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Dvoran M, Iyyappan R, Masek T, Pospisek M, Kubelka M, Susor A. Assessment of active translation in cumulus-enclosed and denuded oocytes during standard in vitro maturation and early embryo development. Hum Reprod 2024:deae126. [PMID: 38876973 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Which actively translated maternal transcripts are differentially regulated between clinically relevant in vitro and in vivo maturation (IVM) conditions in mouse oocytes and zygotes? SUMMARY ANSWER Our findings uncovered significant differences in the global transcriptome as well as alterations in the translation of specific transcripts encoding components of energy production, cell cycle regulation, and protein synthesis in oocytes and RNA metabolism in zygotes. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Properly regulated translation of stored maternal transcripts is a crucial factor for successful development of oocytes and early embryos, particularly due to the transcriptionally silent phase of meiosis. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This is a basic science study utilizing an ICR mouse model, best suited for studying in vivo maturation. In the treatment group, fully grown germinal vesicle oocytes from stimulated ovaries were in vitro matured to the metaphase II (MII) stage either as denuded without gonadotropins (IVM DO), or as cumulus-oocyte complexes (IVM COC) in the presence of 0.075 IU/ml recombinant FSH (rFSH) and 0.075 IU/ml recombinant hCG (rhCG). To account for changes in developmental competence, IVM COC from non-stimulated ovaries (IVM COC-) were included. In vivo matured MII oocytes (IVO) from stimulated ovaries were used as a control after ovulation triggering with rhCG. To simulate standard IVM conditions, we supplemented media with amino acids, vitamins, and bovine serum albumin. Accordingly, in vitro pronuclear zygotes (IMZ) were generated by IVF from IVM DO, and were compared to in vivo pronuclear zygotes (IVZ). All experiments were performed in quadruplicates with samples collected for both polyribosome fractionation and total transcriptome analysis. Samples were collected over three consecutive months. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS All ICR mice were bred under legal permission for animal experimentation (no. MZE-24154/2021-18134) obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic. Actively translated (polyribosome occupied) maternal transcripts were detected in in vitro and in vivo matured mouse oocytes and zygotes by density gradient ultracentrifugation, followed by RNA isolation and high-throughput RNA sequencing. Bioinformatic analysis was performed and subsequent data validation was done by western blotting, radioactive isotope, and mitotracker dye labelling. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Gene expression analysis of acquired polysome-derived high-throughput RNA sequencing data revealed significant changes (RPKM ≥ 0.2; P ≤ 0.005) in translation between in vitro and in vivo matured oocytes and respectively produced pronuclear zygotes. Surprisingly, the comparison between IVM DO and IVM COC RNA-seq data of both fractionated and total transcriptome showed very few transcripts with more than a 2-fold difference. Data validation by radioactive isotope labelling revealed a decrease in global translation bof20% in IVM DO and COC samples in comparison to IVO samples. Moreover, IVM conditions compromised oocyte energy metabolism, which was demonstrated by both changes in polysome recruitment of each of 13 mt-protein-coding transcripts as well as by validation using mitotracker red staining. LARGE SCALE DATA The data discussed in this publication have been deposited in NCBI's Gene Expression Omnibus and are accessible through GEO Series accession number GSE241633 (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/query/acc.cgi?acc=GSE241633). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION It is extremely complicated to achieve in vivo consistency in animal model systems such as porcine or bovine. To achieve a high reproducibility of in vivo stimulations, the ICR mouse model was selected. However, careful interpretation of our findings with regard to assisted reproductive techniques has to be made by taking into consideration intra-species differences between the mouse model and humans. Also, the sole effect of the cumulus cells' contribution could not be adequately addressed by comparing IVM COC and IVM DO, because the IVM DO were matured without gonadotropin supplementation. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our findings confirmed the inferiority of standard IVM technology compared with the in vivo approach. It also pointed at compromised biological processes employed in the critical translational regulation of in vitro matured MII oocytes and pronuclear zygotes. By highlighting the importance of proper translational regulation during in vitro oocyte maturation, this study should prompt further clinical investigations in the context of translation. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the Czech Grant Agency (22-27301S), Charles University Grant Agency (372621), Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (EXCELLENCE CZ.02.1.01/0.0/0.0/15_003/0000460 OP RDE), and Institutional Research Concept RVO67985904. No competing interest is declared.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Dvoran
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Germ Cells, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Libechov, Czech Republic
- Laboratory of RNA Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Praha 2, Czech Republic
| | - R Iyyappan
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Germ Cells, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - T Masek
- Laboratory of RNA Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Praha 2, Czech Republic
| | - M Pospisek
- Laboratory of RNA Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Praha 2, Czech Republic
| | - M Kubelka
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Germ Cells, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - A Susor
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Germ Cells, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Libechov, Czech Republic
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Ducreux B, Patrat C, Trasler J, Fauque P. Transcriptomic integrity of human oocytes used in ARTs: technical and intrinsic factor effects. Hum Reprod Update 2024; 30:26-47. [PMID: 37697674 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmad025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Millions of children have been born throughout the world thanks to ARTs, the harmlessness of which has not yet been fully demonstrated. For years, efforts to evaluate the specific effects of ART have focused on the embryo; however, it is the oocyte quality that mainly dictates first and foremost the developmental potential of the future embryo. Ovarian stimulation, cryopreservation, and IVM are sometimes necessary steps to obtain a mature oocyte, but they could alter the appropriate expression of the oocyte genome. Additionally, it is likely that female infertility, environmental factors, and lifestyle have a significant influence on oocyte transcriptomic quality, which may interfere with the outcome of an ART attempt. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The objective of this review is to identify transcriptomic changes in the human oocyte caused by interventions specific to ART but also intrinsic factors such as age, reproductive health issues, and lifestyle. We also provide recommendations for future good practices to be conducted when attempting ART. SEARCH METHODS An in-depth literature search was performed on PubMed to identify studies assessing the human oocyte transcriptome following ART interventions, or in the context of maternal aging, suboptimal lifestyle, or reproductive health issues. OUTCOMES ART success is susceptible to external factors, maternal aging, lifestyle factors (smoking, BMI), and infertility due to endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome. Indeed, all of these are likely to increase oxidative stress and alter mitochondrial processes in the foreground. Concerning ART techniques themselves, there is evidence that different ovarian stimulation regimens shape the oocyte transcriptome. The perturbation of processes related to the mitochondrion, oxidative phosphorylation, and metabolism is observed with IVM. Cryopreservation might dysregulate genes belonging to transcriptional regulation, ubiquitination, cell cycle, and oocyte growth pathways. For other ART laboratory factors such as temperature, oxygen tension, air pollution, and light, the evidence remains scarce. Focusing on genes involved in chromatin-based processes such as DNA methylation, heterochromatin modulation, histone modification, and chromatin remodeling complexes, but also genomic imprinting, we observed systematic dysregulation of such genes either after ART intervention or lifestyle exposure, as well as due to internal factors such as maternal aging and reproductive diseases. Alteration in the expression of such epigenetic regulators may be a common mechanism linked to adverse oocyte environments, explaining global transcriptomic modifications. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Many IVF factors and additional external factors have the potential to impair oocyte transcriptomic integrity, which might not be innocuous for the developing embryo. Fortunately, it is likely that such dysregulations can be minimized by adapting ART protocols or reducing adverse exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bastien Ducreux
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comtés-Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD) INSERM UMR1231, Dijon, France
| | - Catherine Patrat
- Université de Paris Cité, Faculty of Medicine, Inserm 1016, Paris, France
- Department of Reproductive Biology-CECOS, aphp.centre-Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Jacquetta Trasler
- Department of Pediatrics, McGill University and Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University and Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University and Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Patricia Fauque
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comtés-Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD) INSERM UMR1231, Dijon, France
- CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction-CECOS, Dijon, France
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Ducreux B, Ferreux L, Patrat C, Fauque P. Overview of Gene Expression Dynamics during Human Oogenesis/Folliculogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:33. [PMID: 38203203 PMCID: PMC10778858 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010033] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The oocyte transcriptome follows a tightly controlled dynamic that leads the oocyte to grow and mature. This succession of distinct transcriptional states determines embryonic development prior to embryonic genome activation. However, these oocyte maternal mRNA regulatory events have yet to be decoded in humans. We reanalyzed human single-oocyte RNA-seq datasets previously published in the literature to decrypt the transcriptomic reshuffles ensuring that the oocyte is fully competent. We applied trajectory analysis (pseudotime) and a meta-analysis and uncovered the fundamental transcriptomic requirements of the oocyte at any moment of oogenesis until reaching the metaphase II stage (MII). We identified a bunch of genes showing significant variation in expression from primordial-to-antral follicle oocyte development and characterized their temporal regulation and their biological relevance. We also revealed the selective regulation of specific transcripts during the germinal vesicle-to-MII transition. Transcripts associated with energy production and mitochondrial functions were extensively downregulated, while those associated with cytoplasmic translation, histone modification, meiotic processes, and RNA processes were conserved. From the genes identified in this study, some appeared as sensitive to environmental factors such as maternal age, polycystic ovary syndrome, cryoconservation, and in vitro maturation. In the future, the atlas of transcriptomic changes described in this study will enable more precise identification of the transcripts responsible for follicular growth and oocyte maturation failures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bastien Ducreux
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté-Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD) INSERM UMR1231, 2 Rue Angélique Ducoudray, F-21000 Dijon, France;
| | - Lucile Ferreux
- Faculty of Medicine, Inserm 1016, Université de Paris Cité, F-75014 Paris, France; (L.F.); (C.P.)
- Department of Reproductive Biology-CECOS, Aphp.Centre-Université Paris Cité, Cochin, F-75014 Paris, France
| | - Catherine Patrat
- Faculty of Medicine, Inserm 1016, Université de Paris Cité, F-75014 Paris, France; (L.F.); (C.P.)
- Department of Reproductive Biology-CECOS, Aphp.Centre-Université Paris Cité, Cochin, F-75014 Paris, France
| | - Patricia Fauque
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté-Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD) INSERM UMR1231, 2 Rue Angélique Ducoudray, F-21000 Dijon, France;
- Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction-CECOS, CHU Dijon Bourgogne, 14 Rue Gaffarel, F-21000 Dijon, France
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Piechota S, Marchante M, Giovannini A, Paulsen B, Potts KS, Rockwell G, Aschenberger C, Noblett AD, Figueroa AB, Sanchez M, Barrachina F, Wiemer K, Guzman L, Belchin P, Pierson Smela M, Fortuna PRJ, Chatterjee P, Tran ND, Kelk DA, Forti M, Marcinyshyn S, Smith T, McCulloh DH, Fernandez-Gonzalez MJ, Abittan B, Ortiz S, Klein JU, Klatsky P, Ordonez-Perez D, Kramme CC. Human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived ovarian support cell co-culture improves oocyte maturation in vitro after abbreviated gonadotropin stimulation. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:2456-2469. [PMID: 37815487 PMCID: PMC10694404 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead205] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can in vitro maturation (IVM) and developmental competence of human oocytes be improved by co-culture with ovarian support cells (OSCs) derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs)? SUMMARY ANSWER OSC-IVM significantly improves the rates of metaphase II (MII) formation and euploid Day 5 or 6 blastocyst formation, when compared to a commercially available IVM system. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY IVM has historically shown highly variable performance in maturing oocytes and generating oocytes with strong developmental capacity, while limited studies have shown a positive benefit of primary granulosa cell co-culture for IVM. We recently reported the development of OSCs generated from hiPSCs that recapitulate dynamic ovarian function in vitro. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The study was designed as a basic science study, using randomized sibling oocyte specimen allocation. Using pilot study data, a prospective sample size of 20 donors or at least 65 oocytes per condition were used for subsequent experiments. A total of 67 oocyte donors were recruited to undergo abbreviated gonadotropin stimulation with or without hCG triggers and retrieved cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were allocated between the OSC-IVM or control conditions (fetal-like OSC (FOSC)-IVM or media-only IVM) in three independent experimental design formats. The total study duration was 1 April 2022 to 1 July 2023. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Oocyte donors between the ages of 19 and 37 years were recruited for retrieval after informed consent, with assessment of anti-Mullerian hormone, antral follicle count, age, BMI and ovarian pathology used for inclusion and exclusion criteria. In experiment 1, 27 oocyte donors were recruited, in experiment 2, 23 oocyte donors were recruited, and in experiment 3, 17 oocyte donors and 3 sperm donors were recruited. The OSC-IVM culture condition was composed of 100 000 OSCs in suspension culture with hCG, recombinant FSH, androstenedione, and doxycycline supplementation. IVM controls lacked OSCs and contained either the same supplementation, FSH and hCG only (a commercial IVM control), or FOSCs with the same supplementation (Media control). Experiment 1 compared OSC-IVM, FOSC-IVM, and a Media control, while experiments 2 and 3 compared OSC-IVM and a commercial IVM control. Primary endpoints in the first two experiments were the MII formation (i.e. maturation) rate and morphological quality assessment. In the third experiment, the fertilization and embryo formation rates were assessed with genetic testing for aneuploidy and epigenetic quality in blastocysts. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE We observed a statistically significant improvement (∼1.5×) in maturation outcomes for oocytes that underwent IVM with OSCs compared to control Media-IVM and FOSC-IVM in experiment 1. More specifically, the OSC-IVM group yielded a MII formation rate of 68% ± 6.83% SEM versus 46% ± 8.51% SEM in the Media control (P = 0.02592, unpaired t-test). FOSC-IVM yielded a 51% ± 9.23% SEM MII formation rate which did not significantly differ from the media control (P = 0.77 unpaired t-test). Additionally, OSC-IVM yielded a statistically significant ∼1.6× higher average MII formation rate at 68% ± 6.74% when compared to 43% ± 7.90% in the commercially available IVM control condition (P = 0.0349, paired t-test) in experiment 2. Oocyte morphological quality between OSC-IVM and the controls did not significantly differ. In experiment 3, OSC-IVM oocytes demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in Day 5 or 6 euploid blastocyst formation per COC compared to the commercial IVM control (25% ± 7.47% vs 11% ± 3.82%, P = 0.0349 logistic regression). Also in experiment 3, the OSC-treated oocytes generated blastocysts with similar global and germline differentially methylated region epigenetic profiles compared commercial IVM controls or blastocysts after either conventional ovarian stimulation. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION While the findings of this study are compelling, the cohort size remains limited and was powered on preliminary pilot studies, and the basic research nature of the study limits generalizability compared to randomized control trials. Additionally, use of hCG-triggered cycles results in a heterogenous oocyte cohort, and potential differences in the underlying maturation state of oocytes pre-IVM may limit or bias findings. Further research is needed to clarify and characterize the precise mechanism of action of the OSC-IVM system. Further research is also needed to establish whether these embryos are capable of implantation and further development, a key indication of their clinical utility. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Together, these findings demonstrate a novel approach to IVM with broad applicability to modern ART practice. The controls used in this study are in line with and have produced similar to findings to those in the literature, and the outcome of this study supports findings from previous co-culture studies that found benefits of primary granulosa cells on IVM outcomes. The OSC-IVM system shows promise as a highly flexible IVM approach that can complement a broad range of stimulation styles and patient populations. Particularly for patients who cannot or prefer not to undergo conventional gonadotropin stimulation, OSC-IVM may present a viable path for obtaining developmentally competent, mature oocytes. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) A.D.N., A.B.F., A.G., B.P., C.A., C.C.K., F.B., G.R., K.S.P., K.W., M.M., P.C., S.P., and M.-J.F.-G. are shareholders in the for-profit biotechnology company Gameto Inc. P.R.J.F. declares paid consultancy for Gameto Inc. P.C. also declares paid consultancy for the Scientific Advisory Board for Gameto Inc. D.H.M. has received consulting services from Granata Bio, Sanford Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, Gameto, and Buffalo IVF, and travel support from the Upper Egypt Assisted Reproduction Society. C.C.K., S.P., M.M., A.G., B.P., K.S.P., G.R., and A.D.N. are listed on a patent covering the use of OSCs for IVM: U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/492,210. Additionally, C.C.K. and K.W. are listed on three patents covering the use of OSCs for IVM: U.S. Patent Application No. 17/846,725, U.S Patent Application No. 17/846,845, and International Patent Application No.: PCT/US2023/026012. C.C.K., M.P.S., and P.C. additionally are listed on three patents for the transcription factor-directed production of granulosa-like cells from stem cells: International Patent Application No.: PCT/US2023/065140, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/326,640, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/444,108. The remaining authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Marta Sanchez
- Ruber Juan Bravo University Hospital, Eugin Group, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Pedro Belchin
- Ruber Juan Bravo University Hospital, Eugin Group, Madrid, Spain
| | - Merrick Pierson Smela
- Wyss Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Patrick R J Fortuna
- Wyss Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pranam Chatterjee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Computer Science, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - David H McCulloh
- Gameto Inc., New York, NY, USA
- Biogenetics Corporation, Mountainside, NJ, USA
- Sperm and Embryo Bank of New York, New York, NY, USA
- Biogenetics Laboratory, Brooklyn, NY, USA
- ReproART, Georgian American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tbilisi, GA, USA
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Application of Single-Cell RNA Sequencing in Ovarian Development. Biomolecules 2022; 13:biom13010047. [PMID: 36671432 PMCID: PMC9855652 DOI: 10.3390/biom13010047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The ovary is a female reproductive organ that plays a key role in fertility and the maintenance of endocrine homeostasis, which is of great importance to women's health. It is characterized by a high heterogeneity, with different cellular subpopulations primarily containing oocytes, granulosa cells, stromal cells, endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, and diverse immune cell types. Each has unique and important functions. From the fetal period to old age, the ovary experiences continuous structural and functional changes, with the gene expression of each cell type undergoing dramatic changes. In addition, ovarian development strongly relies on the communication between germ and somatic cells. Compared to traditional bulk RNA sequencing techniques, the single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) approach has substantial advantages in analyzing individual cells within an ever-changing and complicated tissue, classifying them into cell types, characterizing single cells, delineating the cellular developmental trajectory, and studying cell-to-cell interactions. In this review, we present single-cell transcriptome mapping of the ovary, summarize the characteristics of the important constituent cells of the ovary and the critical cellular developmental processes, and describe key signaling pathways for cell-to-cell communication in the ovary, as revealed by scRNA-seq. This review will undoubtedly improve our understanding of the characteristics of ovarian cells and development, thus enabling the identification of novel therapeutic targets for ovarian-related diseases.
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Machlin JH, Shikanov A. Single-cell RNA-sequencing of retrieved human oocytes and eggs in clinical practice and for human ovarian cell atlasing. Mol Reprod Dev 2022; 89:597-607. [PMID: 36264989 PMCID: PMC9805491 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23648] [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: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
With the advancement of single-cell separation techniques and high-throughput sequencing platforms, single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) has emerged as a vital technology for understanding tissue and organ systems at cellular resolution. Through transcriptional analysis, it is possible to characterize unique or rare cell types, interpret their interactions, and reveal novel functional states or shifts in developmental stages. As such, this technology is uniquely suited for studying the cells within the human ovary. The ovary is a cellularly heterogeneous organ that houses follicles, the reproductive and endocrine unit that consists of an oocyte surrounded by hormone-producing support cells, as well as many other cell populations constituting stroma, vasculature, lymphatic, and immune components. Here we review studies that have utilized scRNA-seq technology to analyze cells from healthy human ovaries and discuss the single-cell isolation techniques used. We identified two overarching applications for scRNA-seq in the human ovary. The first applies this technology to investigate transcriptional differences in oocytes/eggs from patients undergoing in vitro fertilization treatments to ultimately improve clinical outcomes. The second utilizes scRNA-seq for the pursuit of creating a comprehensive single-cell atlas of the human ovary. The knowledge gained from these studies underscores the importance of scRNA-seq technologies in unlocking a new biological understanding of the human ovary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan H. Machlin
- Program in Cellular and Molecular BiologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Ariella Shikanov
- Program in Cellular and Molecular BiologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
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FAM111A Is a Novel Molecular Marker for Oocyte Aging. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020257. [PMID: 35203468 PMCID: PMC8869572 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020257] [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: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is the main cause of decline in oocyte quality, which can further trigger the failure of assisted reproductive technology (ART). Exploring age-related genes in oocytes is an important way to investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in oocyte aging. To provide novel insight into this field, we performed a pooled analysis of publicly available datasets, using the overlapping results of two statistical methods on two Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets. The methods utilized in the current study mainly include Spearman rank correlation, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, t-tests, Venn diagrams, Gene Ontology (GO), Protein–Protein Interaction (PPI), Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA), and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. We identified hundreds of age-related genes across different gene expression datasets of in vitro maturation-metaphase II (IVM-MII) oocytes. Age-related genes in IVM-MII oocytes were involved in the biological processes of cellular metabolism, DNA replication, and histone modifications. Among these age-related genes, FAM111A expression presented a robust correlation with age, seen in the results of different statistical methods and different datasets. FAM111A is associated with the processes of chromosome segregation and cell cycle regulation. Thus, this enzyme is potentially an interesting novel marker for the aging of oocytes, and warrants further mechanistic study.
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Qin H, Qu Y, Li R, Qiao J. In Vivo and In Vitro Matured Oocytes From Mice of Advanced Reproductive Age Exhibit Alternative Splicing Processes for Mitochondrial Oxidative Phosphorylation. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:816606. [PMID: 35154017 PMCID: PMC8826577 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.816606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The mean age of women seeking infertility treatment has gradually increased over recent years. This has coincided with the emergence of in vitro maturation (IVM), a method used in assisted reproductive technology for patients with special requirements. However, when compared with conventional in vitro fertilization, IVM is associated with poor embryonic development potential and low live birth rates, thus limiting the widespread application of this technique. In this study, we performed RNA-sequencing transcriptomic assays and identified a total of 2,627 significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between IVM oocytes and in vivo matured oocytes from mice of advanced reproductive age. Next, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis was used to identify the potential functions of the DEGs. The most significantly enriched pathway was oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). In addition, we constructed a protein-protein interaction network to identify key genes and determined that most of the hub genes were mtDNA-encoded subunits of respiratory chain complex I. Antioxidant supplementation lead to an increase in ATP production and reduced the gene expression profile of the OXPHOS pathway in the IVM group. Moreover, alternative splicing (AS) events were identified during in vivo or in vitro oocyte maturation; data showed that skipped exons were the most frequent type of AS event. A number of genes associated with the OXPHOS pathway exhibited alterations in AS events, including Ndufa7, Ndufs7, Cox6a2, Ndufs5, Ndufb1, and Uqcrh. Furthermore, the process of IVO promoted the skipping of exon 2 in Ndufa7 and exon 3 in Ndufs7 compared with the IVM oocytes, as determined by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Collectively, these findings provide potential new therapeutic targets for improving IVM of aged women who undergo infertility treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Qin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Qu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Rong Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Qiao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
- Research Units of Comprehensive Diagnosis and Treatment of Oocyte Maturation Arrest, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Jie Qiao,
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