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Parrilla I, Cambra JM, Cuello C, Rodriguez-Martinez H, Gil MA, Martinez EA. Cryopreservation of highly extended pig spermatozoa remodels its proteome and counteracts polyspermic fertilization in vitro. Andrology 2024; 12:1356-1372. [PMID: 38131448 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently, high polyspermy remains a significant obstacle to achieving optimal efficiency in in vitro fertilization (IVF) and in vitro embryo production (IVP) systems in pigs. Developing strategies that would prevent polyspermy is essential in overcoming this challenge and maximizing the potential of this reproductive biotechnology. Previous results have demonstrated that using boar spermatozoa subjected to a high-extension and reconcentration procedure and then cryopreserved resulted in significant improvements in IVF/IVP systems with high rates of monospermy and penetration. OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to unveil the molecular mechanisms that may underlie the changes in fertilization patterns exhibited by highly extended and cryopreserved boar spermatozoa. MATERIALS AND METHODS To achieve this goal, we used quantitative proteomic analysis (LC‒ESI‒MS/MS SWATH) to identify differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) between highly extended (HE) and conventionally (control; CT) cryopreserved boar spermatozoa. Prior to the analysis, we evaluated the in vitro post-thawing fertilizing ability of the sperm samples. The results demonstrated a remarkable improvement in monospermy and IVF efficiency when using HE spermatozoa in IVF compared with CT spermatozoa. RESULTS At the proteomic level, the combination of high-extension and cryopreservation had a significant impact on the frozen-thawed sperm proteome. A total of 45 proteins (24 downregulated and 21 upregulated) were identified as DAPs (FC > 1 or ≤1; p < 0.05) when compared with CT spermatozoa. Some of these proteins were primarily linked to metabolic processes and the structural composition of sperm cells. The dysregulation of these proteins may have a direct or indirect effect on essential sperm functions and significantly affect spermatozoa-oocyte interaction and, therefore, the sperm fertilization profile under in vitro conditions. While these findings are promising, further research is necessary to comprehend how the disturbance of specific proteins affects sperm fertilization ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inmaculada Parrilla
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum,", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Murcia, Spain
| | - Josep M Cambra
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum,", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Murcia, Spain
- Large Animal Models in Cardiovascular Research, Internal Medical Department I, TU Munich, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Cristina Cuello
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum,", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Murcia, Spain
| | - Heriberto Rodriguez-Martinez
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynecology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Maria A Gil
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum,", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Murcia, Spain
| | - Emilio A Martinez
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum,", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Murcia, Spain
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Chang H, Cheng S, Xing G, Huang C, Zhang C, Qian W, Li J. Vincristine exposure impairs mouse oocyte quality by inducing spindle defects and early apoptosis. IUBMB Life 2024; 76:345-356. [PMID: 38009728 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Vincristine (VCR) is a microtubule-destabilizing chemotherapeutic agent commonly administered for the treatment of cancers in patients, which can induce severe side effects including neurotoxicity. In context of the effects on female fertility, ovarian toxicity has been found in patients and mice model after VCR exposure. However, the influence of VCR exposure on oocyte quality has not been elucidated. We established VCR exposure in vitro and in vivo model. The results indicated in vitro VCR exposure contributed to failure of oocyte maturation through inducing defects in spindle assembly, activation of SAC, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and early apoptosis, which were confirmed by using in vivo exposure model. Moreover, in vivo VCR exposure caused aneuploidy, reduced oocyte-sperm binding ability, and the number of cortical granules in mouse oocyte cortex. Taken together, this study demonstrated that VCR could cause meiotic arrest and poor quality of mouse oocyte.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoya Chang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Siyu Cheng
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guoqiang Xing
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Fifth Central Hospital (Peking University Binhai Hospital), Tianjin, China
| | - Chenyang Huang
- Department of Human Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chunhui Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Weiping Qian
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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Cao MH, Zou MM, Liu LL, Dong SJ, Huang MQ, Zheng JH, Li RN, Cui JD, Peng L. Sast1-mediated manifold effects inhibit Plutella xylostella fertility. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:2596-2609. [PMID: 38252701 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus) is a destructive pest of cruciferous crops due to its strong reproductive capacity and extensive resistance to pesticides. Seminal fluid proteins (SFPs) are the main effective factors that determine the reproductive physiology and behaviour of both sexes. Although an increasing number of SFPs have been identified, the effects of astacins in SFPs on agricultural pests have not yet been reported. Here, we elucidated the mechanisms by which Sast1 (seminal astacin 1) regulates the fertility of Plutella xylostella (L.). RESULTS PxSast1 was specifically expressed in the testis and accesssory gland. CRISPR/Cas9-induced PxSast1 knockout successfully constructed two homozygous mutant strains. Sast1 impaired the fertility of P. xylostella by separately regulating the reproductive capacity of males and females. Loss of PxSast1, on the one hand, significantly decreased the ability of males to mate and fertilize, mainly manifested as shortened mating duration, reduced mating competitiveness and decreased eupyrene sperm production; on the other hand, it significantly inhibited the expression of chorion genes in females, resulting in oogenesis deficits. Simultaneously, for mated females, the differentially expressed genes in signalling pathways related to oogenesis and chorion formation were significantly enriched after PxSast1 knockout. CONCLUSION These analyses of the functions of PxSast1 as the regulator of spermatogenesis and oogenesis establish its importance in the fertility process of P. xylostella, as well as its potential as a promising target for genetic regulation-based pest control. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Hui Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ming-Min Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Li-Li Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shi-Jie Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Meng-Qi Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jun-Hao Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ruo-Nan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jin-Dong Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Lu Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
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Huo Z, Tu H, Ren J, Zhang X, Qi Y, Situ C, Li Y, Guo Y, Guo X, Zhu H. Lectin-Based SP3 Technology Enables N-Glycoproteomic Analysis of Mouse Oocytes. J Proteome Res 2024. [PMID: 38787631 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.4c00089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
N-glycosylation is one of the most universal and complex protein post-translational modifications (PTMs), and it is involved in many physiological and pathological activities. Owing to the low abundance of N-glycoproteins, enrichment of N-glycopeptides for mass spectrometry analysis usually requires a large amount of peptides. Additionally, oocyte protein N-glycosylation has not been systemically characterized due to the limited sample amount. Here, we developed a glycosylation enrichment method based on lectin and a single-pot, solid-phase-enhanced sample preparation (SP3) technology, termed lectin-based SP3 technology (LectinSP3). LectinSP3 immobilized lectin on the SP3 beads for N-glycopeptide enrichment. It could identify over 1100 N-glycosylation sites and 600 N-glycoproteins from 10 μg of mouse testis peptides. Furthermore, using the LectinSP3 method, we characterized the N-glycoproteome of 1000 mouse oocytes in three replicates and identified a total of 363 N-glycosylation sites from 215 N-glycoproteins. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that these oocyte N-glycoproteins were mainly enriched in cell adhesion, fertilization, and sperm-egg recognition. Overall, the LectinSP3 method has all procedures performed in one tube, using magnetic beads. It is suitable for analysis of a low amount of samples and is expected to be easily adaptable for automation. In addition, our mouse oocyte protein N-glycosylation profiling could help further characterize the regulation of oocyte functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zian Huo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Haixia Tu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sir Run Run Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Jie Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Xiangzheng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yaling Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Chenghao Situ
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sir Run Run Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yueshuai Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Xuejiang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Hui Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
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Kagan F, Hejnol A. Comparative Analysis of Maternal Gene Expression Patterns Unravels Evolutionary Signatures Across Reproductive Modes. Mol Biol Evol 2024; 41:msae081. [PMID: 38679468 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msae081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Maternal genes have a pivotal role in regulating metazoan early development. As such their functions have been extensively studied since the dawn of developmental biology. The temporal and spatial dynamics of their transcripts have been thoroughly described in model organisms and their functions have been undergoing heavy investigations. Yet, less is known about the evolutionary changes shaping their presence within diverse oocytes. Due to their unique maternal inheritance pattern, a high degree is predicted to be present when it comes to their expression. Insofar only limited and conflicting results have emerged around it. Here, we set out to elucidate which evolutionary changes could be detected in the maternal gene expression patterns using phylogenetic comparative methods on RNAseq data from 43 species. Using normalized gene expression values and fold change information throughout early development we set out to find the best-fitting evolutionary model. Through modeling, we find evidence supporting both the high degree of divergence and constraint on gene expression values, together with their temporal dynamics. Furthermore, we find that maternal gene expression alone can be used to explain the reproductive modes of different species. Together, these results suggest a highly dynamic evolutionary landscape of maternal gene expression. We also propose a possible functional dichotomy of maternal genes which is influenced by the reproductive strategy undertaken by examined species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferenc Kagan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Andreas Hejnol
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University, Institute for Zoology and Evolutionary Research, Jena, Germany
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Tian Q, Yin Y, Tian Y, Wang Y, Wang Y, Fukunaga R, Fujii T, Liao A, Li L, Zhang W, He X, Xiang W, Zhou L. Chromatin Modifier EP400 Regulates Oocyte Quality and Zygotic Genome Activation in Mice. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2308018. [PMID: 38493496 PMCID: PMC11132066 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202308018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetic modifiers that accumulate in oocytes, play a crucial role in steering the developmental program of cleavage embryos and initiating life. However, the identification of key maternal epigenetic regulators remains elusive. In the findings, the essential role of maternal Ep400, a chaperone for H3.3, in oocyte quality and early embryo development in mice is highlighted. Depletion of Ep400 in oocytes resulted in a decline in oocyte quality and abnormalities in fertilization. Preimplantation embryos lacking maternal Ep400 exhibited reduced major zygotic genome activation (ZGA) and experienced developmental arrest at the 2-to-4-cell stage. The study shows that EP400 forms protein complex with NFYA, occupies promoters of major ZGA genes, modulates H3.3 distribution between euchromatin and heterochromatin, promotes transcription elongation, activates the expression of genes regulating mitochondrial functions, and facilitates the expression of rate-limiting enzymes of the TCA cycle. This intricate process driven by Ep400 ensures the proper execution of the developmental program, emphasizing its critical role in maternal-to-embryonic transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Tian
- Institute of Reproductive HealthTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430030China
- Department of Gynecology and ObstetricsZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanHubei430071China
| | - Ying Yin
- Department of PhysiologySchool of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430030China
- Center for Genomics and Proteomics ResearchSchool of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430030China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Pharmacodynamic EvaluationHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430030China
| | - Yu Tian
- Institute of Reproductive HealthTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430030China
| | - Yufan Wang
- Institute of Reproductive HealthTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430030China
| | - Yong‐feng Wang
- Institute of Reproductive HealthTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430030China
| | - Rikiro Fukunaga
- Department of BiochemistryOsaka Medical and Pharmaceutical UniversityTakatsukiOsaka569‐1094Japan
| | - Toshihiro Fujii
- Department of BiochemistryOsaka Medical and Pharmaceutical UniversityTakatsukiOsaka569‐1094Japan
| | - Ai‐hua Liao
- Institute of Reproductive HealthTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430030China
| | - Lei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Gynecology and ObstetricsZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanHubei430071China
| | - Ximiao He
- Department of PhysiologySchool of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430030China
- Center for Genomics and Proteomics ResearchSchool of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430030China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Pharmacodynamic EvaluationHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430030China
| | - Wenpei Xiang
- Institute of Reproductive HealthTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430030China
| | - Li‐quan Zhou
- Institute of Reproductive HealthTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430030China
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Han T, Sun Z, Zhang H, Zhao Y, Jiao A, Gao Q. Ursolic acid alleviates meiotic abnormalities induced by 3-nitropropionic acid in mouse oocytes. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2024; 485:116910. [PMID: 38521372 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2024.116910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
3-nitropropionic acid (3-NPA), a toxic metabolite produced by mold, is mainly found in moldy sugarcane. 3-NPA inhibits the activity of succinate dehydrogenase that can induce oxidative stress injury in cells, reduce ATP production and induce oxidative stress in mouse ovaries to cause reproductive disorders. Ursolic acid (UA) has a variety of biological activities and is a pentacyclic triterpene compound found in many plants. This experiment aimed to investigate the cytotoxicity of 3-NPA during mouse oocyte in vitro maturation and the protective effects of UA on oocytes challenged with 3-NPA. The results showed that UA could alleviate 3-NPA-induced oocyte meiotic maturation failure. Specifically, 3-NPA induced a decrease in the first polar body extrusion rate of oocytes, abnormal distribution of cortical granules, and an increase in the proportion of spindle abnormalities. In addition, 3-NPA caused mitochondrial dysfunction and induced oxidative stress, including decreases in the GSH, mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP levels, and increases in the ROS levels, and these effects led to apoptosis and autophagy. The addition of UA could significantly improve the adverse effects caused by 3-NPA. In general, our data show that 3-NPA affects the normal development of oocytes during the in vitro culture, and the addition of UA can effectively repair the damage caused by 3-NPA to oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiancang Han
- Engineering Research Center of North-East Cold Region Beef Cattle Science & Technology Innovation, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China; Jilin Engineering Research Center of Yanbian Yellow Cattle Resources Reservation, China; Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China
| | - Zhaoyang Sun
- Engineering Research Center of North-East Cold Region Beef Cattle Science & Technology Innovation, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China; Jilin Engineering Research Center of Yanbian Yellow Cattle Resources Reservation, China; Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China
| | - Hongbo Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of North-East Cold Region Beef Cattle Science & Technology Innovation, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China; Jilin Engineering Research Center of Yanbian Yellow Cattle Resources Reservation, China; Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China
| | - Yuhan Zhao
- Engineering Research Center of North-East Cold Region Beef Cattle Science & Technology Innovation, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China; Jilin Engineering Research Center of Yanbian Yellow Cattle Resources Reservation, China; Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China
| | - Anhui Jiao
- Engineering Research Center of North-East Cold Region Beef Cattle Science & Technology Innovation, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China; Jilin Engineering Research Center of Yanbian Yellow Cattle Resources Reservation, China; Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China
| | - Qingshan Gao
- Engineering Research Center of North-East Cold Region Beef Cattle Science & Technology Innovation, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China; Jilin Engineering Research Center of Yanbian Yellow Cattle Resources Reservation, China; Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China.
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Peng K, Cui K, Li P, Liu X, Du Y, Xu H, Yang X, Lu S, Liang X. Mogroside V alleviates the heat stress-induced disruption of the porcine oocyte in vitro maturation. Theriogenology 2024; 217:37-50. [PMID: 38244353 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.01.008] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Heat stress (HS) is a stressor that negatively affect female reproduction. Specially, oocytes are very sensitive to HS. It has been demonstrated that some active compounds can protect oocyte from HS. We previously found that Mogroside V (MV), extracted from Siraitia grosvenorii (Luo Han Guo), can protect oocyte from many kinds of stresses. However, how MV alleviates HS-induced disruption of oocyte maturation remains unknown. In this study, we treated the HS-induced porcine oocytes with MV to examine their maturation and quality. Our findings demonstrate that MV can effectively alleviate HS-induced porcine oocyte abnormal cumulus cell expansion, decrease of first polar body extrusion rate, spindle assembly and chromosome separation abnormalities, indicating MV attenuates oocyte mature defects. We further observed that MV can effectively alleviate HS-induced cortical granule distribution abnormality and decrease of blastocyst formation rate after parthenogenesis activation. In addition, MV treatment reversed mitochondrial dysfunction and lipid droplet content decrease, reduced reactive oxygen species levels, early apoptosis and DNA damage in porcine oocytes after HS. Collectively, this study suggests that MV can effectively protect porcine oocytes from HS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Peng
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding & Disease Control and Prevention, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, China
| | - Kexin Cui
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding & Disease Control and Prevention, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, China
| | - Pan Li
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding & Disease Control and Prevention, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, China
| | - Xinxin Liu
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding & Disease Control and Prevention, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, China
| | - Ya Du
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding & Disease Control and Prevention, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, China
| | - Huiyan Xu
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding & Disease Control and Prevention, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, China
| | - Xiaogan Yang
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding & Disease Control and Prevention, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, China
| | - Shengsheng Lu
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding & Disease Control and Prevention, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, China
| | - Xingwei Liang
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding & Disease Control and Prevention, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, China.
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9
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Nishio S, Emori C, Wiseman B, Fahrenkamp D, Dioguardi E, Zamora-Caballero S, Bokhove M, Han L, Stsiapanava A, Algarra B, Lu Y, Kodani M, Bainbridge RE, Komondor KM, Carlson AE, Landreh M, de Sanctis D, Yasumasu S, Ikawa M, Jovine L. ZP2 cleavage blocks polyspermy by modulating the architecture of the egg coat. Cell 2024; 187:1440-1459.e24. [PMID: 38490181 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.02.013] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Following the fertilization of an egg by a single sperm, the egg coat or zona pellucida (ZP) hardens and polyspermy is irreversibly blocked. These events are associated with the cleavage of the N-terminal region (NTR) of glycoprotein ZP2, a major subunit of ZP filaments. ZP2 processing is thought to inactivate sperm binding to the ZP, but its molecular consequences and connection with ZP hardening are unknown. Biochemical and structural studies show that cleavage of ZP2 triggers its oligomerization. Moreover, the structure of a native vertebrate egg coat filament, combined with AlphaFold predictions of human ZP polymers, reveals that two protofilaments consisting of type I (ZP3) and type II (ZP1/ZP2/ZP4) components interlock into a left-handed double helix from which the NTRs of type II subunits protrude. Together, these data suggest that oligomerization of cleaved ZP2 NTRs extensively cross-links ZP filaments, rigidifying the egg coat and making it physically impenetrable to sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunsuke Nishio
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Chihiro Emori
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan; Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Benjamin Wiseman
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Dirk Fahrenkamp
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Elisa Dioguardi
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | | | - Marcel Bokhove
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Ling Han
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Alena Stsiapanava
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Blanca Algarra
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Yonggang Lu
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan; Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Mayo Kodani
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan; Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Rachel E Bainbridge
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kayla M Komondor
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Anne E Carlson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Michael Landreh
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, 75124 Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Shigeki Yasumasu
- Department of Materials and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Sophia University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan; Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan; Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan; Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research (CiDER), Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Luca Jovine
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden.
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10
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Pisciottano F, Campos MC, Penna C, Bruque CD, Gabaldón T, Saragüeta P. Positive selection in gamete interaction proteins in Carnivora. Mol Ecol 2024; 33:e17263. [PMID: 38318732 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
The absence of robust interspecific isolation barriers among pantherines, including the iconic South American jaguar (Panthera onca), led us to study molecular evolution of typically rapidly evolving reproductive proteins within this subfamily and related groups. In this study, we delved into the evolutionary forces acting on the zona pellucida (ZP) gamete interaction protein family and the sperm-oocyte fusion protein pair IZUMO1-JUNO across the Carnivora order, distinguishing between Caniformia and Feliformia suborders and anticipating few significant diversifying changes in the Pantherinae subfamily. A chromosome-resolved jaguar genome assembly facilitated coding sequences, enabling the reconstruction of protein evolutionary histories. Examining sequence variability across more than 30 Carnivora species revealed that Feliformia exhibited significantly lower diversity compared to its sister taxa, Caniformia. Molecular evolution analyses of ZP2 and ZP3, subunits directly involved in sperm-recognition, unveiled diversifying positive selection in Feliformia, Caniformia and Pantherinae, although no significant changes were linked to sperm binding. Structural cross-linking ZP subunits, ZP4 and ZP1 exhibited lower levels or complete absence of positive selection. Notably, the fusion protein IZUMO1 displayed prominent positive selection signatures and sites in basal lineages of both Caniformia and Feliformia, extending along the Caniformia subtree but absent in Pantherinae. Conversely, JUNO did not exhibit any positive selection signatures across tested lineages and clades. Eight Caniformia-specific positive selected sites in IZUMO1 were detected within two JUNO-interaction clusters. Our findings provide for the first time insights into the evolutionary trajectories of ZP proteins and the IZUMO1-JUNO gamete interaction pair within the Carnivora order.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Pisciottano
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Clara Campos
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Clementina Penna
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carlos David Bruque
- Unidad de Conocimiento Traslacional Hospitalaria Patagónica, Hospital de Alta Complejidad El Calafate SAMIC, El Calafate, Santa Cruz, Argentina
| | - Toni Gabaldón
- Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), and Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Patricia Saragüeta
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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11
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Ma M, Zhang L, Liu Z, Teng Y, Li M, Peng X, An L. Effect of blastocyst development on hatching and embryo implantation. Theriogenology 2024; 214:66-72. [PMID: 37857152 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.10.011] [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: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
The mammalian zygote, formed after a sperm fertilizes an egg, undergoes several rounds of mitosis and morphogenesis to form the blastocyst. During the peri-implantation period, the blastocyst hatches out of the zona pellucida (ZP) and invades the receptive uterine endometrium. This process promotes maternal-fetal dialogue at the physiological and molecular level, thereby initiating the implantation process. Blastocyst hatching is a consequence of elevated osmotic pressure due to active Na+/K+ ion transporter in the blastocyst cavity, as well as proteases produced by trophectoderm (TE) that hydrolyze the ZP. This review summarizes the process underpinning blastocyst hatching, such as the hatching schedule, the location of TEs during initial hatching out of the ZP, the molecules involved in blastocyst hatching, and how these processes affect implantation events. Additionally, we focus on identifying crucial molecules that may influence the quality of implantation and predict the outcome of embryo implantation. Further understanding the mechanism of these molecules may help us to improve the efficiency of Assisted reproductive technology (ART) in livestock breeding. This review provides insight into embryonic development, specifically during the short-term process of blastocyst hatching and its effects on the following implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meixiang Ma
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, 830046, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, 830046, China
| | - Zihan Liu
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, 830046, China
| | - Yadi Teng
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, 830046, China
| | - Miaolong Li
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, 830046, China
| | - Xinrong Peng
- Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Xinjiang Academy of Animal Science, Urumqi, 830011, China.
| | - Liyou An
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, 830046, China.
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12
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Felten M, Distler U, von Wiegen N, Łącki M, Behl C, Tenzer S, Stöcker W, Körschgen H. Substrate profiling of the metalloproteinase ovastacin uncovers specific enzyme-substrate interactions and discloses fertilization-relevant substrates. FEBS J 2024; 291:114-131. [PMID: 37690456 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
The metalloproteinase ovastacin is released by the mammalian egg upon fertilization and cleaves a distinct peptide bond in zona pellucida protein 2 (ZP2), a component of the enveloping extracellular matrix. This limited proteolysis causes zona pellucida hardening, abolishes sperm binding, and thereby regulates fertility. Accordingly, this process is tightly controlled by the plasma protein fetuin-B, an endogenous competitive inhibitor. At present, little is known about how the cleavage characteristics of ovastacin differ from closely related proteases. Physiological implications of ovastacin beyond ZP2 cleavage are still obscure. In this study, we employed N-terminal amine isotopic labeling of substrates (N-TAILS) contained in the secretome of mouse embryonic fibroblasts to elucidate the substrate specificity and the precise cleavage site specificity. Furthermore, we were able to unravel the physicochemical properties governing ovastacin-substrate interactions as well as the individual characteristics that distinguish ovastacin from similar proteases, such as meprins and tolloid. Eventually, we identified several substrates whose cleavage could affect mammalian fertilization. Consequently, these substrates indicate newly identified functions of ovastacin in mammalian fertilization beyond zona pellucida hardening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Felten
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Cell and Matrix Biology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Germany
| | - Ute Distler
- Institute for Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Germany
| | - Nele von Wiegen
- Institute of Pathobiochemistry, The Autophagy Lab, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Germany
| | - Mateusz Łącki
- Institute for Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Germany
| | - Christian Behl
- Institute of Pathobiochemistry, The Autophagy Lab, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Germany
| | - Stefan Tenzer
- Institute for Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Germany
| | - Walter Stöcker
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Cell and Matrix Biology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Germany
| | - Hagen Körschgen
- Institute of Pathobiochemistry, The Autophagy Lab, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Germany
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13
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Wu H, Che J, Zheng W, Cheng D, Gong F, Lu G, Lin G, Dai C. Novel biallelic ASTL variants are associated with polyspermy and female infertility: A successful live birth following ICSI treatment. Gene 2023; 887:147745. [PMID: 37640117 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147745] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Fertilization of the egg by the sperm is the first vital stage of embryogenesis. In mammals, only one sperm is incorporated into the oocyte. Polyspermy is a key anomaly of fertilization that is generally lethal to the embryo. To date, only a few causative genes for polyspermy have been reported. In a recent study, a homozygous variant in astacin-like metalloendopeptidase (ASTL), which encodes the ovastacin enzyme that cleaves ZP2 to prevent polyspermy, was found to be associated with female infertility characterized by polyspermy in vitro. Herein, we identified two ASTL variants in a Chinese woman likely responsible for her primary infertility and polyspermy in in vitro fertilization. Both variants were located within the key catalytic domain and predicted to alter hydrogen bonds, potentially impairing protein stability. Moreover, expression and immunoblot analyses in CHO-K1 cells indicated abnormal ovastacin zymogen activation or decreased enzyme stability. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment successfully bypassed the defect in polyspermy blocking and resulted in a live birth. Our study associates ASTL variants with human infertility and further supports the contribution of this gene to blocking polyspermy in humans. Our findings expand the spectrum of ASTL mutations and should facilitate the diagnosis of oocyte-borne polyspermy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huixia Wu
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Jianfang Che
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Wei Zheng
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Dehua Cheng
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Fei Gong
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha 410008, China; Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Guangxiu Lu
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China; Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha 410008, China; Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha 410078, China; National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha 410205, China
| | - Ge Lin
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha 410008, China; Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha 410078, China; National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha 410205, China.
| | - Can Dai
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China; Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha 410008, China.
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14
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Wang H, Chen W, Shen P, Feng Y, Shi D, Lu F. Follistatin (FST) is expressed in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) ovarian follicles and promotes oocyte maturation and early embryonic development. Reprod Domest Anim 2023; 58:1718-1731. [PMID: 37917549 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Follistatin (FST), a member of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily, has been identified as an inhibitor of follicle-stimulating hormone. Previous studies showed that it plays an important role in animal reproduction. Therefore, this study aims to investigate its effect on the maturation of buffalo oocytes in vitro, and the underlying mechanism of FST affecting oocyte maturation was also explored in buffalo cumulus cells. Results showed that FST was enriched in the ovary and expressed at different stages of buffalo ovarian follicles as well as during oocyte maturation and early embryo development. The FST expression level was up-regulated in MII buffalo oocytes compared with the GV stage (p < .05). To study the effects of FST on buffalo oocytes' maturation and early embryonic development, we added the pcD3.1 skeleton vector and PCD3.1-EGFP-FST vector into the maturation fluid of buffalo oocytes, respectively. It was demonstrated that FST promoted the in vitro maturation rate of buffalo oocytes and the blastocyst rate of embryos cultured in vitro (p < .05). By interfering with FST expression, we discovered that FST in cumulus cells plays a crucial role in oocyte maturation. Interference with the FST expression during the buffalo oocyte maturation did not affect the first polar body rate of buffalo oocyte (p > .05). In contrast, the location of mitochondria in oocytes was abnormal, and the cumulus expansion area was reduced (p < .05). After parthenogenetic activation, the cleavage and blastocyst rates of the FST-interfered group were reduced (p < .05). Furthermore, RT-qPCR was performed to investigate further the underlying mechanism by which FST enhances oocyte maturation. We found that overexpression of FST could up-regulate the expression level of apoptosis suppressor gene Bcl-2 and TGF-β/SMAD pathway-related genes TGF-β, SMAD2, and SMAD3 (p < .05). In contrast, the expression levels of SMAD4 and pro-apoptotic gene BAX were significantly decreased (p < .05). The FST gene could affect buffalo oocyte maturation by regulating the oocyte mitochondria integrity, the cumulus expansion, cumulus cell apoptosis, and the expression levels of TGF-β/SMAD pathway-related genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoxin Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Weili Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Penglei Shen
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yun Feng
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Deshun Shi
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Fenghua Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
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15
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Gupta N, Soriano-Úbeda C, Stein P, Savy V, Papas BN, Ardestani G, Carvacho I, Alfandari D, Williams CJ, Fissore RA. Essential role of Mg 2+ in mouse preimplantation embryo development revealed by TRPM7 chanzyme-deficient gametes. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113232. [PMID: 37824328 PMCID: PMC10842026 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
TRPM7 (transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 7) is a chanzyme with channel and kinase domains essential for embryo development. Using gamete-specific Trpm7-null lines, we report that TRPM7-mediated Mg2+ influx is indispensable for reaching the blastocyst stage. TRPM7 is expressed dynamically from gametes to blastocysts; displays stage-specific localization on the plasma membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus; and undergoes cleavage that produces C-terminal kinase fragments. TRPM7 underpins Mg2+ homeostasis, and excess Mg2+ but not Zn2+ or Ca2+ overcomes the arrest of Trpm7-null embryos; expressing Trpm7 mRNA restores development, but mutant versions fail or are partially rescued. Transcriptomic analyses of Trpm7-null embryos reveal an abundance of oxidative stress-pathway genes, confirmed by mitochondrial dysfunction, and a reduction in transcription factor networks essential for proliferation; Mg2+ supplementation corrects these defects. Hence, TRPM7 underpins Mg2+ homeostasis in preimplantation embryos, prevents oxidative stress, and promotes gene expression patterns necessary for developmental progression and cell-lineage specification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Gupta
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Cristina Soriano-Úbeda
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA; Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery, and Anatomy, Veterinary School, University of León, León, Spain
| | - Paula Stein
- Reproductive & Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Virginia Savy
- Reproductive & Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Brian N Papas
- Integrative Bioinformatics Support Group, Biostatistics and Computational Biology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Goli Ardestani
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA; Clinical Research Embryologist, Boston IVF, Waltham, MA, USA
| | - Ingrid Carvacho
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | - Dominique Alfandari
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Carmen J Williams
- Reproductive & Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Rafael A Fissore
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA.
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16
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Liu SL, Zuo HY, Zhao BW, Guo JN, Liu WB, Lei WL, Li YY, Ouyang YC, Hou Y, Han ZM, Wang WZ, Sun QY, Wang ZB. A heterozygous ZP2 mutation causes zona pellucida defects and female infertility in mouse and human. iScience 2023; 26:107828. [PMID: 37736051 PMCID: PMC10509300 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The zona pellucida (ZP) is an extracellular glycoprotein matrix surrounding mammalian oocytes. Recently, numerous mutations in genes encoding ZP proteins have been shown to be possibly related to oocyte abnormality and female infertility; few reports have confirmed the functions of these mutations in living animal models. Here, we identified a novel heterozygous missense mutation (NM_001376231.1:c.1616C>T, p.Thr539Met) in ZP2 from a primary infertile female. We showed that the mutation reduced ZP2 expression and impeded ZP2 secretion in cell lines. Furthermore, we constructed the mouse model with the mutation (Zp2T541M) using CRISPR-Cas9. Zp2WT/T541M female mice had normal fertility though generated oocytes with the thin ZP, whereas Zp2T541M female mice were completely infertile due to degeneration of oocytes without ZP. Additionally, ZP deletion impaired folliculogenesis and caused female infertility in Zp2T541M mice. Our study not only expands the spectrum of ZP2 mutation sites but also, more importantly, increases the understanding of pathogenic mechanisms of ZP2 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai-Li Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Hai-Yang Zuo
- The Six Medical Center of Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Bing-Wang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Jia-Ni Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Wen-Bo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Wen-Long Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Ying-Chun Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yi Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Zhi-Ming Han
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Wei-Zhou Wang
- The Six Medical Center of Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Qing-Yuan Sun
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases and Reproductive Health, Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou 510317, China
| | - Zhen-Bo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
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17
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Kang I, Koo M, Yoon H, Park BS, Jun JH, Lee J. Ovastacin: An oolemma protein that cleaves the zona pellucida to prevent polyspermy. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2023; 50:154-159. [PMID: 37643828 PMCID: PMC10477413 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2023.05981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Monospermy occurs in the process of normal fertilization where a single sperm fuses with the egg, resulting in the formation of a diploid zygote. During the process of fertilization, the sperm must penetrate the zona pellucida (ZP), the outer layer of the egg, to reach the egg's plasma membrane. Once a sperm binds to the ZP, it undergoes an acrosomal reaction, which involves the release of enzymes from the sperm's acrosome that help it to penetrate the ZP. Ovastacin is one of the enzymes that is involved in breaking down the ZP. Studies have shown that ovastacin is necessary for the breakdown of the ZP and for successful fertilization to occur. However, the activity of ovastacin is tightly regulated to ensure that only one sperm can fertilize the egg. One way in which ovastacin helps to prevent polyspermy (the fertilization of an egg by more than one sperm) is by rapidly degrading the ZP after a sperm has penetrated it. This makes it difficult for additional sperm to penetrate the ZP and fertilize the egg. Ovastacin is also thought to play a role in the block to polyspermy, a mechanism that prevents additional sperm from fusing with the egg's plasma membrane after fertilization has occurred. In summary, the role of ovastacin in monospermic fertilization is to help ensure that only one sperm can fertilize the egg, while preventing polyspermy and ensuring successful fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inyoung Kang
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Eulji University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Myoungjoo Koo
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Eulji University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyejin Yoon
- Department of Senior Healthcare, Graduate School of Eulji University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Beom Seok Park
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Eulji University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
- Department of Senior Healthcare, Graduate School of Eulji University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Hyun Jun
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Eulji University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
- Department of Senior Healthcare, Graduate School of Eulji University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
- Eulji Medi-Bio Research Institute (EMBRI), Eulji University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaewang Lee
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Eulji University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
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18
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Mao Y, Nakel T, Erbasol Serbes I, Joshi S, Tekleyohans DG, Baum T, Groß-Hardt R. ECS1 and ECS2 suppress polyspermy and the formation of haploid plants by promoting double fertilization. eLife 2023; 12:e85832. [PMID: 37489742 PMCID: PMC10421590 DOI: 10.7554/elife.85832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The current pace of crop plant optimization is insufficient to meet future demands and there is an urgent need for novel breeding strategies. It was previously shown that plants tolerate the generation of triparental polyspermy-derived plants and that polyspermy can bypass hybridization barriers. Polyspermy thus has the potential to harness previously incompatible climate-adapted wild varieties for plant breeding. However, factors that influence polyspermy frequencies were not previously known. The endopeptidases ECS1 and ECS2 have been reported to prevent the attraction of supernumerary pollen tubes by cleaving the pollen tube attractant LURE1. Here, we show that these genes have an earlier function that is manifested by incomplete double fertilization in plants defective for both genes. In addition to supernumerary pollen tube attraction, ecs1 ecs2 mutants exhibit a delay in synergid disintegration, are susceptible to heterofertilization, and segregate haploid plants that lack a paternal genome contribution. Our results thus uncover ECS1 and ECS2 as the first female factors triggering the induction of maternal haploids. Capitalizing on a high-throughput polyspermy assay, we in addition show that the double mutant exhibits an increase in polyspermy frequencies. As both haploid induction and polyspermy are valuable breeding aims, our results open new avenues for accelerated generation of climate-adapted cultivars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanbo Mao
- University of Bremen, Centre for Biomolecular InteractionsBremenGermany
| | - Thomas Nakel
- University of Bremen, Centre for Biomolecular InteractionsBremenGermany
| | | | - Saurabh Joshi
- University of Bremen, Centre for Biomolecular InteractionsBremenGermany
| | | | - Thomas Baum
- University of Bremen, Centre for Biomolecular InteractionsBremenGermany
| | - Rita Groß-Hardt
- University of Bremen, Centre for Biomolecular InteractionsBremenGermany
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19
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Suri K, Rajput N, Sharma P, Omble AD, Kulkarni K, Gahlay GK. In silico identification and characterization of the SNPs in the human ASTL gene and their probable role in female infertility. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1151672. [PMID: 37363721 PMCID: PMC10285486 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1151672] [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: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovastacin (ASTL), a zinc metalloprotease, is released from a fertilized egg during exocytosis of cortical granules which occurs minutes after the sperm and egg fuse. ASTL cleaves ZP2, one of the four primary glycoproteins of human zona pellucida, and this cleavage prevents polyspermy, causes zona pellucida hardening, and also protects the pre-implantation embryo. Any perturbation in the activity of ASTL can thus disturb this process and may lead to infertility without changing the gross morphology of the oocyte. A small amount of ASTL is also released by unfertilized oocytes but its catalytic activity is absent as it is bound by its inhibitor, Fetuin-B (FETUB). Pre-mature release of ASTL when FETUB is absent also causes infertility. To identify and understand the structural and functional effects of deleterious SNPs of ASTL on its interaction with ZP2 and FETUB and hence on fertility, a total of 4,748 SNPs from the dbSNP database were evaluated using a variety of in silico tools. All of the 40 shortlisted nsSNPs were present in the catalytic domain of the protein. Comparison of the wild type with mutants using MutPred2 suggests an alteration in the catalytic activity/zinc binding site in many SNPs. Docking studies show the involvement of hydrophobic interactions and H bonding between ASTL and ZP2 and also between ASTL and FETUB. Four positions in ASTL involved in the hydrophobic interactions (P105 and D200 between ASTL and ZP2; D198 and L278 between ASTL and FETUB) and 5 in H bonding (E75 and R159 between ASTL and ZP2; and K93, R159, and C281 between ASTL and FETUB) have SNP's associated with them validating their importance. Interestingly, a cluster of multiple SNPs was found in the motif 198DRD200, which is also a well-conserved region among several species. Statistical Coupling Analysis (SCA) suggested that the deleterious SNPs were present in the functionally important amino acid positions of ASTL and are evolutionarily coupled. Thus, these results attempt to identify the regions in ASTL, mutations in which can affect its binding with ZP2 or FETUB and cause female infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kapali Suri
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | - Neha Rajput
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | - Priya Sharma
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | - Aishwarya D. Omble
- Division of Biochemical Sciences, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, India
| | - Kiran Kulkarni
- Division of Biochemical Sciences, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, India
| | - Gagandeep K. Gahlay
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
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20
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Wang X, Zhang M, Zhang D, Yan Y, Liu Q, Xu C, Zhu Z, Wu S, Zong Y, Cao Z, Zhang Y. Emamectin benzoate exposure impaired porcine oocyte maturation. Theriogenology 2023; 206:123-132. [PMID: 37209432 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Emamectin benzoate (EB) is a widely used insecticide that can damage the central nervous and immune systems. EB exposure significantly reduced the number of eggs laid, hatching rate, and developmental rate of lower organisms such as nematodes. However, effects of EB exposure on the maturation of higher animals such as porcine oocytes remains unknown. Here we reported that EB exposure severely impaired porcine oocyte maturation. EB exposure with 200 μM prevented cumulus expansion and reduced the rates of first polar body (pb1) extrusion, cleavage and blastocyst after parthenogenetic activation. Moreover, EB exposure disrupted spindle organization, chromosome alignment, and polymerization of microfilaments, but also apparently decreased the levels of acetylated α-tubulin (Ac-Tub) in oocytes. In addition, EB exposure perturbed mitochondria distribution and increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), but did not affect the distribution of cortical granules (CGs) in oocytes. Excessive ROS caused DNA damage accumulation and induced early apoptosis of oocytes. EB exposure led to the abnormal expression of cumulus expansion and apoptosis-associated genes. Altogether, these results demonstrate that EB exposure impaired nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation of porcine oocytes probably through oxidative stress and early apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Mengya Zhang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Danruo Zhang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Yelian Yan
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Qiuchen Liu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Changzhi Xu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Zhihua Zhu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Sucheng Wu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Yanfeng Zong
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Zubing Cao
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China.
| | - Yunhai Zhang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China.
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21
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Wang R, Chen J, Cui Z, Li Y, Gao Q, Miao Y, Wang H, Xiong B. Exposure to diisononyl phthalate deteriorates the quality of porcine oocytes by inducing the apoptosis. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 254:114768. [PMID: 36917878 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Diisononyl phthalate (DINP), a mixture of chemical compounds composed of diverse isononyl esters of phthalic acid, is commonly applied as a plasticizer to substitute for di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). It has been demonstrated that DINP exposure impairs the functions of kidney and liver in animals. However, the effects and potential mechanisms of DINP exposure on the female reproduction, especially the oocyte quality are still poorly understood. Here, we discovered that DINP exposure weakened the porcine oocyte meiotic competency (78.9% vs 53.6%, P < 0.001) and fertilization ability (78.5% vs 34.1%, P < 0.0001) during in vitro maturation. Specifically, DINP exposure induced the persistent spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) activation caused by the disorganized spindle/chromosome apparatus (spindle: 20.0% vs 83.3%, P < 0.001; chromosome: 20.0% vs 80.0%, P < 0.01) to arrest meiotic progression of oocytes at metaphase I stage. In addition, DINP exposure disturbed the dynamics of sperm binding (146.7 vs 58.6, P < 0.0001) and fusion proteins (19.5 vs 11.6, P < 0.0001) in oocytes to compromise their fertilization ability. In particular, transcriptome data uncovered that the action mechanism of DINP on the oocyte maturation was associated with oxidative phosphorylation, apoptosis and autophagy pathways. Lastly, we validated that DINP exposure resulted in the mitochondrial dysfunction (27.2 vs 19.8, P < 0.0001) and elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS; 8.9 vs 19.9, P < 0.0001) to trigger the occurrence of apoptosis (7.2 vs 13.1, P < 0.0001) and protective autophagy (68.6 vs 139.3, P < 0.01). Altogether, our findings not only testify that DINP has a potentially adverse impact on the mammalian oocyte quality, but also provide a scientific reference regarding how environment pollutants act on the female germ cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Jingyue Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; State Key Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Special Economic Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun 130112, China
| | - Zhaokang Cui
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Institue of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Yu Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Qian Gao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Yilong Miao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Huili Wang
- Institue of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China.
| | - Bo Xiong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
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22
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Li C, Zhang H, Wu H, Li R, Wen D, Tang Y, Gao Z, Xu R, Lu S, Wei Q, Zhao X, Pan M, Ma B. Intermittent fasting reverses the declining quality of aged oocytes. Free Radic Biol Med 2023; 195:74-88. [PMID: 36581058 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2022.12.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Decreased oocyte quality and compromised embryo development are particularly prevalent in older females, but the aging-related cellular processes and effective ameliorative approaches have not been fully characterized. Intermittent fasting (IF) can help improve health and extend lifespan; nevertheless, how it regulates reproductive aging and its mechanisms remain unclear. We used naturally aged mice to investigate the role of IF in reproduction and found that just one month of every-other-day fasting was sufficient to improve oocyte quality. IF not only increased antral follicle numbers and ovulation but also enhanced oocyte meiotic competence and embryonic development by improving both nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation in maternally aged oocytes. The beneficial effects of IF manifested as alleviation of spindle structure abnormalities and chromosome segregation errors and maintenance of the correct cytoplasmic organelle reorganization. Moreover, single-cell transcriptome analysis showed that the positive impact of IF on aged oocytes was mediated by restoration of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)/Sirt1-mediated antioxidant defense system, which eliminated excessive accumulated ROS to suppress DNA damage and apoptosis. Collectively, these findings suggest that IF is a feasible approach to protect oocytes against advanced maternal age-related oxidation damage and to improve the reproductive outcomes of aged females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruoyu Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongxu Wen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaju Tang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen Gao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Sihai Lu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Wei
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoe Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China.
| | - Menghao Pan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China.
| | - Baohua Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China.
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23
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Satouh Y, Sato K. Reorganization, specialization, and degradation of oocyte maternal components for early development. Reprod Med Biol 2023; 22:e12505. [PMID: 36726596 PMCID: PMC9884333 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Oocyte components are maternally provided, solely determine oocyte quality, and coordinately determine embryo quality with zygotic gene expression. During oocyte maturation, maternal organelles are drastically reorganized and specialized to support oocyte characteristics. A large number of maternal components are actively degraded after fertilization and gradually replaced by zygotic gene products. The molecular basis and the significance of these processes on oocyte/embryo quality are not fully understood. Methods Firstly, recent findings in organelle characteristics of other cells or oocytes from model organisms are introduced for further understanding of oocyte organelle reorganization/specialization. Secondly, recent progress in studies on maternal components degradation and their molecular mechanisms are introduced. Finally, future applications of these advancements for predicting mammalian oocyte/embryo quality are discussed. Main findings The significance of cellular surface protein degradation via endocytosis for embryonic development, and involvement of biogenesis of lipid droplets in embryonic quality, were recently reported using mammalian model organisms. Conclusion Identifying key oocyte component characteristics and understanding their dynamics may lead to new applications in oocyte/embryo quality prediction and improvement. To implement these multidimensional concepts, development of new technical approaches that allow us to address the complexity and efficient studies using model organisms are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhkoh Satouh
- Laboratory of Molecular Traffic, Institute for Molecular and Cellular RegulationGunma UniversityMaebashiJapan
| | - Ken Sato
- Laboratory of Molecular Traffic, Institute for Molecular and Cellular RegulationGunma UniversityMaebashiJapan
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24
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Macaulay AD, Ortman CS, Moore KRJ, Baltz JM. Initial detachment of the mouse oocyte from the zona pellucida is mediated by metallopeptidase activity†. Biol Reprod 2023; 108:81-97. [PMID: 36179245 PMCID: PMC9843679 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The fully grown mammalian oocyte is tightly attached to its extracellular matrix shell, the zona pellucida (ZP), but the oocyte detaches from the ZP shortly after ovulation is signaled. The mechanism by which the oocyte detaches from the ZP is unknown. Because ZP proteins are initially secreted as transmembrane proteins, we hypothesized that attachment of the oocyte to the ZP is mediated by transmembrane ZP proteins and that detachment occurs when these proteins are cleaved by peptidases. To identify potential candidates for the type of peptidase, we used mouse oocyte transcriptome data sets to identify candidate peptidases localized to the exterior of the oocyte. Screening with a set of small molecule inhibitors that broadly target the families of peptidases represented by the candidates, we found that only inhibitors of the M10 and M12 families of metallopeptidases prevented detachment. Using more selective inhibitors indicated that detachment was prevented by an inhibitor, GI254023X, developed to be selective for ADAM10 in the M12 family but not by those considered selective for the M10 family or for other M12 metallopeptidases expressed in oocytes. Using an antibody that binds to an epitope just distal to the likely cleavage site of murine ZP3 showed that this site was gradually lost from the oocyte surface during the period when detachment occurs and that inhibiting metallopeptidase activity prevented the loss of this epitope. Taken together, these results indicate that detachment of the oocyte from the ZP is mediated by a metallopeptidase.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chyna S Ortman
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Jay M Baltz
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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25
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Fiorentino G, Cimadomo D, Innocenti F, Soscia D, Vaiarelli A, Ubaldi FM, Gennarelli G, Garagna S, Rienzi L, Zuccotti M. Biomechanical forces and signals operating in the ovary during folliculogenesis and their dysregulation: implications for fertility. Hum Reprod Update 2023; 29:1-23. [PMID: 35856663 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Folliculogenesis occurs in the highly dynamic environment of the ovary. Follicle cyclic recruitment, neo-angiogenesis, spatial displacement, follicle atresia and ovulation stand out as major events resulting from the interplay between mechanical forces and molecular signals. Morphological and functional changes to the growing follicle and to the surrounding tissue are required to produce oocytes capable of supporting preimplantation development to the blastocyst stage. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review will summarize the ovarian morphological and functional context that contributes to follicle recruitment, growth and ovulation, as well as to the acquisition of oocyte developmental competence. We will describe the changes occurring during folliculogenesis to the ovarian extracellular matrix (ECM) and to the vasculature, their influence on the mechanical properties of the ovarian tissue, and, in turn, their influence on the regulation of signal transduction. Also, we will outline how their dysregulation might be associated with pathologies such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis or premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). Finally, for each of these three pathologies, we will highlight therapeutic strategies attempting to correct the altered biomechanical context in order to restore fertility. SEARCH METHODS For each area discussed, a systematic bibliographical search was performed, without temporal limits, using PubMed Central, Web of Science and Scopus search engines employing the keywords extracellular matrix, mechanobiology, biomechanics, vasculature, angiogenesis or signalling pathway in combination with: ovary, oogenesis, oocyte, folliculogenesis, ovarian follicle, theca, granulosa, cumulus, follicular fluid, corpus luteum, meiosis, oocyte developmental competence, preimplantation, polycystic ovary syndrome, premature ovarian insufficiency or endometriosis. OUTCOMES Through search engines queries, we yielded a total of 37 368 papers that were further selected based on our focus on mammals and, specifically, on rodents, bovine, equine, ovine, primates and human, and also were trimmed around each specific topic of the review. After the elimination of duplicates, this selection process resulted in 628 papers, of which 287 were cited in the manuscript. Among these, 89.2% were published in the past 22 years, while the remaining 8.0%, 2.4% or 0.3% were published during the 1990s, 1980s or before, respectively. During folliculogenesis, changes occur to the ovarian ECM composition and organization that, together with vasculature modelling around the growing follicle, are aimed to sustain its recruitment and growth, and the maturation of the enclosed oocyte. These events define the scenario in which mechanical forces are key to the regulation of cascades of molecular signals. Alterations to this context determine impaired folliculogenesis and decreased oocyte developmental potential, as observed in pathological conditions which are causes of infertility, such as PCOS, endometriosis or POI. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The knowledge of these mechanisms and the rules that govern them lay a sound basis to explain how follicles recruitment and growth are modulated, and stimulate insights to develop, in clinical practice, strategies to improve follicular recruitment and oocyte competence, particularly for pathologies like PCOS, endometriosis and POI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Fiorentino
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Center for Health Technologies, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | | | - Daria Soscia
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GeneraLife IVF, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Gianluca Gennarelli
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Physiopathology of Reproduction and IVF Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, Sant'Anna Hospital, University of Torino, Turin, Italy.,Livet, GeneraLife IVF, Turin, Italy
| | - Silvia Garagna
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Center for Health Technologies, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Laura Rienzi
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GeneraLife IVF, Rome, Italy.,Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy
| | - Maurizio Zuccotti
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Center for Health Technologies, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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26
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Gomis-Rüth FX, Stöcker W. Structural and evolutionary insights into astacin metallopeptidases. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 9:1080836. [PMID: 36685277 PMCID: PMC9848320 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.1080836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The astacins are a family of metallopeptidases (MPs) that has been extensively described from animals. They are multidomain extracellular proteins, which have a conserved core architecture encompassing a signal peptide for secretion, a prodomain or prosegment and a zinc-dependent catalytic domain (CD). This constellation is found in the archetypal name-giving digestive enzyme astacin from the European crayfish Astacus astacus. Astacin catalytic domains span ∼200 residues and consist of two subdomains that flank an extended active-site cleft. They share several structural elements including a long zinc-binding consensus sequence (HEXXHXXGXXH) immediately followed by an EXXRXDRD motif, which features a family-specific glutamate. In addition, a downstream SIMHY-motif encompasses a "Met-turn" methionine and a zinc-binding tyrosine. The overall architecture and some structural features of astacin catalytic domains match those of other more distantly related MPs, which together constitute the metzincin clan of metallopeptidases. We further analysed the structures of PRO-, MAM, TRAF, CUB and EGF-like domains, and described their essential molecular determinants. In addition, we investigated the distribution of astacins across kingdoms and their phylogenetic origin. Through extensive sequence searches we found astacin CDs in > 25,000 sequences down the tree of life from humans beyond Metazoa, including Choanoflagellata, Filasterea and Ichtyosporea. We also found < 400 sequences scattered across non-holozoan eukaryotes including some fungi and one virus, as well as in selected taxa of archaea and bacteria that are pathogens or colonizers of animal hosts, but not in plants. Overall, we propose that astacins originate in the root of Holozoa consistent with Darwinian descent and that the latter genes might be the result of horizontal gene transfer from holozoan donors.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. Xavier Gomis-Rüth
- Proteolysis Laboratory, Department of Structural Biology, Molecular Biology Institute of Barcelona (IBMB), Higher Scientific Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain,*Correspondence: F. Xavier Gomis-Rüth, ; Walter Stöcker,
| | - Walter Stöcker
- Institute of Molecular Physiology (IMP), Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz (JGU), Mainz, Germany,*Correspondence: F. Xavier Gomis-Rüth, ; Walter Stöcker,
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Okumura H, Mizuno A, Iwamoto E, Sakuma R, Nishio S, Nishijima KI, Matsuda T, Ujita M. New insights into the role of microheterogeneity of ZP3 during structural maturation of the avian equivalent of mammalian zona pellucida. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0283087. [PMID: 36943849 PMCID: PMC10030024 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0283087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The egg coat including mammalian zona pellucida (ZP) and the avian equivalent, i.e., inner-perivitelline layer (IPVL), is a specialized extracellular matrix being composed of the ZP glycoproteins and surrounds both pre-ovulatory oocytes and ovulated egg cells in vertebrates. The egg coat is well known for its potential importance in both the reproduction and early development, although the underlying molecular mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. Interestingly, ZP3, one of the ZP-glycoprotein family members forming scaffolds of the egg-coat matrices with other ZP glycoproteins, exhibits extreme but distinctive microheterogeneity to form a large number of isoelectric-point isoforms at least in the chicken IPVL. In the present study, we performed three-dimensional confocal imaging and two-dimensional polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) of chicken IPVLs that were isolated from the ovarian follicles at different growth stages before ovulation. The results suggest that the relative proportions of the ZP3 isoforms are differentially altered during the structural maturation of the egg-coat matrices. Furthermore, tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) analyses and ZP1 binding assays against separated ZP3 isoforms demonstrated that each ZP3 isoform contains characteristic modifications, and there are large differences among ZP3 isoforms in the ZP1 binding affinities. These results suggest that the microheterogeneity of chicken ZP3 might be regulated to be associated with the formation of egg-coat matrices during the structural maturation of chicken IPVL. Our findings may provide new insights into molecular mechanisms of egg-coat assembly processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Okumura
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, Meijo University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Ayaka Mizuno
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, Meijo University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Eri Iwamoto
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, Meijo University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Rio Sakuma
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, Meijo University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Nishio
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Ken-Ichi Nishijima
- Avian Bioscience Research Center, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Tokai National Higher Education and Research System, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Tsukasa Matsuda
- Faculty of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Fukushima University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Minoru Ujita
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, Meijo University, Nagoya, Japan
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Li XY, Wang X, Gu ZY, Sun TT, Leng JH, Yu Q. Combined proteomics and transcriptomics identifies serpin family C member 1 associated protein as a biomarker of endometriosis. Ann Med 2023; 55:2243825. [PMID: 37572646 PMCID: PMC10424617 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2023.2243825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore potential biomarkers indicating endometriosis (EM). MATERIALS AND METHODS A proteomics method and combined quantitative transcriptomics were adopted to highlight markers in the EM. Venn analysis was used to integrate the ribonucleic acid sequencing (RNA-seq) and protein profiles. Promising candidate markers were tested by enzyme-related immunosorbent assay. RESULTS A sum of 979 mRNAs and 39 proteins were tested to be significantly differentially expression in the standard cluster compared with the EM cluster. Venn analysis showed a filtered signature of only two down-regulated molecules in the EM group, i.e. fetuin B (FETUB) and serpin family C member 1 (SERPINC1); the latter showed a big variance between the control category and the EM set in the authentication test. CONCLUSION SERPINC1 may be a useful possible biomarker for the analysis of EM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-yan Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetric & Gynecologic Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Xi Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Zhi-yue Gu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetric & Gynecologic Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Ting-ting Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetric & Gynecologic Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Jin-hua Leng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetric & Gynecologic Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Qi Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetric & Gynecologic Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
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Zhou J, Wang M, Yang Q, Li D, Li Z, Hu J, Jin L, Zhu L. Can successful pregnancy be achieved and predicted from patients with identified ZP mutations? A literature review. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2022; 20:166. [PMID: 36476320 PMCID: PMC9730648 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-022-01046-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In mammals, normal fertilization depends on the structural and functional integrity of the zona pellucida (ZP), which is an extracellular matrix surrounding oocytes. Mutations in ZP may affect oogenesis, fertilization and early embryonic development, which may cause female infertility. METHODS A PubMed literature search using the keywords 'zona pellucida', 'mutation' and 'variant' limited to humans was performed, with the last research on June 30, 2022. The mutation types, clinical phenotypes and pregnancy outcomes were summarized and analyzed. The naive Bayes classifier was used to predict clinical pregnancy outcomes for patients with ZP mutations. RESULTS A total of 29 publications were included in the final analysis. Sixty-nine mutations of the ZP genes were reported in 87 patients with different clinical phenotypes, including empty follicle syndrome (EFS), ZP-free oocytes (ZFO), ZP-thin oocytes (ZTO), degenerated and immature oocytes. The phenotypes of patients were influenced by the types and location of the mutations. The most common effects of ZP mutations are protein truncation and dysfunction. Three patients with ZP1 mutations, two with ZP2 mutations, and three with ZP4 mutations had successful pregnancies through Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) from ZFO or ZTO. A prediction model of pregnancy outcome in patients with ZP mutation was constructed to assess the chance of pregnancy with the area under the curve (AUC) of 0.898. The normalized confusion matrix showed the true positive rate was 1.00 and the true negative rate was 0.38. CONCLUSION Phenotypes in patients with ZP mutations might be associated with mutation sites or the degree of protein dysfunction. Successful pregnancy outcomes could be achieved in some patients with identified ZP mutations. Clinical pregnancy prediction model based on ZP mutations and clinical characteristics will be helpful to precisely evaluate pregnancy chance and provide references and guidance for the clinical treatment of relevant patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juepu Zhou
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095, Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030 China
| | - Meng Wang
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095, Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030 China
| | - Qiyu Yang
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095, Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030 China
| | - Dan Li
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095, Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030 China
| | - Zhou Li
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095, Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030 China
| | - Juan Hu
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095, Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030 China
| | - Lei Jin
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095, Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030 China
| | - Lixia Zhu
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095, Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030 China
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Martin JH, Nixon B, Cafe SL, Aitken RJ, Bromfield EG, Lord T. OXIDATIVE STRESS AND REPRODUCTIVE FUNCTION: Oxidative stress and in vitro ageing of the post-ovulatory oocyte: an update on recent advances in the field. Reproduction 2022; 164:F109-F124. [PMID: 36190194 DOI: 10.1530/rep-22-0206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
In brief Post-ovulatory ageing of oocytes leads to poor oocyte and embryo quality as well as abnormalities in offspring. This review provides an update on the contributions of oxidative stress to this process and discusses the current literature surrounding the use of antioxidant media to delay post-ovulatory oocyte ageing. Abstract Following ovulation, the metaphase II stage oocyte has a limited functional lifespan before succumbing to a process known as post-ovulatory oocyte ageing. This progressive demise occurs both in vivo and in vitro and is accompanied by a deterioration in oocyte quality, leading to a well-defined sequelae of reduced fertilisation rates, poor embryo quality, post-implantation errors, and abnormalities in the offspring. Although the physiological consequences of post-ovulatory oocyte ageing have largely been characterised, less is known regarding the molecular mechanisms that drive this process. This review presents an update on the established relationships between the biochemical changes exhibited by the ageing oocyte and the myriad of symptoms associated with the ageing phenotype. In doing so, we consider the molecular events that are potentially involved in orchestrating post-ovulatory ageing with a particular focus on the role of oxidative stress. We highlight the mounting evidence that oxidative stress acts as an initiator for a cascade of events that create the aged oocyte phenotype. Specifically, oxidative stress has the capacity to disrupt mitochondrial function and directly damage multiple intracellular components of the oocyte such as lipids, proteins, and DNA. Finally, this review addresses emerging strategies for delaying post-ovulatory oocyte ageing with emphasis placed on the promise afforded by the use of selected antioxidants to guide the development of media tailored for the preservation of oocyte integrity during in vitro fertilisation procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacinta H Martin
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute Program in Infertility and Reproduction, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute Program in Infertility and Reproduction, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Shenae L Cafe
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute Program in Infertility and Reproduction, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - R John Aitken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute Program in Infertility and Reproduction, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Elizabeth G Bromfield
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute Program in Infertility and Reproduction, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tessa Lord
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute Program in Infertility and Reproduction, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
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Fertilization, but Not Post-Implantation Development, Can Occur in the Absence of Sperm and Oocyte Beta1 Integrin in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232213812. [PMID: 36430291 PMCID: PMC9694253 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Fertilization is a complex process that requires successive stages and culminates in the adhesion/fusion of gamete membranes. If the question of the involvement of oocyte integrins has been swept away by deletion experiments, that of the involvement of sperm integrins remains to be further characterized. In the present study, we addressed the question of the feasibility of sperm-oocyte adhesion/fusion and early implantation in the absence of sperm β1 integrin. Males and females with β1 integrin-depleted sperm and oocytes were mated, and fertilization outcome was monitored by a gestational ultrasound analysis. Results suggest that although the sperm β1 integrin participates in gamete adhesion/fusion, it is dispensable for fertilization in mice. However, sperm- and/or oocyte-originated integrin β1 is essential for post-implantation development. Redundancy phenomena could be at the origin of a compensatory expression or alternative dimerization pattern.
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Jiang J, Stührwohldt N, Liu T, Huang Q, Li L, Zhang L, Gu H, Fan L, Zhong S, Schaller A, Qu LJ. Egg cell-secreted aspartic proteases ECS1/2 promote gamete attachment to prioritize the fertilization of egg cells over central cells in Arabidopsis. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY 2022; 64:2047-2059. [PMID: 36165344 DOI: 10.1111/jipb.13371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Double fertilization is an innovative phenomenon in angiosperms, in which one sperm cell first fuses with the egg cell to produce the embryo, and then the other sperm fuses with the central cell to produce the endosperm. However, the molecular mechanism of the preferential fertilization of egg cells is poorly understood. In this study, we report that two egg cell-secreted aspartic proteases, ECS1 and ECS2, play an important role in promoting preferential fertilization of egg cells in Arabidopsis. We show that simultaneous loss of ECS1 and ECS2 function resulted in an approximately 20% reduction in fertility, which can be complemented by the full-length ECS1/2 but not by corresponding active site mutants or by secretion-defective versions of ECS1/2. Detailed phenotypic analysis revealed that the egg cell-sperm cell attachment was compromised in ecs1 ecs2 siliques. Limited pollination assays with cyclin-dependent kinase a1 (cdka;1) pollen showed that preferential egg cell fertilization was impaired in the ecs1 ecs2 mutant. Taken together, these results demonstrate that egg cells secret two aspartic proteases, ECS1 and ECS2, to facilitate the attachment of sperm cells to egg cells so that preferential fertilization of egg cells is achieved. This study reveals the molecular mechanism of preferential fertilization in Arabidopsis thaliana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahao Jiang
- State Key Laboratory for Protein and Plant Gene Research, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences at College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Nils Stührwohldt
- Department of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, 70593, Germany
| | - Tianxu Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Protein and Plant Gene Research, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences at College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Qingpei Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Protein and Plant Gene Research, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences at College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Ling Li
- State Key Laboratory for Protein and Plant Gene Research, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences at College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Li Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Protein and Plant Gene Research, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences at College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Hongya Gu
- State Key Laboratory for Protein and Plant Gene Research, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences at College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Liumin Fan
- State Key Laboratory for Protein and Plant Gene Research, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences at College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Sheng Zhong
- State Key Laboratory for Protein and Plant Gene Research, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences at College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Andreas Schaller
- Department of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, 70593, Germany
| | - Li-Jia Qu
- State Key Laboratory for Protein and Plant Gene Research, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences at College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
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Xu M, Wu W, Zhao M, Chung JPW, Li TC, Chan DYL. Common dysmorphic oocytes and embryos in assisted reproductive technology laboratory in association with gene alternations. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2022; 152:106298. [PMID: 36122887 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2022.106298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Amorphic or defected oocytes and embryos are commonly observed in assisted reproductive technology (ART) laboratories. It is believed that a proper gene expression at each stage of embryo development contributes to the possibility of a decent-quality embryo leading to successful implantation. Many studies reported that several defects in embryo morphology are associated with gene expressions during in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. There is lacking literature review on summarizing common morphological defects about gene alternations. In this review, we summarized the current literature. We selected 64 genes that have been reported to be involved in embryo morphological abnormalities in animals and humans, 30 of which were identified in humans and might be the causes of embryonic changes. Five papers focusing on associations of multiple gene expressions and embryo abnormalities using RNA transcriptomes were also included during the search. We have also reviewed our time-lapse image database with over 3000 oocytes/embryos to show morphological defects possibly related to gene alternations reported previously in the literature. This holistic review can better understand the associations between gene alternations and morphological changes. It is also beneficial to select important biomarkers with strong evidence in IVF practice and reveal their potential application in embryo selection. Also, identifying genes may help patients with genetic disorders avoid unnecessary treatments by providing preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic/single gene defects (PGT-M), reduce embryo replacements by less potential, and help scientists develop new methods for oocyte/embryo research in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murong Xu
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Waner Wu
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Mingpeng Zhao
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Department of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jacqueline Pui Wah Chung
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tin Chiu Li
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - David Yiu Leung Chan
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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Sun JT, Liu JH, Jiang XQ, Luo X, Yuan JD, Zhang Q, Qi XY, Lee S, Liu ZH, Jin JX. Tannin Reduces the Incidence of Polyspermic Penetration in Porcine Oocytes. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11102027. [PMID: 36290750 PMCID: PMC9598560 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11102027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Tannin (TA) improves porcine oocyte cytoplasmic maturation and subsequent embryonic development after in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, the mechanism through which TA blocks polyspermy after IVF remains unclear. Hence, the biological function of organelles (cortical granule [CG], Golgi apparatus, endoplasmic reticulum [ER], and mitochondria) and the incidence of polyspermic penetration were examined. We found no significant difference in oocyte nuclear maturation among the 1 µg/mL, 10 µg/mL TA, and control groups. Moreover, 100 μg/mL TA significantly reduced 1st polar body formation rate compared to the other groups. Additionally, 1 and 10 μg/mL TA significantly increased the protein levels of GDF9, BMP15, and CDK1 compared to the control and 100 μg/mL TA groups. Interestingly, 1 and 10 μg/mL TA improved the normal distribution of CGs, Golgi, ER, and mitochondria by upregulating organelle-related gene expression and downregulating ER stress (CHOP) gene expression. Simultaneously, 1 and 10 μg/mL TA significantly increased the proportion of normal fertilized oocytes (2 pronuclei; 2 PN) and blastocyst formation rate compared to the control, as well as that of 100 μg/mL TA after IVF by upregulating polyspermy-related genes. In conclusion, TA during IVM enhances 2PN and blastocyst formation rates by regulating organelles’ functions and activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Tao Sun
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetics Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Jia-Hui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetics Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Xi-Qing Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetics Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Xin Luo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetics Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Jin-Dong Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetics Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetics Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Xin-Yue Qi
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetics Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Sanghoon Lee
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Zhong-Hua Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetics Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
- Correspondence: (Z.-H.L.); (J.-X.J.)
| | - Jun-Xue Jin
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetics Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
- Correspondence: (Z.-H.L.); (J.-X.J.)
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Yang D, Lu Q, Peng S, Hua J. Ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1), a double-edged sword in mammalian oocyte maturation and spermatogenesis. Cell Prolif 2022; 56:e13347. [PMID: 36218038 PMCID: PMC9890544 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies have shown that ubiquitin-mediated cell apoptosis can modulate protein interaction and involve in the progress of oocyte maturation and spermatogenesis. As one of the key regulators involved in ubiquitin signal, ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1) is considered a molecular marker associated with spermatogonia stem cells. However, the function of UCHL1 was wildly reported to regulate various bioecological processes, such as Parkinson's disease, lung cancer, breast cancer and colon cancer, how UCHL1 affects the mammalian reproductive system remains an open question. METHODS We identified papers through electronic searches of PubMed database from inception to July 2022. RESULTS Here, we summarize the important function of UCHL1 in controlling mammalian oocyte development, regulating spermatogenesis and inhibiting polyspermy, and we posit the balance of UCHL1 was essential to maintaining reproductive cellular and tissue homeostasis. CONCLUSION This study considers the 'double-edged sword' role of UCHL1 during gametogenesis and presents new insights into UCHL1 in germ cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghui Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & TechnologyNorthwest A&F UniversityYanglingShaanxiChina
| | - Qizhong Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Unit of Gene and Immunotherapy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Sha Peng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & TechnologyNorthwest A&F UniversityYanglingShaanxiChina
| | - Jinlian Hua
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & TechnologyNorthwest A&F UniversityYanglingShaanxiChina
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Supplementation of porcine in vitro maturation medium with FGF2, LIF, and IGF1 enhances cytoplasmic maturation in prepubertal gilts oocytes and improves embryo quality. ZYGOTE 2022; 30:801-808. [PMID: 36047469 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199422000284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
In porcine in vitro production (IVP) systems, the use of oocytes derived from prepubertal gilts, whilst being commercially attractive, remains challenging due to their poor developmental competence following in vitro maturation (IVM). Follicular fluid contains important growth factors and plays a key role during oocyte maturation; therefore, it is a common supplementation for porcine IVM medium. However, follicular fluid contains many poorly characterized components, is batch variable, and its use raises biosecurity concerns. In an effort to design a defined IVM system, growth factors such as cytokines have been previously tested. These include leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF), fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), the combination of which is termed 'FLI'. Here, using abattoir-derived oocytes in a well established porcine IVP system, we compared follicular fluid and FLI supplementation during both IVM and embryo culture to test the hypothesis that FLI can substitute for follicular fluid without compromising oocyte nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation. We demonstrate that in oocytes derived from prepubertal gilts, FLI supplementation enhances oocyte meiotic maturation and has a positive effect on the quality and developmental competence of embryos. Moreover, for the first time, we studied the effects of follicular fluid and FLI combined showing no synergistic effects.
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Octocrylene exposure impairs mouse oocyte quality by inducing spindle defects and mitochondria dysfunction. Toxicology 2022; 479:153306. [PMID: 36049589 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2022.153306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
One of organic ultraviolet (UV) filters, Octocrylene (OCL), is mainly used in various cosmetic products, which is being frequently detected in soil, sediment, aquatic systems and food chain. There is evidence confirmed the reproductive toxicity of OCL in Japanese medaka. However, less was known about the effects of OCL exposure on oocyte quality. Here, we investigated the impacts of OCL on mouse oocyte maturation and quality by exposing oocytes to OCL in vitro at concentrations of 8, 22, 30, 40 and 50nM. The results showed that OCL markedly reduced mouse oocyte germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) at 50nM and polar body extrusion (PBE) rates at 40 and 50nM. OCL exposure further disrupted spindle assembly and chromosome alignment, finally inducing aneuploid. Mitochondrial function was also damaged by OCL exposure, leading to ROS overproduction and apoptosis in oocytes. Moreover, OCL treatment impaired the distribution of cortical granules and sperm binding ability of oocytes. In summary, these data demonstrated that OCL could disturb the oocyte meiotic maturation and reduce oocyte quality.
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Transglutaminase 2 crosslinks zona pellucida glycoprotein 3 to prevent polyspermy. Cell Death Differ 2022; 29:1466-1473. [PMID: 35017645 PMCID: PMC9345939 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-022-00933-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Soon after fertilization, the block mechanisms are developed in the zona pellucida (ZP) and plasma membrane of the egg to prevent any additional sperm from binding, penetration, and fusion. However, the molecular basis and underlying mechanism for the post-fertilization block to sperm penetration through ZP has not yet been determined. Here, we find that transglutaminase 2 (Tgm2), an enzyme that catalyzes proteins by the formation of an isopeptide bond within or between polypeptide chains, crosslinks zona pellucida glycoprotein 3 (ZP3) to result in the ZP hardening after fertilization and thus prevents polyspermy. Tgm2 abundantly accumulates in the subcortical region of the oocytes and vanishes upon fertilization. Both inhibition of Tgm2 activity in oocytes by the specific inhibitor in vitro and genetic ablation of Tgm2 in vivo cause the presence of additional sperm in the perivitelline space of fertilized eggs, consequently leading to the polyploid embryos. Biochemically, recombinant Tgm2 binds to and crosslinks ZP3 proteins in vitro, and incubation of oocytes with recombinant Tgm2 protein inhibits the polyspermy. Altogether, our data identify Tgm2 as a participant of zona block to the post-fertilization sperm penetration via hardening ZP surrounding fertilized eggs, extending our current understanding about the molecular basis of block to polyspermy.
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Mechanisms of Sperm–Egg Interactions: What Ascidian Fertilization Research Has Taught Us. Cells 2022; 11:cells11132096. [PMID: 35805180 PMCID: PMC9265791 DOI: 10.3390/cells11132096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Revised: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Fertilization is an essential process in terrestrial organisms for creating a new organism with genetic diversity. Before gamete fusion, several steps are required to achieve successful fertilization. Animal spermatozoa are first activated and attracted to the eggs by egg-derived chemoattractants. During the sperm passage of the egg’s extracellular matrix or upon the sperm binding to the proteinaceous egg coat, the sperm undergoes an acrosome reaction, an exocytosis of acrosome. In hermaphrodites such as ascidians, the self/nonself recognition process occurs when the sperm binds to the egg coat. The activated or acrosome-reacted spermatozoa penetrate through the proteinaceous egg coat. The extracellular ubiquitin–proteasome system, the astacin-like metalloproteases, and the trypsin-like proteases play key roles in this process in ascidians. In the present review, we summarize our current understanding and perspectives on gamete recognition and egg coat lysins in ascidians and consider the general mechanisms of fertilization in animals and plants.
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Wang X, Zhao X, Chen Y, Wang Q, Yang H, Xia F. Para-phenylenediamine deteriorates oocyte quality by impairing mitochondrial function. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2022; 37:1803-1813. [PMID: 35363429 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Several studies demonstrate that para-phenylenediamine (PPD) is often added to permanent oxidative hair dyes. Sub-chronic topical exposure to PPD in male rats damages their testicular function; however, little is known about the effects of PPD exposure on the female reproductive system, especially on oocyte quality. In this study, we found that PPD can affect the meiotic capacity of oocytes and their fertilization potential. In particular, PPD can damage the spindle/chromosome structure and prevent oocytes from developing and maturing normally. Furthermore, PPD exposure compromised the dynamics of cortical granules and their component, ovastacin. In addition to the protein level of Juno, the sperm receptors on the egg membrane, were substantially impaired in PPD-administered oocytes, thus leading to fertilization failure. Finally, we found that PPD exposure resulted in abnormal mitochondrial function, which led to oocyte degeneration, apoptosis, and increased ROS levels. Altogether, our study illustrates that mitochondrial dysfunction and redox perturbation are the major causes of the poor quality of oocytes exposed to PPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, China
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xi Zhao
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yannan Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qingxin Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hui Yang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, China
| | - Fei Xia
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, China
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Song M, Li Y, Zhou Y, Yan J, Zhou X, Gao Q, Miao Y, Xiong B. Nicotinamide mononucleotide supplementation improves the quality of porcine oocytes under heat stress. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2022; 13:68. [PMID: 35706001 PMCID: PMC9202089 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-022-00716-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Elevated ambient temperature-caused heat stress is a major concern for livestock production due to its negative impact on animal feed intake, growth, reproduction, and health. Particularly, the germ cells are extremely sensitive to the heat stress. However, the effective approach and strategy regarding how to protect mammalian oocytes from heat stress-induced defects have not been determined. Methods Germinal vesicle (GV) porcine oocytes were cultured at 41.5 °C for 24 h to induce heat stress, and then cultured at 38.5 °C to the specific developmental stage for subsequent analysis. Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) was dissolved in water to 1 mol/L for a stock solution and further diluted with the maturation medium to the final concentrations of 10 μmol/L, 20 μmol/L, 50 μmol/L or 100 μmol/L, respectively, during heat stress. Immunostaining and fluorescence intensity quantification were applied to assess the effects of heat stress and NMN supplementation on the key processes during the oocyte meiotic maturation. Results Here, we report that NMN supplementation improves the quality of porcine oocytes under heat stress. Specifically, we found that heat stress resulted in oocyte maturation failure by disturbing the dynamics of meiotic organelles, including the cytoskeleton assembly, cortical granule distribution and mitochondrial function. In addition, heat stress induced the production of excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) and DNA damage, leading to the occurrence of apoptosis in oocytes and subsequent embryonic development arrest. More importantly, we validated that supplementation of NMN during heat stress restored the meiotic defects during porcine oocyte maturation. Conclusions Taken together, our study documents that NMN supplementation is an effective approach to improve the quality of oocytes under heat stress by promoting both nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meijie Song
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Yu Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Yihang Zhou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Jiner Yan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Xiaohua Zhou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Qian Gao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Yilong Miao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.
| | - Bo Xiong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.
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Park A, Oh HJ, Ji K, Choi EM, Kim D, Kim E, Kim MK. Effect of Passage Number of Conditioned Medium Collected from Equine Amniotic Fluid Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Porcine Oocyte Maturation and Embryo Development. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126569. [PMID: 35743012 PMCID: PMC9224282 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM) is the most important first step in in vitro embryo production. One prerequisite for the success of IVM in oocytes is to provide a rich culture microenvironment that meets the nutritional needs of developing oocytes. We applied different equine amniotic fluid mesenchymal stem cell conditioned medium (eAFMSC-CM) from passages 7, 18, and 27 to porcine oocytes during IVM to determine its effects on oocyte development and subsequent embryo development, specifically. The eAFMSC-CM from passage 7 (eAFMSC-CMp7) has a considerable impact on 9 genes: BAX, BCL2, SOD2, NRF2, TNFAIP6, PTGS2, HAS2, Cx37, and Cx43, which are associated with cumulus cell mediated oocyte maturation. GSH levels and distribution of mitochondrial and cortical granules were significantly increased in oocytes incubated with eAFMSC-CMp7. In addition, catalase and superoxide dismutase activities were high after IVM 44 h with eAFMSC-CMp7. After in vitro fertilization, blastocyst quality was significantly increased in the eAFMSC-CMp7 group compared to control. Lastly, the antioxidant effect of eAFMSC-CMp7 substantially regulated the expression of apoptosis, pluripotency related genes and decreased autophagy activity in blastocysts. Taken together, this study demonstrated that the eAFMSC-CMp7 enhanced the cytoplasmic maturation of oocytes and subsequent embryonic development by generating high antioxidant activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahyoung Park
- Division of Animal and Dairy Science, College of Agriculture and Life Science, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea; (A.P.); (H.J.O.); (K.J.); (E.M.C.); (D.K.)
| | - Hyun Ju Oh
- Division of Animal and Dairy Science, College of Agriculture and Life Science, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea; (A.P.); (H.J.O.); (K.J.); (E.M.C.); (D.K.)
| | - Kukbin Ji
- Division of Animal and Dairy Science, College of Agriculture and Life Science, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea; (A.P.); (H.J.O.); (K.J.); (E.M.C.); (D.K.)
| | - Eunha Miri Choi
- Division of Animal and Dairy Science, College of Agriculture and Life Science, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea; (A.P.); (H.J.O.); (K.J.); (E.M.C.); (D.K.)
| | - Dongern Kim
- Division of Animal and Dairy Science, College of Agriculture and Life Science, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea; (A.P.); (H.J.O.); (K.J.); (E.M.C.); (D.K.)
| | - Eunyoung Kim
- MK Biotech Inc., 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34134, Korea;
| | - Min Kyu Kim
- Division of Animal and Dairy Science, College of Agriculture and Life Science, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea; (A.P.); (H.J.O.); (K.J.); (E.M.C.); (D.K.)
- MK Biotech Inc., 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34134, Korea;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-042-821-5773
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Lu Y, Tang H, Xu J, Sun F. Toxic effects of 4-methylimidazole on the maturation and fertilization of mouse oocytes. Food Chem Toxicol 2022; 164:113051. [PMID: 35460824 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2022.113051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Individuals of all ages, including children and teenagers, consume 4-methylimidazole (4-MI) in their food. 4-MI is a caramel-colored waste product that has previously been linked to human carcinogenesis and has shown possible signs of reproductive toxicity. This study aimed to determine whether 4-MI is harmful to oocytes during meiosis and fertilization. Female mice were intragastrically administered 0, 50, or 100 mg/kg body weight of 4-MI daily for 10 days. We found that 4-MI affects the quality of oocytes by affecting their meiotic ability and fertility potential. Specifically, 4-MI rendered the meiotic spindles and chromosomes less stable, which halted oocyte maturation and resulted in aneuploidy. 4-MI also slowed the decrease in the levels of cortical granules and their component ovastacin; consequently, sperms could not be bound and fertilization could not occur. We also found that mitochondrial dysfunction was associated with oocytes deterioration. This led to reactive oxygen species accumulation and cell death. Altogether, our findings reveal that the poor condition of oocytes subjected to 4-MI is primarily attributable to mitochondrial malfunction and redox alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajuan Lu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hanyu Tang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu, China
| | - Junjie Xu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu, China.
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Legg MSG, Gagnon SML, Powell CJ, Boulanger MJ, Li AJJ, Evans SV. Monoclonal antibody 7H2.2 binds the C-terminus of the cancer-oocyte antigen SAS1B through the hydrophilic face of a conserved amphipathic helix corresponding to one of only two regions predicted to be ordered. ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION D STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2022; 78:623-632. [DOI: 10.1107/s2059798322003011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The structure of the antigen-binding fragment (Fab) of mouse monoclonal antibody 7H2.2 in complex with a 15-residue fragment from the metalloproteinase sperm acrosomal SLLP1 binding protein (SAS1B), which is a molecular and cellular candidate for both cancer therapy and female contraception, has been determined at 2.75 Å resolution by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Although the crystallization conditions contained the final 148 C-terminal residues of SAS1B, the Fab was observed to crystallize in complex with a 15-residue fragment corresponding to one of only two elements of secondary structure that are predicted to be ordered within the C-terminal region of SAS1B. The antigen forms an amphipathic α-helix that binds the 7H2.2 combining site via hydrophilic residues in an epitope that spans the length of the antigen α-helix, with only two CH–π interactions observed along the edge of the interface between the antibody and antigen. Interestingly, the paratope contains two residues mutated away from the germline (YL32F and YH58R), as well as a ProH96-ThrH97-AspH98-AspH99 insertion within heavy chain CDR3. The intact 7H2.2 antibody exhibits high affinity for the SAS1B antigen, with 1:1 binding and nanomolar affinity for both the SAS1B C-terminal construct used for crystallization (3.38 ± 0.59 nM) and a 15-amino-acid synthetic peptide construct corresponding to the helical antigen observed within the crystal structure (1.60 ± 0.31 nM). The SAS1B–antibody structure provides the first structural insight into any portion of the subdomain architecture of the C-terminal region of the novel cancer-oocyte tumor surface neoantigen SAS1B and provides a basis for the targeted use of SAS1B.
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Chen PR, Uh K, Redel BK, Reese ED, Prather RS, Lee K. Production of Pigs From Porcine Embryos Generated in vitro. FRONTIERS IN ANIMAL SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fanim.2022.826324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Generating porcine embryos in vitro is a critical process for creating genetically modified pigs as agricultural and biomedical models; however, these embryo technologies have been scarcely applied by the swine industry. Currently, the primary issue with in vitro-produced porcine embryos is low pregnancy rate after transfer and small litter size, which may be exasperated by micromanipulation procedures. Thus, in this review, we discuss improvements that have been made to the in vitro porcine embryo production system to increase the number of live piglets per pregnancy as well as abnormalities in the embryos and piglets that may arise from in vitro culture and manipulation techniques. Furthermore, we examine areas related to embryo production and transfer where improvements are warranted that will have direct applications for increasing pregnancy rate after transfer and the number of live born piglets per litter.
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Yanagimachi R. Mysteries and unsolved problems of mammalian fertilization and related topics. Biol Reprod 2022; 106:644-675. [PMID: 35292804 PMCID: PMC9040664 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian fertilization is a fascinating process that leads to the formation of a new individual. Eggs and sperm are complex cells that must meet at the appropriate time and position within the female reproductive tract for successful fertilization. I have been studying various aspects of mammalian fertilization over 60 years. In this review, I discuss many different aspects of mammalian fertilization, some of my laboratory's contribution to the field, and discuss enigmas and mysteries that remain to be solved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryuzo Yanagimachi
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, University of Hawaii Medical School, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
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47
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Battistella A, Andolfi L, Zanetti M, dal Zilio S, Stebel M, Ricci G, Lazzarino M. Atomic force spectroscopy‐based essay to evaluate oocyte post‐ovulatory ageing. Bioeng Transl Med 2022; 7:e10294. [PMID: 36176606 PMCID: PMC9472013 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Postovulatory aging is a process occurring in the mature (MII) oocyte leading the unfertilized ones to apoptosis. The optimal time window of fertility for different mammalian species after oocytes maturation depends on its timeliness: the higher the time elapsed from the accomplishment of the MII stage, the lower are the chances of fertilization and of development of a viable embryo. In the in vitro fertilization, the selection of competent oocytes for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is mostly made by the visual inspection of the MII oocyte morphology, which does not allow to determine the oocyte postovulatory age. On the other hand, more specific tests usually involve some kind of staining, thus compromising the viability of the oocyte for reproductive purposes. Hence, the need of a noninvasive analysis of oocyte aging to improve the success rate of in vitro fertilization procedures. Here, we exploit atomic force microscopy to examine the evolution of the mechanical properties of mouse oocytes during in vitro postovulatory aging. Three hours before the occurrence of any visual morphological feature related to degradation, we observe a sudden change of the mechanical parameters: the elastic modulus doubles its initial value, while the viscosity decreases significantly. These mechanical variations are temporally correlated with the release of the cortical granules, investigated by fluorescence microscopy. Interestingly, the oocyte mechanics correlates as well with the yield of embryo formation, evaluated up to the blastocyst formation stage. These results demonstrate that minimally invasive mechanical measurements are very sensitive to the aging of the oocyte and can be used as a label‐free method to detect the age of the postovulatory oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Giuseppe Ricci
- IRCSS Burlo Garofalo Trieste Italy
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences University of Trieste Trieste Italy
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Saito T, Sawada H. Fertilization of Ascidians: Gamete Interaction, Self/Nonself Recognition and Sperm Penetration of Egg Coat. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:827214. [PMID: 35186958 PMCID: PMC8849226 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.827214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Fertilization is one of the most important events in living organisms to generate a new life with a mixed genetic background. To achieve successful fertilization, sperm and eggs must undergo complex processes in a sequential order. Fertilization of marine invertebrate Ciona intestinalis type A (Ciona robusta) has been studied for more than a hundred years. Ascidian sperm are attracted by chemoattractants from eggs and bind to the vitelline coat. Subsequently, sperm penetrate through the vitelline coat proteolytically and finally fuse with the egg plasma membrane. Here, we summarize the fertilization mechanisms of ascidians, particularly from sperm-egg interactions to sperm penetration of the egg coat. Since ascidians are hermaphrodites, inbreeding depression is a serious problem. To avoid self-fertilization, ascidians possess a self-incompatibility system. In this review, we also describe the molecular mechanisms of the self-incompatibility system in C. intestinalis type A governed by three allelic gene pairs of s-Themis and v-Themis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takako Saito
- Faculty of Agriculture Department of Applied Life Sciences, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Sawada
- Depatment of Food and Nutritional Environment, College of Human Life and Environment, Kinjo Gakuin University, Nagoya, Japan
- Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
- *Correspondence: Hitoshi Sawada,
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Wassarman PM, Litscher ES. Mouse zona pellucida proteins as receptors for binding of sperm to eggs. TRENDS IN DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2022; 15:1-13. [PMID: 36776744 PMCID: PMC9910581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
Fertilization in mammals is initiated by species-restricted binding of free-swimming sperm to the unfertilized egg's thick extracellular matrix, the zona pellucida (ZP). Both acrosome-intact and acrosome-reacted sperm can bind to the ZP, but only the latter can penetrate the ZP, reach the egg's plasma membrane, and fuse with plasma membrane (fertilization) to produce a zygote. Following fertilization, the ZP is modified by cortical granule components such that acrosome-intact and acrosome-reacted sperm are unable to bind to fertilized eggs. Here we review some of the evidence that bears directly on the involvement of two mouse ZP proteins, mZP2 and mZP3, as receptors for binding of mouse sperm to unfertilized eggs and address some contentious issues surrounding this important initial step in the process of mammalian fertilization.
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50
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Kiyozumi D, Ikawa M. Proteolysis in Reproduction: Lessons From Gene-Modified Organism Studies. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:876370. [PMID: 35600599 PMCID: PMC9114714 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.876370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The physiological roles of proteolysis are not limited to degrading unnecessary proteins. Proteolysis plays pivotal roles in various biological processes through cleaving peptide bonds to activate and inactivate proteins including enzymes, transcription factors, and receptors. As a wide range of cellular processes is regulated by proteolysis, abnormalities or dysregulation of such proteolytic processes therefore often cause diseases. Recent genetic studies have clarified the inclusion of proteases and protease inhibitors in various reproductive processes such as development of gonads, generation and activation of gametes, and physical interaction between gametes in various species including yeast, animals, and plants. Such studies not only clarify proteolysis-related factors but the biological processes regulated by proteolysis for successful reproduction. Here the physiological roles of proteases and proteolysis in reproduction will be reviewed based on findings using gene-modified organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiji Kiyozumi
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- PRESTO, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Kawaguchi, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- CREST, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Kawaguchi, Japan
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