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Xiong X, Yang M, Hai Z, Fei X, Zhu Y, Pan B, Yang Q, Xie Y, Cheng Y, Xiong Y, Lan D, Fu W, Li J. Maternal Kdm2a-mediated PI3K/Akt signaling and E-cadherin stimulate the morula-to-blastocyst transition revealing crucial roles in early embryonic development. Theriogenology 2023; 209:60-75. [PMID: 37356280 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Histone methylation plays an essential role in oocyte growth and preimplantation embryonic development. The modification relies on histone methyl-transferases and demethylases, and one of these, lysine-specific demethylase 2a (Kdm2a), is responsible for modulating histone methylation during oocyte and early embryonic development. The mechanism of how Kdm2a deficiency disrupts early embryonic development and fertility remains elusive. To determine if maternally deposited Kdm2a is required for preimplantation embryonic development, the expression profile of Kdm2a during early embryos was detected via immunofluorescence staining and RT-qPCR. The Kdm2a gene in oocytes was specifically deleted with the Zp3-Cre/LoxP system and the effects of maternal Kdm2a loss were studied through a comprehensive range of female reproductive parameters including fertilization, embryo development, and the number of births. RNA transcriptome sequencing was performed to determine differential mRNA expression, and the interaction between Kdm2a and the PI3K/Akt pathway was studied with a specific inhibitor and activator. Our results revealed that Kdm2a was continuously expressed in preimplantation embryos and loss of maternal Kdm2a suppressed the morula-to-blastocyst transition, which may have been responsible for female subfertility. After the deletion of Kdm2a, the global H3K36me2 methylation in mutant embryos was markedly increased, but the expression of E-cadherin decreased significantly in morula embryos compared to controls. Mechanistically, RNA-seq analysis revealed that deficiency of maternal Kdm2a altered the mRNA expression profile, especially in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Interestingly, the addition of a PI3K/Akt inhibitor (LY294002) to the culture medium blocked embryo development at the stage of morula; however, the developmental block caused by maternal Kdm2a loss was partially rescued with a PI3K/Akt activator (SC79). In summary, our results indicate that loss of Kdm2a influences the transcriptome profile and disrupts the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway during the development of preimplantation embryo. This can result in embryo block at the morula stage and female subfertility, which suggests that maternal Kdm2a is a potential partial redundancy with other genes encoding enzymes in the dynamics of early embryonic development. Our results provide further insight into the role of histone modification, especially on Kdm2a, in preimplantation embryonic development in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianrong Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China; Key Laboratory for Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Manzhen Yang
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Zhuo Hai
- Key Laboratory for Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xixi Fei
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yanjin Zhu
- Key Laboratory for Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Bangting Pan
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Qinhui Yang
- Key Laboratory for Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yumian Xie
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yuying Cheng
- Key Laboratory for Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yan Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Daoliang Lan
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Wei Fu
- Key Laboratory for Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jian Li
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China; Key Laboratory for Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Lu J, Guo M, Wang X, Wang R, Xi G, An L, Tian J, Chu M. A Redesigned Method for CNP-Synchronized In Vitro Maturation Inhibits Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in Cumulus-Oocyte Complexes and Improves the Developmental Potential of Porcine Oocytes. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1885. [PMID: 37895234 PMCID: PMC10606118 DOI: 10.3390/genes14101885] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In vitro embryo production depends on high-quality oocytes. Compared with in vivo matured oocytes, in vitro oocytes undergo precocious meiotic resumption, thus compromising oocyte quality. C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is a follicular factor maintaining meiotic arrest. Thus, CNP-pretreatment has been widely used to improve the in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes in many species. However, the efficacy of this strategy has remained unsatisfactory in porcine oocytes. Here, by determining the functional concentration and dynamics of CNP in inhibiting spontaneous meiotic resumption, we improved the current IVM system of porcine oocytes. Our results indicate that although the beneficial effect of the CNP pre-IVM strategy is common among species, the detailed method may be largely divergent among them and needs to be redesigned specifically for each one. Focusing on the overlooked role of cumulus cells surrounding the oocytes, we also explore the mechanisms relevant to their beneficial effect. In addition to oocytes per se, the enhanced anti-apoptotic and anti-oxidative gene expression in cumulus cells may contribute considerably to improved oocyte quality. These findings not only emphasize the importance of screening the technical parameters of the CNP pre-IVM strategy for specific species, but also highlight the critical supporting role of cumulus cells in this promising strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinlun Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Min Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiaodong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Rui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Guangyin Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Lei An
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jianhui Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Meiqiang Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, China
- College of Agriculture and Forestry Science, Linyi University, Linyi 276000, China
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Oblette A, Rives-Feraille A, Dumont L, Delessard M, Saulnier J, Rives N, Rondanino C. Dynamics of epigenetic modifications in ICSI embryos from in vitro-produced spermatozoa. Andrology 2020; 9:640-656. [PMID: 33112482 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In prepubertal boys with cancer, fertility preservation relies on testicular tissue freezing before treatment. In vitro maturation of frozen/thawed tissues could be one of the procedures envisaged to restore the fertility of cured patients. It is necessary to ascertain in the mouse model that in vitro-generated spermatozoa are able to ensure embryo development, without altering the epigenetic processes occurring during the pre-implantation period. OBJECTIVES The aims of the present study were to investigate the fertilizing ability of in vitro-produced spermatozoa and explore several epigenetic marks at different stages of embryo development. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fresh or controlled slow-frozen (CSF)/thawed testicular tissues from 6 to 7 days post-partum (dpp) mice were cultured for 30 days. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) experiments were performed using in vitro-produced spermatozoa. Testicular spermatozoa from 36 to 37 dpp mice were used as in vivo controls. DNA methylation/hydroxymethylation and histone post-translational modifications (H3K4me3, H3K27me3 and H3K9ac) were analysed by immunofluorescence from the zygote to the blastocyst stages. RESULTS The spermatozoa generated in cultures of fresh or CSF testicular tissues were able to initiate embryonic development. The freezing of prepubertal testicular tissues limits the production of spermatozoa in vitro and the fertilization rate after ICSI. Similar levels of H3K4me3, H3K27me3 and H3K9ac were found in ICSI embryos derived from in vitro- and in vivo-produced spermatozoa. DNA methylation levels were increased in 4-cell embryos and morula obtained by ICSI with in vitro-produced spermatozoa. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Our study shows for the first time that the use of in vitro-produced spermatozoa alters DNA methylation/demethylation dynamics but has little impact on H3K4me3, H3K27me3 and H3K9ac levels in mouse early embryos. Further work will have to be performed to determine whether the use of these gametes is not deleterious for embryo development before considering a human application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Oblette
- Department of Reproductive Biology-CECOS, Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, EA4308 'Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality', Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France
| | - Aurélie Rives-Feraille
- Department of Reproductive Biology-CECOS, Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, EA4308 'Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality', Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France
| | - Ludovic Dumont
- Department of Reproductive Biology-CECOS, Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, EA4308 'Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality', Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France
| | - Marion Delessard
- Department of Reproductive Biology-CECOS, Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, EA4308 'Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality', Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France
| | - Justine Saulnier
- Department of Reproductive Biology-CECOS, Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, EA4308 'Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality', Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France
| | - Nathalie Rives
- Department of Reproductive Biology-CECOS, Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, EA4308 'Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality', Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France
| | - Christine Rondanino
- Department of Reproductive Biology-CECOS, Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, EA4308 'Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality', Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France
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Vendrell-Flotats M, García-Martínez T, Martínez-Rodero I, Lopez-Bejar M, LaMarre J, Yeste M, Mogas T. In Vitro Maturation with Leukemia Inhibitory Factor Prior to the Vitrification of Bovine Oocytes Improves Their Embryo Developmental Potential and Gene Expression in Oocytes and Embryos. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21197067. [PMID: 32992968 PMCID: PMC7582665 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Oocyte cryopreservation has a significant impact on subsequent embryonic development. Herein, we investigated whether supplementing in vitro maturation medium with Leukemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF) prior to vitrification affects embryo development and gene expression at different embryo developmental stages. A panel of genes including maternal effect, epigenetics, apoptosis and heat stress was relatively quantified. The results show reduced cleavage rates after vitrification, regardless of the LIF treatment. Although not statistically different from control-vitrified oocytes, oocyte apoptosis and the blastocyst yield of LIF-vitrified oocytes were similar to their non-vitrified counterparts. Vitrification increased oocyte ZAR1, NPM2 and DPPA3 gene expression while its expression decreased in LIF-vitrified oocytes to similar or close levels to those of non-vitrified oocytes. With a few gene-specific exceptions, vitrification significantly increased the expression of DNMT3A, HDAC1, KAT2A, BAX and BCL2L1 in oocytes and most stages of embryo development, while comparable expression patterns for these genes were observed between LIF-vitrified and non-vitrified groups. Vitrification increased HSPA1A expression in oocytes and HSP90AA1 in 2-cell embryos. Our data suggest that vitrification triggers stage-specific changes in gene expression throughout embryonic development. However, the inclusion of LIF in the IVM medium prior to vitrification stimulates blastocyst development and several other developmental parameters and induces oocytes and embryos to demonstrate gene expression patterns similar to those derived from non-vitrified oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meritxell Vendrell-Flotats
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Autonomous University of Barcelona, ES-08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (M.V.-F.); (T.G.-M.); (I.M.-R.)
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Autonomous University of Barcelona, ES-08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain;
| | - Tania García-Martínez
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Autonomous University of Barcelona, ES-08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (M.V.-F.); (T.G.-M.); (I.M.-R.)
| | - Iris Martínez-Rodero
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Autonomous University of Barcelona, ES-08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (M.V.-F.); (T.G.-M.); (I.M.-R.)
| | - Manel Lopez-Bejar
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Autonomous University of Barcelona, ES-08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain;
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Jonathan LaMarre
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada;
| | - Marc Yeste
- Department of Biology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17004 Girona, Spain;
| | - Teresa Mogas
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Autonomous University of Barcelona, ES-08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (M.V.-F.); (T.G.-M.); (I.M.-R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-93-581-10-44
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5
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Fu B, Ma H, Liu D. Extracellular Vesicles Function as Bioactive Molecular Transmitters in the Mammalian Oviduct: An Inspiration for Optimizing in Vitro Culture Systems and Improving Delivery of Exogenous Nucleic Acids during Preimplantation Embryonic Development. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21062189. [PMID: 32235756 PMCID: PMC7139358 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21062189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Two technologies, in vitro culture and exogenous gene introduction, constitute cornerstones of producing transgenic animals. Although in vitro embryo production techniques can bypass the oviduct during early development, such embryos are inferior to their naturally produced counterparts. In addition, preimplantation embryos are resistant to the uptake of exogenous genetic material. These factors restrict the production of transgenic animals. The discovery of extracellular vesicles (EVs) was a milestone in the study of intercellular signal communication. EVs in the oviduct, known as oviductosomes (OVS), are versatile delivery tools during maternal–embryo communication. In this review, we discuss the important roles of OVS in these interactions and the feasibility of using them as tools for transferring exogenous nucleic acids during early development. We hypothesize that further accurate characterization of OVS cargoes and functions will open new horizons for research on maternal–embryo interactions and enhance the production of transgenic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Fu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry Research, HeiLongJiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150086, China; (B.F.); (H.M.)
- Key Laboratory of Combine of Planting and Feeding, Ministry of Agriculture of the People’s Republic of China, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Hong Ma
- Institute of Animal Husbandry Research, HeiLongJiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150086, China; (B.F.); (H.M.)
- Key Laboratory of Combine of Planting and Feeding, Ministry of Agriculture of the People’s Republic of China, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Di Liu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry Research, HeiLongJiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150086, China; (B.F.); (H.M.)
- Key Laboratory of Combine of Planting and Feeding, Ministry of Agriculture of the People’s Republic of China, Harbin 150086, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-138-4512-0192
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Piersanti RL, Santos JEP, Sheldon IM, Bromfield JJ. Lipopolysaccharide and tumor necrosis factor-alpha alter gene expression of oocytes and cumulus cells during bovine in vitro maturation. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 86:1909-1920. [PMID: 31663199 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Communication between the oocyte and cumulus facilitates oocyte growth, cell cycle regulation, and metabolism. This communication is mediated by direct contact between oocytes and cumulus cells, and soluble secreted molecules. Secreted molecules involved in this process are known inflammatory mediators. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is detected in follicular fluid and is associated with reduced fertility, whereas accumulation of inflammatory mediators in follicular fluid, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), is associated with female infertility. Maturation of oocytes in the presence of LPS or TNF-α reduces meiotic maturation and the capacity to develop to the blastocyst. Here we evaluated the abundance of 92 candidate genes involved immune function, epigenetic modifications, embryo development, oocyte secreted factors, apoptosis, cell cycle, and cell signaling in bovine cumulus cells or zona-free oocytes after exposure to LPS or TNF-α during in vitro maturation. We hypothesize that LPS or TNF-α will alter the abundance of transcripts in oocytes and cumulus cell in a cell type dependent manner. Exposure to LPS altered abundance of 31 transcripts in oocytes (including ACVR1V, BMP15, DNMT3A) and 12 transcripts in cumulus cells (including AREG, FGF4, PIK3IP1). Exposure to TNF-α altered 1 transcript in oocytes (IGF2) and 4 transcripts in cumulus cells (GJA1, PLD2, PTGER4, STAT1). Cumulus expansion was reduced after exposure to LPS or TNF-α. Exposing COCs to LPS had a marked effect on expression of targeted transcripts in oocytes. We propose that altered oocyte transcript abundance is associated with reduced meiotic maturation and embryo development observed in oocytes cultured in LPS or TNF-α.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L Piersanti
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - José E P Santos
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - I Martin Sheldon
- Institute of Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - John J Bromfield
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
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Petri T, Dankert D, Demond H, Wennemuth G, Horsthemke B, Grümmer R. In vitro postovulatory oocyte aging affects H3K9 trimethylation in two-cell embryos after IVF. Ann Anat 2019; 227:151424. [PMID: 31610252 DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2019.151424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The physiological time axis of oocyte maturation comprises highly sensitive processes. A prolonged time span between ovulation and fertilization may impair oocyte developmental competence and subsequent embryo development, possibly due to epigenetic modifications. Since post-translational histone modifications can modify chromatin activity, and trimethylation of H3K9 (H3K9me3) has been shown to increase in the murine oocyte during maturation, here the effect of postovulatory oocyte aging on H3K9me3 was analyzed. METHODS The competence of murine oocytes which were aged for 2, 4, 6 and 8 h in vitro after oocyte retrieval to develop to the two-cell and blastocyst stage was determined. Degree of H3K9me3 was analyzed in the postovulatory aged oocytes as well as in the resulting two-cell embryos after IVF. RESULTS The current study shows that postovulatory aging of oocytes for up to eight hours after oocyte retrieval exhibited no effect on two-cell embryo and blastocyst rate; however, changes in H3K9me3 in the resulting two-cell embryos were observed. CONCLUSION Prolonged postovulatory oocyte aging leads to epigenetic modifications of H3K9. Such modifications may affect the developmental capacity of embryos at post-implantation developmental stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Petri
- Institute of Anatomy, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Debora Dankert
- Institute of Anatomy, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Hannah Demond
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Gunther Wennemuth
- Institute of Anatomy, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Bernhard Horsthemke
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ruth Grümmer
- Institute of Anatomy, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
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Abstract
This manuscript describes the different topics I have been involved in the fields of reproductive
physiology and embryo biotechnologies with attempts to address practical issues raised
mainly by the breeding industry. The journey started with phenotyping work in the field of
reproductive physio-pathology. Other issues were related to the optimization of reproductive
biotechnologies to favorize genetic selection. The implementation of genomic selection
raised opportunities to develop the use embryo biotechnologies and showed the interest of
combining them in the case of embryo genotyping. There is still a need to refine phenotyping
for reproductive traits especially for the identification of markers of uterine dysfunction.
It is believed that new knowledge generated by combining different molecular approaches
will be the source of applications that may benefit AI practice and embryo technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrice Humblot
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, SLU, Uppsala, Sweden
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Kim MJ, Oh HJ, Choi YB, Lee S, Setyawan EMN, Lee SH, Lee SH, Hur TY, Lee BC. Suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid during in vitro culture improves development of dog-pig interspecies cloned embryos but not dog cloned embryos. J Reprod Dev 2018; 64:277-282. [PMID: 29695650 PMCID: PMC6021613 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2017-112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This study was conducted to investigate whether the treatment of dog to pig interspecies somatic cell nuclear transfer (iSCNT) embryos with a histone deacetylase inhibitor, to improve nuclear reprogramming, can be applied to dog SCNT embryos. The dog to pig iSCNT embryos were cultured in fresh porcine zygote medium-5 (PZM-5) with 0, 1, or 10 µM suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) for 6 h, then transferred to PZM-5 without SAHA. Although there were no significant differences in cleavage rates, the rates of 5-8-cell stage embryo development were significantly higher in the 10 µM group (19.5 ± 0.8%) compared to the 0 µM groups (13.4 ± 0.8%). Acetylation of H3K9 was also significantly higher in embryos beyond the 4-cell stage in the 10 µM group compared to the 0 or 1 µM groups. Treatment with 10 µM SAHA for 6 h was chosen for application to dog SCNT. Dog cloned embryos with 0 or 10 µM SAHA were transferred to recipients. However, there were no significant differences in pregnancy and delivery rates between the two groups. Therefore, it can be concluded that although porcine oocytes support nuclear reprogramming of dog fibroblasts, treatment with a histone deacetylase inhibitor that supports nuclear reprogramming in dog to pig iSCNT embryos was not sufficient for reprogramming in dog SCNT embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Jung Kim
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Ju Oh
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoo Bin Choi
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Sanghoon Lee
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Erif Maha Nugraha Setyawan
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok Hee Lee
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Hoon Lee
- Animal Biotechnology Division, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Jeollabuk-do 54875, Republic of Korea
| | - Tai Young Hur
- Animal Biotechnology Division, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Jeollabuk-do 54875, Republic of Korea
| | - Byeong Chun Lee
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
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Tardat M, Déjardin J. Telomere chromatin establishment and its maintenance during mammalian development. Chromosoma 2017; 127:3-18. [PMID: 29250704 PMCID: PMC5818603 DOI: 10.1007/s00412-017-0656-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Revised: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Telomeres are specialized structures that evolved to protect the end of linear chromosomes from the action of the cell DNA damage machinery. They are composed of tandem arrays of repeated DNA sequences with a specific heterochromatic organization. The length of telomeric repeats is dynamically regulated and can be affected by changes in the telomere chromatin structure. When telomeres are not properly controlled, the resulting chromosomal alterations can induce genomic instability and ultimately the development of human diseases, such as cancer. Therefore, proper establishment, regulation, and maintenance of the telomere chromatin structure are required for cell homeostasis. Here, we review the current knowledge on telomeric chromatin dynamics during cell division and early development in mammals, and how its proper regulation safeguards genome stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Tardat
- Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS UMR 9002, 141 rue de la Cardonille, 34396, Montpellier, France.
| | - Jérôme Déjardin
- Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS UMR 9002, 141 rue de la Cardonille, 34396, Montpellier, France.
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11
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Barrera AD, García EV, Hamdi M, Sánchez-Calabuig MJ, López-Cardona ÁP, Balvís NF, Rizos D, Gutiérrez-Adán A. Embryo culture in presence of oviductal fluid induces DNA methylation changes in bovine blastocysts. Reproduction 2017; 154:1-12. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-16-0651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Revised: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
During the transit through the oviduct, the early embryo initiates an extensive DNA methylation reprogramming of its genome. Given that these epigenetic modifications are susceptible to environmental factors, components present in the oviductal milieu could affect the DNA methylation marks of the developing embryo. The aim of this study was to examine if culture of bovine embryos with oviductal fluid (OF) can induce DNA methylation changes at specific genomic regions in the resulting blastocysts. In vitro produced zygotes were cultured in medium with 3 mg/mL bovine serum albumin (BSA) or 1.25% OF added at the one- to 16-cell stage (OF1–16), one- to 8-cell stage (OF1–8) or 8- to 16-cell stage (OF8–16), and then were cultured until Day 8 in medium with 3 mg/mL BSA. Genomic regions in four developmentally important genes (MTERF2, ABCA7, OLFM1, GMDS) and within LINE-1 retrotransposons were selected for methylation analysis by bisulfite sequencing on Day 7–8 blastocysts. Blastocysts derived from OF1–16 group showed lower CpG methylation levels in MTERF2 and ABCA7 compared with the BSA group. However, CpG sites within MTERF2, ABCA7 and OLFM1 showed higher methylation levels in groups OF1–8 and OF8–16 than in OF1–16. For LINE-1 elements, higher CpG methylation levels were observed in blastocysts from the OF1–16 group than in the other experimental groups. In correlation with the methylation changes observed, mRNA expression level of MTERF2 was increased, while LINE-1 showed a decreased expression in blastocysts from OF1–16 group. Our results suggest that embryos show transient sensitivity to OF at early stages, which is reflected by specific methylation changes at the blastocyst stage.
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12
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Aboelenain M, Balboula AZ, Kawahara M, El-Monem Montaser A, Zaabel SM, Kim SW, Nagano M, Takahashi M. Pyridoxine supplementation during oocyte maturation improves the development and quality of bovine preimplantation embryos. Theriogenology 2017; 91:127-133. [PMID: 28215677 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Revised: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Recently, inhibition of cathepsin B (CTSB) activity during in vitro maturation (IVM) and culture (IVC) improved the developmental competence and quality of bovine oocytes and embryos. E-64 is a widely used inhibitor to inhibit CTSB activity, however, E-64 inhibits not only CTSB activity but also the activities of other proteases including cathepsin L (CTSL), papain, calpain, and trypsin. Pyridoxine, the catalytically active form of vitamin B6, plays a crucial role in several cellular processes and has the ability to inhibit CTSB activity. However, whether pyridoxine has an improving effect during IVM of bovine oocytes is still unknown. In this study, we investigated the effect of pyridoxine supplementation during IVM on the developmental competence of bovine oocytes and the quality of the produced blastocysts. Supplementation of pyridoxine to the maturation medium significantly decreased the activity of CTSB in both bovine cumulus cells and oocytes. Moreover, pyridoxine improved both the blastocyst and hatched blastocyst rates. In addition, the presence of pyridoxine during IVM also significantly improved the quality of the produced embryos by increasing the total cell number as well as decreasing the CTSB mRNA expression and apoptotic rate. These results indicate that pyridoxine is a promising tool to improve the developmental competence of bovine oocytes and subsequent embryo quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mansour Aboelenain
- Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Reproduction, Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, 060-8589, Japan; Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Zaky Balboula
- Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Reproduction, Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, 060-8589, Japan; Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt
| | - Manabu Kawahara
- Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Reproduction, Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, 060-8589, Japan
| | - Abd El-Monem Montaser
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt
| | - Samy Moawad Zaabel
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt
| | - Sung-Woo Kim
- National Institute of Animal Science, Animal Genetic Resources Research Center, Namwon, 55717, South Korea
| | - Masashi Nagano
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, 060-0818, Japan
| | - Masashi Takahashi
- Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Reproduction, Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, 060-8589, Japan.
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13
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Rajabi H, Mohseni-kouchesfehani H, Eslami-Arshaghi T, Salehi M. Sperm DNA fragmentation affects epigenetic feature in human male pronucleus. Andrologia 2017; 50. [DOI: 10.1111/and.12800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- H. Rajabi
- Stem Cell Technology Research Center; Tehran Iran
- Faculty of Biological Science; Kharazmi University; Tehran Iran
| | | | | | - M. Salehi
- Infertility and Reproductive Health Research Center; Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences; Tehran Iran
- Department of Biotechnology; School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine; Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences; Tehran Iran
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center; Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences; Tehran Iran
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14
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Martin JH, Bromfield EG, Aitken RJ, Nixon B. Biochemical alterations in the oocyte in support of early embryonic development. Cell Mol Life Sci 2017; 74:469-485. [PMID: 27604868 PMCID: PMC11107538 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-016-2356-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Revised: 08/28/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Notwithstanding the enormous reproductive potential encapsulated within a mature mammalian oocyte, these cells present only a limited window for fertilization before defaulting to an apoptotic cascade known as post-ovulatory oocyte aging. The only cell with the capacity to rescue this potential is the fertilizing spermatozoon. Indeed, the union of these cells sets in train a remarkable series of events that endows the oocyte with the capacity to divide and differentiate into the trillions of cells that comprise a new individual. Traditional paradigms hold that, beyond the initial stimulation of fluctuating calcium (Ca2+) required for oocyte activation, the fertilizing spermatozoon plays limited additional roles in the early embryo. While this model has now been drawn into question in view of the recent discovery that spermatozoa deliver developmentally important classes of small noncoding RNAs and other epigenetic modulators to oocytes during fertilization, it is nevertheless apparent that the primary responsibility for oocyte activation rests with a modest store of maternally derived proteins and mRNA accumulated during oogenesis. It is, therefore, not surprising that widespread post-translational modifications, in particular phosphorylation, hold a central role in endowing these proteins with sufficient functional diversity to initiate embryonic development. Indeed, proteins targeted for such modifications have been linked to oocyte activation, recruitment of maternal mRNAs, DNA repair and resumption of the cell cycle. This review, therefore, seeks to explore the intimate relationship between Ca2+ release and the suite of molecular modifications that sweep through the oocyte to ensure the successful union of the parental germlines and ensure embryogenic fidelity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacinta H Martin
- Discipline of Biological Sciences and Priority Research Center for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.
| | - Elizabeth G Bromfield
- Discipline of Biological Sciences and Priority Research Center for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - R John Aitken
- Discipline of Biological Sciences and Priority Research Center for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Discipline of Biological Sciences and Priority Research Center for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
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15
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Ross PJ, Canovas S. Mechanisms of epigenetic remodelling during preimplantation development. Reprod Fertil Dev 2017; 28:25-40. [PMID: 27062872 DOI: 10.1071/rd15365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics involves mechanisms independent of modifications in the DNA sequence that result in changes in gene expression and are maintained through cell divisions. Because all cells in the organism contain the same genetic blueprint, epigenetics allows for cells to assume different phenotypes and maintain them upon cell replication. As such, during the life cycle, there are moments in which the epigenetic information needs to be reset for the initiation of a new organism. In mammals, the resetting of epigenetic marks occurs at two different moments, which both happen to be during gestation, and include primordial germ cells (PGCs) and early preimplantation embryos. Because epigenetic information is reversible and sensitive to environmental changes, it is probably no coincidence that both these extensive periods of epigenetic remodelling happen in the female reproductive tract, under a finely controlled maternal environment. It is becoming evident that perturbations during the extensive epigenetic remodelling in PGCs and embryos can lead to permanent and inheritable changes to the epigenome that can result in long-term changes to the offspring derived from them, as indicated by the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) hypothesis and recent demonstration of inter- and trans-generational epigenetic alterations. In this context, an understanding of the mechanisms of epigenetic remodelling during early embryo development is important to assess the potential for gametic epigenetic mutations to contribute to the offspring and for new epimutations to be established during embryo manipulations that could affect a large number of cells in the offspring. It is of particular interest to understand whether and how epigenetic information can be passed on from the gametes to the embryo or offspring, and whether abnormalities in this process could lead to transgenerationally inheritable phenotypes. The aim of this review is to highlight recent progress made in understanding the nature and mechanisms of epigenetic remodelling that ensue after fertilisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Juan Ross
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, CA 95616 USA
| | - Sebastian Canovas
- LARCEL (Laboratorio Andaluz de Reprogramación Celular), BIONAND, Centro Andaluz de Nanomedicina y Biotecnología Campanillas, Malaga 29590, Spain
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16
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Glanzner WG, Wachter A, Coutinho ARS, Albornoz MS, Duggavathi R, GonÇAlves PBD, Bordignon V. Altered expression of BRG1 and histone demethylases, and aberrant H3K4 methylation in less developmentally competent embryos at the time of embryonic genome activation. Mol Reprod Dev 2016; 84:19-29. [PMID: 27879032 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 11/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetics is a fundamental regulator underlying many biological functions, such as development and cell differentiation. Epigenetic modifications affect key chromatin regulation, including transcription and DNA repair, which are critical for normal embryo development. In this study, we profiled the expression of epigenetic modifiers and patterns of epigenetic changes in porcine embryos around the period of embryonic genome activation (EGA). We observed that Brahma-related gene 1 (BRG1) and Lysine demethylase 1A (KDM1A), which can alter the methylation status of lysine 4 in histone 3 (H3K4), localize to the nucleus at Day 3-4 of development. We then compared the abundance of epigenetic modifiers between early- and late-cleaving embryos, which were classified based on the time to the first cell cleavage, to investigate if their nuclear localization contributes to developmental competence. The mRNA abundance of BRG1, KDM1A, as well as other lysine demethylases (KDM1B, KDM5A, KDM5B, and KDM5C), were significantly higher in late- compared to early-cleaving embryos near the EGA period, although these difference disappeared at the blastocyst stage. The abundance of H3K4 mono- (H3K4me) and di-methylation (H3K4me2) during the EGA period was reduced in late-cleaving and less developmentally competent embryos. By contrast, BRG1, KDM1A, and H3K4me2 abundance was greater in embryos with more than eight cells at Day 3-4 of development compared to those with fewer than four cells. These findings suggest that altered epigenetic modifications of H3K4 around the EGA period may affect the developmental capacity of porcine embryos to reach the blastocyst stage. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 84: 19-29, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Werner G Glanzner
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Animal Reproduction - BioRep, Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Audrey Wachter
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Sainte Anne de Bellevue, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ana Rita S Coutinho
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Sainte Anne de Bellevue, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marcelo S Albornoz
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Sainte Anne de Bellevue, Quebec, Canada
| | - Raj Duggavathi
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Sainte Anne de Bellevue, Quebec, Canada
| | - Paulo B D GonÇAlves
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Animal Reproduction - BioRep, Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Vilceu Bordignon
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Sainte Anne de Bellevue, Quebec, Canada
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17
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Wiltbank MC, Baez GM, Garcia-Guerra A, Toledo MZ, Monteiro PL, Melo LF, Ochoa JC, Santos JE, Sartori R. Pivotal periods for pregnancy loss during the first trimester of gestation in lactating dairy cows. Theriogenology 2016; 86:239-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.04.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2016] [Revised: 02/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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18
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Sepulveda-Rincon LP, Solanas EDL, Serrano-Revuelta E, Ruddick L, Maalouf WE, Beaujean N. Early epigenetic reprogramming in fertilized, cloned, and parthenogenetic embryos. Theriogenology 2016; 86:91-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2015] [Revised: 02/25/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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19
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Jin R, Bao J, Tang D, Liu F, Wang G, Zhao Y, Bai G, Liu Y, Wang Y, Liu L, Zhao J. Outcomes of intracytoplasmic sperm injection using the zona pellucida-bound sperm or manually selected sperm. J Assist Reprod Genet 2016; 33:597-601. [PMID: 26941098 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-016-0676-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Zona pellucida (ZP)-bound sperm used for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) enhances embryo quality, implantation, and clinical pregnancy rates. This study aimed to assess the pregnancy outcomes and clinical significance of ICSI with ZP-bound sperm. METHOD A total of 84 infertile couples who underwent cycles of ICSI following failed in vitro fertilization between June 2012 and February 2014 were enrolled and randomized (1:1): in the treatment group, ICSI was performed using ZP-bound sperm; in the control group, ICSI was performed in a standard manner. Rates of fertilization, cleavage, high-quality embryos, and clinical pregnancy were compared between the two groups. RESULTS There were no significant differences in age, infertile period, gonadotrophin dose, number of metaphase II oocytes, and number of embryo transfers between the two groups (P > 0.05). The clinical pregnancy rate was higher in the treatment group than in the control group, but without statistical significance (60.5 vs. 47.6 %, P > 0.05). No significant differences in the rates of fertilization and cleavage were observed (83.0 vs. 81.6 %, and 96.3 vs. 96.5 %, both P > 0.05), but higher rates of high-quality embryos and useable embryos were observed with ZP-bound sperm compared with controls (66.1 vs. 50.8 % and 76.0 vs. 66.3 %, both P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS ICSI using ZP-bound sperm might increase the embryo quality and number of useable embryos, possibly improving the clinical pregnancy outcome of ICSI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Jin
- Centre of Assisted Reproduction, Maternal and Children Health Care Hospital of Yinchuan, Yinchuan, 750000, Ningxia, China.
| | - Junhua Bao
- Centre of Assisted Reproduction, Maternal and Children Health Care Hospital of Yinchuan, Yinchuan, 750000, Ningxia, China.
| | - Dawei Tang
- Centre of Assisted Reproduction, Maternal and Children Health Care Hospital of Yinchuan, Yinchuan, 750000, Ningxia, China
| | - Fang Liu
- Centre of Assisted Reproduction, Maternal and Children Health Care Hospital of Yinchuan, Yinchuan, 750000, Ningxia, China
| | - Guoping Wang
- Centre of Assisted Reproduction, Maternal and Children Health Care Hospital of Yinchuan, Yinchuan, 750000, Ningxia, China
| | - Yaqiong Zhao
- Centre of Assisted Reproduction, Maternal and Children Health Care Hospital of Yinchuan, Yinchuan, 750000, Ningxia, China
| | - Gang Bai
- Centre of Assisted Reproduction, Maternal and Children Health Care Hospital of Yinchuan, Yinchuan, 750000, Ningxia, China
| | - Yongjie Liu
- Centre of Assisted Reproduction, Maternal and Children Health Care Hospital of Yinchuan, Yinchuan, 750000, Ningxia, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Centre of Assisted Reproduction, Maternal and Children Health Care Hospital of Yinchuan, Yinchuan, 750000, Ningxia, China
| | - Lili Liu
- Centre of Assisted Reproduction, Maternal and Children Health Care Hospital of Yinchuan, Yinchuan, 750000, Ningxia, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Centre of Assisted Reproduction, Maternal and Children Health Care Hospital of Yinchuan, Yinchuan, 750000, Ningxia, China
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20
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Hue I. Determinant molecular markers for peri-gastrulating bovine embryo development. Reprod Fertil Dev 2016; 28:51-65. [DOI: 10.1071/rd15355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Peri-gastrulation defines the time frame between blastocyst formation and implantation that also corresponds in cattle to elongation, pregnancy recognition and uterine secretion. Optimally, this developmental window prepares the conceptus for implantation, placenta formation and fetal development. However, this is a highly sensitive period, as evidenced by the incidence of embryo loss or early post-implantation mortality after AI, embryo transfer or somatic cell nuclear transfer. Elongation markers have often been used within this time frame to assess developmental defects or delays, originating either from the embryo, the uterus or the dam. Comparatively, gastrulation markers have not received great attention, although elongation and gastrulation are linked by reciprocal interactions at the molecular and cellular levels. To make this clearer, this peri-gastrulating period is described herein with a focus on its main developmental landmarks, and the resilience of the landmarks in the face of biotechnologies is questioned.
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21
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Ventura-Juncá P, Irarrázaval I, Rolle AJ, Gutiérrez JI, Moreno RD, Santos MJ. In vitro fertilization (IVF) in mammals: epigenetic and developmental alterations. Scientific and bioethical implications for IVF in humans. Biol Res 2015; 48:68. [PMID: 26683055 PMCID: PMC4684609 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-015-0059-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The advent of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in animals and humans implies an extraordinary change in the environment where the beginning of a new organism takes place. In mammals fertilization occurs in the maternal oviduct, where there are unique conditions for guaranteeing the encounter of the gametes and the first stages of development of the embryo and thus its future. During this period a major epigenetic reprogramming takes place that is crucial for the normal fate of the embryo. This epigenetic reprogramming is very vulnerable to changes in environmental conditions such as the ones implied in IVF, including in vitro culture, nutrition, light, temperature, oxygen tension, embryo-maternal signaling, and the general absence of protection against foreign elements that could affect the stability of this process. The objective of this review is to update the impact of the various conditions inherent in the use of IVF on the epigenetic profile and outcomes of mammalian embryos, including superovulation, IVF technique, embryo culture and manipulation and absence of embryo-maternal signaling. It also covers the possible transgenerational inheritance of the epigenetic alterations associated with assisted reproductive technologies (ART), including its phenotypic consequences as is in the case of the large offspring syndrome (LOS). Finally, the important scientific and bioethical implications of the results found in animals are discussed in terms of the ART in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricio Ventura-Juncá
- Bioethical Center and Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile. .,Bioethics Center, Universidad Finis Terrae, Pedro de Valdivia 1509, Providencia, Región Metropolitana, 7501015, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Isabel Irarrázaval
- Bioethical Center and Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Augusto J Rolle
- Bioethical Center and Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Juan I Gutiérrez
- Bioethical Center and Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Ricardo D Moreno
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile. .,Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Manuel J Santos
- Bioethical Center and Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile. .,Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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22
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Seidel GE. Maintaining integrity of germline DNA: individuals age, species do not. Reprod Fertil Dev 2015; 27:865-71. [PMID: 25786538 DOI: 10.1071/rd14514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2014] [Accepted: 02/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
All life forms are under constant assault, resulting in an accumulation of damage within each individual, in both somatic and germline cells. The obvious causes are: (1) mutations from radiation, chemical reactions like peroxidation and errors in replicating genetic material; (2) injury due to environmental insults, such as chemical alteration of proteins by reactive oxygen species; (3) epigenetic errors, such as failure of appropriate maintenance methylation of cytosines of DNA; and (4) numerous other problems, including retroviral invasions, inflammation and unhealthy microbiomes. Collectively, these phenomena constitute aging and/or certain disease states. Nature has developed numerous mechanisms to counteract these problems, such as proofreading enzymes, ubiquitous antioxidants and apoptotic death of unfit cells. However, none of these is completely effective. Although individuals accumulate damage, species usually do not become increasingly damaged; however, this could be one of the mechanisms for eventual extinction or evolution to a different species, the apparent fate of essentially all species. Nevertheless, germline DNA appears to remain sufficiently pristine to maintain fairly stable phenotypes over many generations. How do species avoid accumulating damage when composed of individuals that do? One broad answer seems to be reproductive redundancy followed by elimination of defects through the death of gametes, embryos, fetuses, neonates and postpubertal individuals, with the culling pressure increasing as potential parents age. Another major force appears to be evolutionary pressure; individuals that best fit the environment out-reproduce those that fit less well. What is impressive is that older and older parents continue to have offspring that are nearly as pristine as those of younger parents, even though their germline cells have continued to age. Although the offspring of old parents are not as fit, on average, as those of young parents, differences are small and, in some species, compensated for by superior parenting with accumulated experience. To conclude, it appears that species do not age, even though they are composed of individuals whose somatic and germline cells have aged.
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Affiliation(s)
- G E Seidel
- Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1683, USA.
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