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Mikkola M, Desmet KLJ, Kommisrud E, Riegler MA. Recent advancements to increase success in assisted reproductive technologies in cattle. Anim Reprod 2024; 21:e20240031. [PMID: 39176005 PMCID: PMC11340803 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2024-0031] [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: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are fundamental for cattle breeding and sustainable food production. Together with genomic selection, these technologies contribute to reducing the generation interval and accelerating genetic progress. In this paper, we discuss advancements in technologies used in the fertility evaluation of breeding animals, and the collection, processing, and preservation of the gametes. It is of utmost importance for the breeding industry to select dams and sires of the next generation as young as possible, as is the efficient and timely collection of gametes. There is a need for reliable and easily applicable methods to evaluate sexual maturity and fertility. Although gametes processing and preservation have been improved in recent decades, challenges are still encountered. The targeted use of sexed semen and beef semen has obliterated the production of surplus replacement heifers and bull calves from dairy breeds, markedly improving animal welfare and ethical considerations in production practices. Parallel with new technologies, many well-established technologies remain relevant, although with evolving applications. In vitro production (IVP) has become the predominant method of embryo production. Although fundamental improvements in IVP procedures have been established, the quality of IVP embryos remains inferior to their in vivo counterparts. Improvements to facilitate oocyte maturation and development of new culture systems, e.g. microfluidics, are presented in this paper. New non-invasive and objective tools are needed to select embryos for transfer. Cryopreservation of semen and embryos plays a pivotal role in the distribution of genetics, and we discuss the challenges and opportunities in this field. Finally, machine learning (ML) is gaining ground in agriculture and ART. This paper delves into the utilization of emerging technologies in ART, along with the current status, key challenges, and future prospects of ML in both research and practical applications within ART.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Elisabeth Kommisrud
- CRESCO, Centre for Embryology and Healthy Development, Department of Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
| | - Michael A. Riegler
- Holistic Systems Department, Simula Metropolitan Center for Digital Engineering, Oslo, Norway
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Ross PJ, Goissis MD, Martins JPN, Chitwood JL, Pursley JR, Rosa GJM, Cibelli JB. Blastocyst Cell Number and Allocation Affect the Developmental Potential and Transcriptome of Bovine Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer Embryos. Stem Cells Dev 2023; 32:515-523. [PMID: 37345692 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2022.0292] [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] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Cloning cattle using somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is inefficient. Although the rate of development of SCNT embryos in vitro is similar to that of fertilized embryos, most fail to develop into healthy calves. In this study, we aimed to identify developmentally competent embryos according to blastocyst cell composition and perform transcriptome analysis of single embryos. Transgenic SCNT embryos expressing nuclear-localized HcRed gene at day 7 of development were imaged by confocal microscopy for cell counting and individually transferred to recipient heifers. Pregnancy rates were determined by ultrasonography. Embryos capable of establishing pregnancy by day 35 had an average of 117 ± 6 total cells, whereas embryos with an average of 128 ± 5 cells did not establish pregnancy (P < 0.05). A lesser average number of 41 ± 3 cells in the inner cell mass (ICM) also resulted in pregnancies (<0.05) than a greater number of 48 ± 2 cells in the ICM. Single embryos were then subjected to RNA sequencing for transcriptome analysis. Using weighted gene coexpression network analysis, we identified clusters of genes in which gene expression correlated with the number of total cells or ICM cells. Gene ontology analysis of these clusters revealed enriched biological processes in coenzyme metabolic process, intracellular signaling cascade, and glucose catabolic process, among others. We concluded that SCNT embryos with fewer total and ICM cell numbers resulted in greater pregnancy establishment rates and that these differences are reflected in the transcriptome of such embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo J Ross
- Department of Animal Science, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Marcelo D Goissis
- Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - João P N Martins
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - James L Chitwood
- Department of Animal Science, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - J Richard Pursley
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Guilherme J M Rosa
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jose B Cibelli
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
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de Oliveira Fernandes G, de Lima CB, Fidelis AAG, Milazzotto MP, Dode MAN. Metabolic signature of spent culture media shows lipid metabolism as a determinant of pregnancy outcomes. Reprod Domest Anim 2023; 58:117-128. [PMID: 36156318 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14271] [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: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, we investigated the spent culture media of in vitro produced (IVP) bovine embryos which did (group Pregnant) or did not (group Non-pregnant) establish pregnancy after transfer. For that purpose, IVP embryos on D5 were transferred to individual droplets for the last 48 h of culture. Embryos at the blastocyst stage were then transferred to synchronized recipients, while respective culture media drops were collected and evaluated individually. The list of metabolites present in spent culture media was obtained by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and analysed with Metaboanalyst® to characterize the metabolic profile of each group. The spectrometric analysis showed that pathways related to lipid metabolism, particularly fatty acids degradation via beta-oxidation, were more present in the Pregnant group whereas no significant pathway was identified in the group Non-pregnant. By using this method, we were able to identify a metabolic signature in culture media that allows for a better comprehension of preferential metabolic routes taken by the most viable embryos. These findings offer great insights into the biochemistry of embryo development and reveal a potential target for the development of better-quality IVP systems, as well as tools to identify bovine embryos with greater chances to establish and maintain pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Camila Bruna de Lima
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), Département des Sciences Animales, Faculté des Sciences de l'Agriculture et de l'Alimentation, Université Laval, Québec, Canada.,Laboratory of Embryonic Metabolism and Epigenetic, Center of Natural and Human Science, Federal University of ABC, Santo Andre, Brazil
| | | | - Marcella Pecora Milazzotto
- Laboratory of Embryonic Metabolism and Epigenetic, Center of Natural and Human Science, Federal University of ABC, Santo Andre, Brazil
| | - Margot Alves Nunes Dode
- School of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasília, Brazil.,Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Brasília, Brazil
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Milazzotto MP, Ispada J, de Lima CB. Metabolism-epigenetic interactions on in vitro produced embryos. Reprod Fertil Dev 2022; 35:84-97. [PMID: 36592974 DOI: 10.1071/rd22203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolism and epigenetics, which reciprocally regulate each other in different cell types, are fundamental aspects of cellular adaptation to the environment. Evidence in cancer and stem cells has shown that the metabolic status modifies the epigenome while epigenetic mechanisms regulate the expression of genes involved in metabolic processes, thereby altering the metabolome. This crosstalk occurs as many metabolites serve as substrates or cofactors of chromatin-modifying enzymes. If we consider the intense metabolic dynamic and the epigenetic remodelling of the embryo, the comprehension of these regulatory networks will be important not only for understanding early embryonic development, but also to determine in vitro culture conditions that support embryo development and may insert positive regulatory marks that may persist until adult life. In this review, we focus on how metabolism may affect epigenetic reprogramming of the early stages of development, in particular acetylation and methylation of histone and DNA. We also present other metabolic modifications in bovine embryos, such as lactylation, highlighting the promising epigenetic and metabolic targets to improve conditions for in vitro embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcella Pecora Milazzotto
- Laboratory of Embryo Metabolism and Epigenomic, Center of Natural and Human Science, Federal University of ABC, Santo Andre, SP, Brazil
| | - Jessica Ispada
- Laboratory of Embryo Metabolism and Epigenomic, Center of Natural and Human Science, Federal University of ABC, Santo Andre, SP, Brazil
| | - Camila Bruna de Lima
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), Département des Sciences Animales, Faculté des Sciences de l'Agriculture et de l'Alimentation, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
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The use of insulin-transferrin-selenium (ITS), and folic acid on individual in vitro embryo culture systems in cattle. Theriogenology 2022; 184:153-161. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Gimeno I, García-Manrique P, Carrocera S, López-Hidalgo C, Valledor L, Martín-González D, Gómez E. The Metabolic Signature of In Vitro Produced Bovine Embryos Helps Predict Pregnancy and Birth after Embryo Transfer. Metabolites 2021; 11:484. [PMID: 34436426 PMCID: PMC8399324 DOI: 10.3390/metabo11080484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro produced (IVP) embryos show large metabolic variability induced by breed, culture conditions, embryonic stage and sex and gamete donors. We hypothesized that the birth potential could be accurately predicted by UHPLC-MS/MS in culture medium (CM) with the discrimination of factors inducing metabolic variation. Day-6 embryos were developed in single CM (modified synthetic oviduct fluid) for 24 h and transferred to recipients as fresh (28 ETs) or frozen/thawed (58 ETs) Day-7 blastocysts. Variability was induced with seven bulls, slaughterhouse oocyte donors, culture conditions (serum + Bovine Serum Albumin [BSA] or BSA alone) prior to single culture embryonic stage records (Day-6: morula, early blastocyst, blastocyst; Day-7: expanding blastocyst; fully expanded blastocysts) and cryopreservation. Retained metabolite signals (6111) were analyzed as a function of pregnancy at Day-40, Day-62 and birth in a combinatorial block study with all fixed factors. We identified 34 accumulated metabolites through 511 blocks, 198 for birth, 166 for Day-62 and 147 for Day-40. The relative abundance of metabolites was higher within blocks from non-pregnant (460) than from pregnant (51) embryos. Taxonomy classified lipids (12 fatty acids and derivatives; 224 blocks), amino acids (12) and derivatives (3) (186 blocks), benzenoids (4; 58 blocks), tri-carboxylic acids (2; 41 blocks) and 5-Hydroxy-l-tryptophan (2 blocks). Some metabolites were effective as single biomarkers in 95 blocks (Receiver Operating Characteristic - Area Under the Curve [ROC-AUC]: 0.700-1.000). In contrast, more accurate predictions within the largest data sets were obtained with combinations of 2, 3 and 4 single metabolites in 206 blocks (ROC-AUC = 0.800-1.000). Pregnancy-prone embryos consumed more amino acids and citric acid, and depleted less lipids and cis-aconitic acid. Big metabolic differences between embryos support efficient pregnancy and birth prediction when analyzed in discriminant conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Gimeno
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Centro de Biotecnología Animal, Camino de Rioseco 1225, 33394 Gijón, Spain; (I.G.); (S.C.); (D.M.-G.)
| | - Pablo García-Manrique
- Molecular Mass Spectrometry Unit, Scientific and Technical Services, University of Oviedo, Catedrático Rodrigo Uria s/n, 33006 Oviedo, Spain;
| | - Susana Carrocera
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Centro de Biotecnología Animal, Camino de Rioseco 1225, 33394 Gijón, Spain; (I.G.); (S.C.); (D.M.-G.)
| | - Cristina López-Hidalgo
- Department of Organisms and Systems Biology, University Institute of Biotechnology of Asturias (IUBA), University of Oviedo, Catedrático Rodrigo Uria s/n, 33006 Oviedo, Spain; (C.L.-H.); (L.V.)
| | - Luis Valledor
- Department of Organisms and Systems Biology, University Institute of Biotechnology of Asturias (IUBA), University of Oviedo, Catedrático Rodrigo Uria s/n, 33006 Oviedo, Spain; (C.L.-H.); (L.V.)
| | - David Martín-González
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Centro de Biotecnología Animal, Camino de Rioseco 1225, 33394 Gijón, Spain; (I.G.); (S.C.); (D.M.-G.)
| | - Enrique Gómez
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Centro de Biotecnología Animal, Camino de Rioseco 1225, 33394 Gijón, Spain; (I.G.); (S.C.); (D.M.-G.)
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