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Ferraz MDAMM, Ferronato GDA. Opportunities involving microfluidics and 3D culture systems to the in vitro embryo production. Anim Reprod 2023; 20:e20230058. [PMID: 37638255 PMCID: PMC10449241 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2023-0058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Traditional methods of gamete handling, fertilization, and embryo culture often face limitations in efficiency, consistency, and the ability to closely mimic in vivo conditions. This review explores the opportunities presented by microfluidic and 3D culture systems in overcoming these challenges and enhancing in vitro embryo production. We discuss the basic principles of microfluidics, emphasizing their inherent advantages such as precise control of fluid flow, reduced reagent consumption, and high-throughput capabilities. Furthermore, we delve into microfluidic devices designed for gamete manipulation, in vitro fertilization, and embryo culture, highlighting innovations such as droplet-based microfluidics and on-chip monitoring. Next, we explore the integration of 3D culture systems, including the use of biomimetic scaffolds and organ-on-a-chip platforms, with a particular focus on the oviduct-on-a-chip. Finally, we discuss the potential of these advanced systems to improve embryo production outcomes and advance our understanding of early embryo development. By leveraging the unique capabilities of microfluidics and 3D culture systems, we foresee significant advancements in the efficiency, effectiveness, and clinical success of in vitro embryo production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcia de Almeida Monteiro Melo Ferraz
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Oberschleißheim, Germany
- Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Giuliana de Avila Ferronato
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Oberschleißheim, Germany
- Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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2
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Miles JR, Walsh SC, Rempel LA, Pannier AK. Mechanisms regulating the initiation of porcine conceptus elongation. Mol Reprod Dev 2023; 90:646-657. [PMID: 35719060 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23623] [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: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Significant increases in litter size within commercial swine production over the past decades have led to increases in preweaning piglet mortality due to increase within-litter birthweight variation, typically due to mortality of the smallest littermate piglets. Therefore, identifying mechanisms to reduce variation in placental development and subsequent fetal growth are critical to normalizing birthweight variation and improving piglet survivability in high-producing commercial pigs. A major contributing factor to induction of within-litter variation occurs during the peri-implantation period as the pig blastocyst elongates from spherical to filamentous morphology in a short period of time and rapidly begins superficial implantation. During this period, there is significant within-litter variation in the timing and extent of elongation among littermates. As a result, delays and deficiencies in conceptus elongation not only contribute directly to early embryonic mortality, but also influence subsequent within-litter birthweight variation. This study will highlight key aspects of conceptus elongation and provide some recent evidence pertaining to specific mechanisms from -omics studies (i.e., metabolomics of the uterine environment and transcriptomics of the conceptus) that may specifically regulate the initiation of conceptus elongation to identify potential factors to reduce within-litter variation and improve piglet survivability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy R Miles
- USDA, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC), Clay Center, Nebraska, USA
| | - Sophie C Walsh
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Lea A Rempel
- USDA, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC), Clay Center, Nebraska, USA
| | - Angela K Pannier
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
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Walsh SC, Miles JR, Broeckling CD, Rempel LA, Wright-Johnson EC, Pannier AK. Secreted metabolome of porcine blastocysts encapsulated within in vitro 3D alginate hydrogel culture systems undergoing morphological changes provides insights into specific mechanisms involved in the initiation of porcine conceptus elongation. Reprod Fertil Dev 2023; 35:375-394. [PMID: 36780705 DOI: 10.1071/rd22210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT The exact mechanisms regulating the initiation of porcine conceptus elongation are not known due to the complexity of the uterine environment. AIMS To identify contributing factors for initiation of conceptus elongation in vitro , this study evaluated differential metabolite abundance within media following culture of blastocysts within unmodified alginate (ALG) or Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD)-modified alginate hydrogel culture systems. METHODS Blastocysts were harvested from pregnant gilts, encapsulated within ALG or RGD or as non-encapsulated control blastocysts (CONT), and cultured. At the termination of 96h culture, media were separated into blastocyst media groups: non-encapsulated control blastocysts (CONT); ALG and RGD blastocysts with no morphological change (ALG- and RGD-); ALG and RGD blastocysts with morphological changes (ALG+ and RGD+) and evaluated for non-targeted metabolomic profiling by liquid chromatography (LC)-mass spectrometry (MS) techniques and gas chromatography-(GC-MS). KEY RESULTS Analysis of variance identified 280 (LC-MS) and 1 (GC-MS) compounds that differed (P <0.05), of which 134 (LC-MS) and 1 (GC-MS) were annotated. Metabolites abundance between ALG+ vs ALG-, RGD+ vs RGD-, and RGD+ vs ALG+ were further investigated to identify potential differences in metabolic processes during the initiation of elongation. CONCLUSIONS This study identified changes in phospholipid, glycosphingolipid, lipid signalling, and amino acid metabolic processes as potential RGD-independent mechanisms of elongation and identified changes in lysophosphatidylcholine and sphingolipid secretions during RGD-mediated elongation. IMPLICATIONS These results illustrate changes in phospholipid and sphingolipid metabolic processes and secretions may act as mediators of the RGD-integrin adhesion that promotes porcine conceptus elongation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie C Walsh
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, P.O. Box 830726, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
| | - Jeremy R Miles
- USDA, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, P.O. Box 166, Clay Center, NE 68933, USA
| | - Corey D Broeckling
- Bioanalysis and Omics Center, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Lea A Rempel
- USDA, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, P.O. Box 166, Clay Center, NE 68933, USA
| | | | - Angela K Pannier
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, P.O. Box 830726, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
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Chen PR, Redel BK, Kerns KC, Spate LD, Prather RS. Challenges and Considerations during In Vitro Production of Porcine Embryos. Cells 2021; 10:cells10102770. [PMID: 34685749 PMCID: PMC8535139 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetically modified pigs have become valuable tools for generating advances in animal agriculture and human medicine. Importantly, in vitro production and manipulation of embryos is an essential step in the process of creating porcine models. As the in vitro environment is still suboptimal, it is imperative to examine the porcine embryo culture system from several angles to identify methods for improvement. Understanding metabolic characteristics of porcine embryos and considering comparisons with other mammalian species is useful for optimizing culture media formulations. Furthermore, stressors arising from the environment and maternal or paternal factors must be taken into consideration to produce healthy embryos in vitro. In this review, we progress stepwise through in vitro oocyte maturation, fertilization, and embryo culture in pigs to assess the status of current culture systems and address points where improvements can be made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula R. Chen
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | | | - Karl C. Kerns
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Lee D. Spate
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
- National Swine Resource and Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Randall S. Prather
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
- National Swine Resource and Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
- Correspondence:
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Colombo M, Alkali IM, Prochowska S, Luvoni GC. Fighting Like Cats and Dogs: Challenges in Domestic Carnivore Oocyte Development and Promises of Innovative Culture Systems. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:2135. [PMID: 34359262 PMCID: PMC8300176 DOI: 10.3390/ani11072135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro embryo production in cats and dogs still presents some challenges, and it needs to be optimized to transfer efficient protocols to related wild, endangered species. While the chemical composition of culture media has been the focus of several studies, the importance of culture substrates for oocyte and embryo culture has often been neglected. Traditional in vitro systems, i.e., two-dimensional cultures, do not resemble the physiological environments where cells develop, and they may cause morphological and functional alterations to oocytes and embryos. More modern three-dimensional and microfluidic culture system better mimic the structure and the stimuli found in in vivo conditions, and they could better support the development of oocytes and embryos in vitro, as well as the maintenance of more physiological behaviors. This review describes the different culture systems tested for domestic carnivore reproductive cells along the years, and it summarizes their effects on cultured cells with the purpose of analyzing innovative options to improve in vitro embryo production outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Colombo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie per la Salute, la Produzione Animale e la Sicurezza Alimentare “Carlo Cantoni”, Università degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (I.M.A.); (G.C.L.)
| | - Isa Mohammed Alkali
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie per la Salute, la Produzione Animale e la Sicurezza Alimentare “Carlo Cantoni”, Università degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (I.M.A.); (G.C.L.)
| | - Sylwia Prochowska
- Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Grunwaldzki Square 49, 50-366 Wrocław, Poland;
| | - Gaia Cecilia Luvoni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie per la Salute, la Produzione Animale e la Sicurezza Alimentare “Carlo Cantoni”, Università degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (I.M.A.); (G.C.L.)
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6
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Colombo M, Morselli MG, Tavares MR, Apparicio M, Luvoni GC. Developmental Competence of Domestic Cat Vitrified Oocytes in 3D Enriched Culture Conditions. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:E329. [PMID: 31181674 PMCID: PMC6616943 DOI: 10.3390/ani9060329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryoinjuries severely affect the competence of vitrified oocytes (VOs) to develop into embryos after warming. The use of culture conditions that provide physical and chemical support and resemble the in vivo microenvironment in which oocytes develop, such as 3D scaffolds and coculture systems, might be useful to improve VOs outcomes. In this study, an enriched culture system of 3D barium alginate microcapsules was employed for the in vitro embryo production of domestic cat VOs. Cryotop vitrified-warmed oocytes were in vitro matured for 24 h in the 3D system with or without fresh cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) in coculture, whereas a control group of VOs was cultured in traditional 2D microdrops of medium. After in vitro fertilization, presumptive embryos were cultured in 3D or 2D systems according to the maturation conditions. Vitrified oocytes were able to mature and develop into embryos in 3D microcapsules (17.42 ± 11.83%) as well as in 2D microdrops (14.96 ± 8.80%), but the coculture with companion COCs in 3D resulted in similar proportions of VOs embryo development (18.39 ± 16.67%; p = 1.00), although COCs presence allowed for blastocyst formation (0.95 ± 2.52%). In conclusion, embryos until late developmental stages were obtained from cat VOs, and 3D microcapsules were comparable to 2D microdrops, but improvements in post-warming conditions are still needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Colombo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie per la Salute, la Produzione Animale e la Sicurezza Alimentare "Carlo Cantoni", Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria, 10, 20133 Milano, Italy.
| | - Maria Giorgia Morselli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie per la Salute, la Produzione Animale e la Sicurezza Alimentare "Carlo Cantoni", Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria, 10, 20133 Milano, Italy.
| | - Mariana Riboli Tavares
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Reprodução Animal, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane s/n, Jaboticabal 14884-900, Brazil.
| | - Maricy Apparicio
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Reprodução Animal, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane s/n, Jaboticabal 14884-900, Brazil.
| | - Gaia Cecilia Luvoni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie per la Salute, la Produzione Animale e la Sicurezza Alimentare "Carlo Cantoni", Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria, 10, 20133 Milano, Italy.
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Geisert RD, Whyte JJ, Meyer AE, Mathew DJ, Juárez MR, Lucy MC, Prather RS, Spencer TE. Rapid conceptus elongation in the pig: An interleukin 1 beta 2 and estrogen‐regulated phenomenon. Mol Reprod Dev 2017; 84:760-774. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Revised: 03/14/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jeffrey J. Whyte
- Division of Animal SciencesUniversity of MissouriColumbiaMissouri
| | - Ashley E. Meyer
- Division of Animal SciencesUniversity of MissouriColumbiaMissouri
| | - Daniel J. Mathew
- Division of Animal SciencesUniversity of MissouriColumbiaMissouri
| | - María R. Juárez
- Division of Animal SciencesUniversity of MissouriColumbiaMissouri
| | - Matthew C. Lucy
- Division of Animal SciencesUniversity of MissouriColumbiaMissouri
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Miles JR, Laughlin TD, Sargus-Patino CN, Pannier AK. In vitro porcine blastocyst development in three-dimensional alginate hydrogels. Mol Reprod Dev 2017; 84:775-787. [PMID: 28407335 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Appropriate embryonic and fetal development significantly impact pregnancy success and, therefore, the efficiency of swine production. The pre-implantation period of porcine pregnancy is characterized by several developmental hallmarks, which are initiated by the dramatic morphological change that occurs as pig blastocysts elongate from spherical to filamentous blastocysts. Deficiencies in blastocyst elongation contribute to approximately 20% of embryonic loss, and have a direct influence on within-litter birth weight variation. Although factors identified within the uterine environment may play a role in blastocyst elongation, little is known about the exact mechanisms by which porcine (or other species') blastocysts initiate and progress through the elongation process. This is partly due to the difficulty of replicating elongation in vitro, which would allow for its study in a controlled environment and in real-time. We developed a three dimensional (3-D) culture system using alginate hydrogel matrices that can encapsulate pig blastocysts, maintain viability and blastocyst architecture, and facilitate reproducible morphological changes with corresponding expression of steroidogenic enzyme transcripts and estrogen production, consistent with the initiation of elongation in vivo. This review highlights key aspects of the pre-implantation period of porcine pregnancy and the difficulty of studying blastocyst elongation in vivo or by using in vitro systems. This review also provides insights on the utility of 3-D hydrogels to study blastocyst elongation continuously and in real-time as a complementary and confirmatory approach to in vivo analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy R Miles
- USDA, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC), Clay Center, Nebraska
| | - Taylor D Laughlin
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), Lincoln, Nebraska
| | - Catherine N Sargus-Patino
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), Lincoln, Nebraska
| | - Angela K Pannier
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), Lincoln, Nebraska
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9
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Erickson AG, Laughlin TD, Romereim SM, Sargus-Patino CN, Pannier AK, Dudley AT. A Tunable, Three-Dimensional In Vitro Culture Model of Growth Plate Cartilage Using Alginate Hydrogel Scaffolds. Tissue Eng Part A 2017; 24:94-105. [PMID: 28525313 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2017.0091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Defining the final size and geometry of engineered tissues through precise control of the scalar and vector components of tissue growth is a necessary benchmark for regenerative medicine, but it has proved to be a significant challenge for tissue engineers. The growth plate cartilage that promotes elongation of the long bones is a good model system for studying morphogenetic mechanisms because cartilage is composed of a single cell type, the chondrocyte; chondrocytes are readily maintained in culture; and growth trajectory is predominately in a single vector. In this cartilage, growth is generated via a differentiation program that is spatially and temporally regulated by an interconnected network composed of long- and short-range signaling mechanisms that together result in the formation of functionally distinct cellular zones. To facilitate investigation of the mechanisms underlying anisotropic growth, we developed an in vitro model of the growth plate cartilage by using neonatal mouse growth plate chondrocytes encapsulated in alginate hydrogel beads. In bead cultures, encapsulated chondrocytes showed high viability, cartilage matrix deposition, low levels of chondrocyte hypertrophy, and a progressive increase in cell proliferation over 7 days in culture. Exogenous factors were used to test functionality of the parathyroid-related protein-Indian hedgehog (PTHrP-IHH) signaling interaction, which is a crucial feedback loop for regulation of growth. Consistent with in vivo observations, exogenous PTHrP stimulated cell proliferation and inhibited hypertrophy, whereas IHH signaling stimulated chondrocyte hypertrophy. Importantly, the treatment of alginate bead cultures with IHH or thyroxine resulted in formation of a discrete domain of hypertrophic cells that mimics tissue architecture of native growth plate cartilage. Together, these studies are the first demonstration of a tunable in vitro system to model the signaling network interactions that are required to induce zonal architecture in growth plate chondrocytes, which could also potentially be used to grow cartilage cultures of specific geometries to meet personalized patient needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alek G Erickson
- 1 Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Anatomy, University Nebraska Medical Center , Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Taylor D Laughlin
- 2 Department of Biological Systems Engineering, University Nebraska Lincoln , Lincoln, Nebraska
| | - Sarah M Romereim
- 1 Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Anatomy, University Nebraska Medical Center , Omaha, Nebraska.,3 Department of Animal Science, University Nebraska Lincoln , Lincoln, Nebraska
| | | | - Angela K Pannier
- 2 Department of Biological Systems Engineering, University Nebraska Lincoln , Lincoln, Nebraska
| | - Andrew T Dudley
- 1 Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Anatomy, University Nebraska Medical Center , Omaha, Nebraska
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10
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Arjmand F, Khanmohammadi M, Arasteh S, Mohammadzadeh A, Kazemnejad S, Akhondi MM. Extended Culture of Encapsulated Human Blastocysts in Alginate Hydrogel Containing Decidualized Endometrial Stromal Cells in the Presence of Melatonin. Mol Biotechnol 2017; 58:684-694. [PMID: 27514657 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-016-9968-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Extended in vitro culture of human embryos beyond blastocyst stage could serve as a tool to explore the molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying embryo development and to identify factors regulating pregnancy outcomes. This study presents the first report on the maintenance of human embryo in vitro by alginate co-encapsulation of human blastocyst and decidualized endometrial stromal cells (EnSCs) under melatonin-fortified culture conditions. The effectiveness of the 3D culture system was studied through monitoring of embryo development in terms of survival time, viability, morphological changes, and production of the two hormones of 17b-oestradiol and human chorionic gonadotropin. The embryo structural integrity was preserved during alginate encapsulation; however, only 23 % of the encapsulated embryos could retain in the hydrogels over time and survived until day 4 post-encapsulation. The culture medium fortification with melatonin significantly elevated the maintenance rate of expanded embryos in alginate beads by 65 % and prolonged survival time of human embryos to day 5. Furthermore, embryo co-culture with EnSCs using melatonin-fortified medium increased the survival time of encapsulated embryos to 44 %. The levels of two measured hormones significantly rose at day 4 in comparison with day 2 post-encapsulation especially in the group co-encapsulated with EnSCs and cultivated in melatonin-fortified culture medium. These data are the first evidence representing in vitro development of human embryos until day 10 post-fertilization. This achievement can facilitate the investigation of the mechanisms regulating human embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Arjmand
- Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, P.O. Box: 1177-19615, Tehran, Iran
| | - Manijeh Khanmohammadi
- Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, P.O. Box: 1177-19615, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shaghayegh Arasteh
- Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, P.O. Box: 1177-19615, Tehran, Iran
| | - Afsaneh Mohammadzadeh
- Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, P.O. Box: 1177-19615, Tehran, Iran
| | - Somaieh Kazemnejad
- Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, P.O. Box: 1177-19615, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohammad-Mehdi Akhondi
- Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, P.O. Box: 1177-19615, Tehran, Iran.
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Laughlin TD, Miles JR, Wright-Johnson EC, Rempel LA, Lents CA, Pannier AK. Development of pre-implantation porcine blastocysts cultured within alginate hydrogel systems either supplemented with secreted phosphoprotein 1 or conjugated with Arg-Gly-Asp Peptide. Reprod Fertil Dev 2017; 29:2345-2356. [DOI: 10.1071/rd16366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Although deficiencies in porcine blastocyst elongation play a significant role in early embryonic mortality and establishment of within-litter developmental variation, the exact mechanisms of elongation are poorly understood. Secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) is increased within the uterine milieu during early porcine pregnancy and contains an Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) peptide sequence that binds to cell surface integrins on the uterine endometrium and trophectoderm, promoting cell adhesion and migration. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the development of preimplantation porcine blastocysts encapsulated and cultured within alginate hydrogels either supplemented with SPP1 or conjugated with RGD. Blastocysts encapsulated within alginate hydrogels supplemented with SPP1 or conjugated with RGD had increased survival compared with non-encapsulated control blastocysts. In addition, the percentage of blastocysts encapsulated within RGD hydrogels that underwent morphological changes was greater than that of blastocysts encapsulated within standard alginate hydrogels or SPP1-supplemented hydrogels. Finally, only blastocysts encapsulated within RGD hydrogels had both increased expression of steroidogenic and immune responsiveness transcripts and increased 17β-oestradiol production, consistent with blastocysts undergoing elongation in vivo. These results illustrate the importance of the integrin-binding RGD peptide sequence for stimulating the initiation of blastocyst elongation.
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12
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Morselli MG, Luvoni GC, Comizzoli P. The nuclear and developmental competence of cumulus-oocyte complexes is enhanced by three-dimensional coculture with conspecific denuded oocytes during in vitro maturation in the domestic cat model. Reprod Domest Anim 2016; 52 Suppl 2:82-87. [PMID: 27862395 DOI: 10.1111/rda.12850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The objective of the study was to assess the efficacy of coculture with conspecific cumulus-denuded oocytes (CDOs) during in vitro maturation in a three-dimensional system of barium alginate microcapsules on the in vitro embryo development of domestic cat cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs). In Experiment I, COCs were cocultured with conspecific CDOs or cultured separately in a 3D system for 24 hr of in vitro maturation, before assessing the meiotic progression. In Experiment II, the in vitro fertilization of COCs and CDOs was carried out with chilled epididymal spermatozoa and the presumptive zygotes were cultured in vitro separately for 7 days in 3D microcapsules before assesment of embryonic development. The results showed that the viability was maintained and that meiosis was resumed in the 3D culture system. The presence of CDOs during in vitro maturation improved the meiotic competence of the COCs, since the proportions of telophase I/metaphase II were higher than that in the groups cultured separately. The enrichment of the maturation system by companion oocytes also enhanced the ability of COCs to develop into embryos, and increased the percentages of morula and blastoycst stages. The COCs cocultured with CDOs developed at higher rates than the COCs cultured separately and the CDOs themselves. The beneficial effects of coculture with conspecific CDOs were presumably due to the paracrine action of some secreted factors that enhanced many molecular patterns related to the complex of cumulus oophorous cells. Further investigations to understand how the 3D microenvironment can influence the features of oocytes and embryos are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G Morselli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie per la Salute, la Produzione Animale e la Sicurezza Alimentare, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - G C Luvoni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie per la Salute, la Produzione Animale e la Sicurezza Alimentare, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - P Comizzoli
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC, USA
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Zhao S, Liu ZX, Gao H, Wu Y, Fang Y, Wu SS, Li MJ, Bai JH, Liu Y, Evans A, Zeng SM. A three-dimensional culture system using alginate hydrogel prolongs hatched cattle embryo development in vitro. Theriogenology 2015; 84:184-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2014] [Revised: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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