytes is essential for the establishment of oocyte competence. In the present study we assessed genomic expression profiles in mouse CCs before and after oocyte maturation in vitro. Microarray analysis revealed significant changes in gene expression in CCs between the germinal vesicle (GV) and metaphase II (MII) stages, with 2615 upregulated and 2808 downregulated genes. Genes related to epidermal growth factor, extracellular matrix (Ptgs2, Ereg, Tnfaip6 and Efemp1), mitochondrial metabolism (Fdx1 and Aifm2), gap junctions and the cell cycle (Gja1, Gja4, Ccnd2, Ccna2 and Ccnb2) were highlighted as being differentially expressed between the two development stages. Real-time polymerase chain reaction confirmed the validity and reproducibility of the results for the selected differentially expressed genes. Similar expression patterns were identified by western blot analysis for some functional proteins, including EFEMP1, FDX1, GJA1 and CCND2, followed by immunofluorescence localisation. These genes may be potential biomarkers for oocyte developmental competence following fertilisation and will be investigated further in future studies.
Collapse
|
22
|
Dunning KR, Watson LN, Zhang VJ, Brown HM, Kaczmarek AK, Robker RL, Russell DL. Activation of Mouse Cumulus-Oocyte Complex Maturation In Vitro Through EGF-Like Activity of Versican1. Biol Reprod 2015; 92:116. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.114.127274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2014] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
|
23
|
Brown HM, Anastasi MR, Frank LA, Kind KL, Richani D, Robker RL, Russell DL, Gilchrist RB, Thompson JG. Hemoglobin: a gas transport molecule that is hormonally regulated in the ovarian follicle in mice and humans. Biol Reprod 2014; 92:26. [PMID: 25395682 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.114.124594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
An increasing number of nonerythroid tissues are found to express hemoglobin mRNA and protein. Hemoglobin is a well-described gas transport molecule, especially for O2, but also for NO, CO2, and CO, and also acts as a reactive oxygen species scavenger. We previously found Hba-a1 and Hbb mRNA and protein at high levels within mouse periovulatory cumulus cells, but not in cumulus following in vitro maturation. This led us to investigate the temporal and spatial regulation in follicular cells during the periovulatory period. Cumulus-oocyte complexes were collected from equine chorionic gonadotropin/human chorionic gonadotropin-treated peripubertal SV129 female mice and collected and analyzed for gene expression and protein localization at a variety of time points over the periovulatory period. A further cohort matured in vitro with different forms of hemoglobin (ferro- and ferrihemoglobin) under different O2 atmospheric conditions (2%, 5%, and 20% O2) were subsequently fertilized in vitro and cultured to the blastocyst stage. Murine mRNA transcripts for hemoglobin were regulated by stimulation of the ovulatory cascade, in both granulosa and cumulus cells, and expression of HBA1 and HBB was highly significant in human granulosa and cumulus, but erythrocyte cell marker genes were not. Several other genes involved in hemoglobin function were similarly luteinizing hormone-regulated, including genes for heme biosynthesis. Immunohistochemistry revealed a changing localization pattern of HBA-A1 protein in murine cumulus cells and oocytes following the ovulatory signal. Significantly, no positive staining for HBA-A1 protein was observed within in vitro-matured oocytes, but, if coincubated with ferro- or ferrihemoglobin, cytoplasmic HBA-A1 was observed, similar to in vivo-derived oocytes. Addition of ferro-, but not ferrihemoglobin, had a small, positive effect on blastocyst yield, but only under either 2% or 20% O2 gas atmosphere. The identification of hemoglobin within granulosa and cumulus cells poses many questions as to its function in these cells. There are several possible roles, the most likely of which is either an O2 or NO sequestering molecule; perhaps both roles are engaged. The strong endocrine regulation during the periovulatory period suggests to us that one potential function of hemoglobin is to provide a short-lived hypoxic environment by binding very tightly any available O2. This, in turn, facilitates the differentiation of the follicle towards corpus luteum formation by enabling the stabilization of a key transcription factor known to initiate such differentiation: hypoxia inducible factor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah M Brown
- School of Pediatrics and Reproductive Health, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Marie R Anastasi
- School of Pediatrics and Reproductive Health, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Laura A Frank
- School of Pediatrics and Reproductive Health, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Karen L Kind
- School of Pediatrics and Reproductive Health, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Dulama Richani
- School of Pediatrics and Reproductive Health, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Rebecca L Robker
- School of Pediatrics and Reproductive Health, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Darryl L Russell
- School of Pediatrics and Reproductive Health, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Robert B Gilchrist
- School of Pediatrics and Reproductive Health, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jeremy G Thompson
- School of Pediatrics and Reproductive Health, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Sudiman J, Sutton-McDowall ML, Ritter LJ, White MA, Mottershead DG, Thompson JG, Gilchrist RB. Bone morphogenetic protein 15 in the pro-mature complex form enhances bovine oocyte developmental competence. PLoS One 2014; 9:e103563. [PMID: 25058588 PMCID: PMC4110049 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0103563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2013] [Accepted: 07/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Developmental competence of in vitro matured (IVM) oocytes needs to be improved and this can potentially be achieved by adding recombinant bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) or growth differentiation factor (GDF9) to IVM. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a purified pro-mature complex form of recombinant human BMP15 versus the commercially available bioactive forms of BMP15 and GDF9 (both isolated mature regions) during IVM on bovine embryo development and metabolic activity. Bovine cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were matured in vitro in control medium or treated with 100 ng/ml pro-mature BMP15, mature BMP15 or mature GDF9 +/− FSH. Metabolic measures of glucose uptake and lactate production from COCs and autofluorescence of NAD(P)H, FAD and GSH were measured in oocytes after IVM. Following in vitro fertilisation and embryo culture, day 8 blastocysts were stained for cell numbers. COCs matured in medium +/− FSH containing pro-mature BMP15 displayed significantly improved blastocyst development (57.7±3.9%, 43.5±4.2%) compared to controls (43.3±2.4%, 28.9±3.7%) and to mature GDF9+FSH (36.1±3.0%). The mature form of BMP15 produced intermediate levels of blastocyst development; not significantly different to control or pro-mature BMP15 levels. Pro-mature BMP15 increased intra-oocyte NAD(P)H, and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were increased by both forms of BMP15 in the absence of FSH. Exogenous BMP15 in its pro-mature form during IVM provides a functional source of oocyte-secreted factors to improve bovine blastocyst development. This form of BMP15 may prove useful for improving cattle and human artificial reproductive technologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaqueline Sudiman
- Robinson Research Institute, Research Centre for Reproductive Health, and School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Melanie L. Sutton-McDowall
- Robinson Research Institute, Research Centre for Reproductive Health, and School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Lesley J. Ritter
- Robinson Research Institute, Research Centre for Reproductive Health, and School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Melissa A. White
- Robinson Research Institute, Research Centre for Reproductive Health, and School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - David G. Mottershead
- Robinson Research Institute, Research Centre for Reproductive Health, and School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jeremy G. Thompson
- Robinson Research Institute, Research Centre for Reproductive Health, and School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Robert B. Gilchrist
- Robinson Research Institute, Research Centre for Reproductive Health, and School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Discipline of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, School of Women's & Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Chronowska E. High-throughput analysis of ovarian granulosa cell transcriptome. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:213570. [PMID: 24711992 PMCID: PMC3966335 DOI: 10.1155/2014/213570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2013] [Revised: 12/30/2013] [Accepted: 01/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The quality of follicular oocytes depends on interactions with surrounding granulosa cells. Development of molecular techniques and methods enables better understanding of processes underlying mammalian reproduction on cellular level. The success in reproductive biology and medicine in different species depends on reliable assessment of oocyte and embryo viability which presently mainly bases on embryo morphology. Although successful pregnancies have been achieved using this approach, its precision still should be improved and completed with other, more objective, and accurate assessment strategies. Global profiling of gene expression in follicular cumulus cells using microarrays is continuously leading to the establishment of new biomarkers which can be used to select oocytes with highest developmental potential. Even more potential applications and greater precision could be achieved using next generation sequencing (NGS) of granulosa and cumulus cell RNA (RNA-seq). However, due to the high cost, this method is not used as frequently as microarrays at the moment. In any case, high-throughput technologies offer the possibilities and advantages in ovarian somatic cell analysis on scale that has not been noted so far. The aim of this work is to present current directions and examples of global molecular profiling of granulosa cells and underline its impact on reproductive biology and medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Chronowska
- Third Chair of Surgery, Collegium Medicum, Jagiellonian University, Pradnicka 35-37, 31-202 Cracow, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Richani D, Ritter LJ, Thompson JG, Gilchrist RB. Mode of oocyte maturation affects EGF-like peptide function and oocyte competence. Mol Hum Reprod 2013; 19:500-9. [DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gat028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
|
27
|
Peters SO, Kizilkaya K, Garrick DJ, Fernando RL, Reecy JM, Weaber RL, Silver GA, Thomas MG. Heritability and Bayesian genome-wide association study of first service conception and pregnancy in Brangus heifers. J Anim Sci 2012; 91:605-12. [PMID: 23148252 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2012-5580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Brangus [3/8 Brahman (Bos indicus) × 5/8 Angus (Bos taurus); n ≈ 800] heifers from 67 sires were used to estimate heritability and conduct a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for 2 binary fertility traits: first service conception (FSC) and heifer pregnancy (HPG). Genotypes were from 53,692 loci on the BovineSNP50 (Infinium Bead Chips, Illumina, San Diego, CA). Yearling heifers were estrous synchronized, bred by AI, and then exposed to natural service breeding. Reproductive ultrasound and DNA-based parentage testing were used to determine if the heifer conceived by AI or natural service, and code for FSC and HPG traits. Success rates for FSC and HPG were 53.3% and 78.0% ± 0.01%, and corresponding heritability estimates were 0.18 ± 0.07 and 0.10 ± 0.06, respectively. The models used in obtaining these heritability estimates and GWAS included fixed effects of year (i.e., 2005 to 2007), birth location, calving season, age of dam, and contemporary group. In GWAS, simultaneous associations of 1 Mb SNP windows with phenotype were undertaken with Bayes C analyses using GenSel software. The 1 Mb windows contained 21.3 ± 1.1 SNP. Analyses fitted a mixture model that treated SNP effects as random, with an assumed fraction pi = 0.9995 having no effect on phenotype. The windows that accounted for 1.0% of genetic variance were considered as QTL associated with FSC or HPG. Eighteen QTL existed on 15 chromosomes for the 2 traits. On average, each QTL accounted for 2.43% ± 0.2% of the genetic variance. Chromosome 8 harbored 2 QTL for FSC and 1 for HPG; however, these regions did not overlap. Chromosomes 3, 15, 16, 19, 24, 26, 27, 29, and X included QTL only for FSC, whereas chromosomes 2, 4, 10, 13, and 20 contained QTL only for HPG. The multitude of QTL detected for FSC and HPG in this GWAS involving Brangus heifers exemplifies the complex regulation of variation in heifer fertility traits of low heritability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S O Peters
- Department of Animal and Range Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces 88003
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|