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Verlhac MH. Exploring the maternal inheritance transmitted by the oocyte to its progeny. C R Biol 2024; 347:45-52. [PMID: 38888193 DOI: 10.5802/crbiol.155] [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: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Fertility is declining worldwide and many couples are turning towards assisted reproductive technologies (ART) to conceive babies. Organisms that propagate via sexual reproduction often come from the fusion between two gametes, an oocyte and a sperm, whose qualities seem to be decreasing in the human species. Interestingly, while the sperm mostly transmits its haploid genome, the oocyte transmits not only its haploid set of chromosomes but also its huge cytoplasm to its progeny. This is what can be defined as the maternal inheritance composed of chromosomes, organelles, lipids, metabolites, proteins and RNAs. To decipher the decline in oocyte quality, it is essential to explore the nature of the maternal inheritance, and therefore study the last stages of murine oogenesis, namely the end of oocyte growth followed by the two meiotic divisions. These divisions are extremely asymmetric in terms of the size of the daughter cells, allowing to preserve the maternal inheritance accumulated during oocyte growth within these huge cells to support early embryo development. Studies performed in Marie-Hélène Verlhac's lab have allowed to discover the unprecedented impact of original acto-myosin based mechanisms in the constitution as well as the preservation of this maternal inheritance and the consequences when these processes go awry.
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Sakamoto R, Maeda YT. Unveiling the physics underlying symmetry breaking of the actin cytoskeleton: An artificial cell-based approach. Biophys Physicobiol 2023; 20:e200032. [PMID: 38124798 PMCID: PMC10728624 DOI: 10.2142/biophysico.bppb-v20.0032] [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: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Single-cell behaviors cover many biological functions, such as cell division during morphogenesis and tissue metastasis, and cell migration during cancer cell invasion and immune cell responses. Symmetry breaking of the positioning of organelles and the cell shape are often associated with these biological functions. One of the main players in symmetry breaking at the cellular scale is the actin cytoskeleton, comprising actin filaments and myosin motors that generate contractile forces. However, because the self-organization of the actomyosin network is regulated by the biochemical signaling in cells, how the mechanical contraction of the actin cytoskeleton induces diverse self-organized behaviors and drives the cell-scale symmetry breaking remains unclear. In recent times, to understand the physical underpinnings of the symmetry breaking exhibited in the actin cytoskeleton, artificial cell models encapsulating the cytoplasmic actomyosin networks covered with lipid monolayers have been developed. By decoupling the actomyosin mechanics from the complex biochemical signaling within living cells, this system allows one to study the self-organization of actomyosin networks confined in cell-sized spaces. We review the recent developments in the physics of confined actomyosin networks and provide future perspectives on the artificial cell-based approach. This review article is an extended version of the Japanese article, The Physical Principle of Cell Migration Under Confinement: Artificial Cell-based Bottom-up Approach, published in SEIBUTSU BUTSURI Vol. 63, p. 163-164 (2023).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryota Sakamoto
- Department of Physics, Graduate School of Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, Connecticut 06520, USA
- Systems Biology Institute, Yale University, Connecticut 06516, USA
| | - Yusuke T. Maeda
- Department of Physics, Graduate School of Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
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Salimov D, Lisovskaya T, Otsuki J, Gzgzyan A, Bogolyubova I, Bogolyubov D. Chromatin Morphology in Human Germinal Vesicle Oocytes and Their Competence to Mature in Stimulated Cycles. Cells 2023; 12:1976. [PMID: 37566055 PMCID: PMC10416848 DOI: 10.3390/cells12151976] [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: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The search for simple morphological predictors of oocyte quality is an important task for assisted reproduction technologies (ARTs). One such predictor may be the morphology of the oocyte nucleus, called the germinal vesicle (GV), including the level of chromatin aggregation around the atypical nucleolus (ANu)-a peculiar nuclear organelle, formerly referred to as the nucleolus-like body. A prospective cohort study allowed distinguishing three classes of GV oocytes among 135 oocytes retrieved from 64 patients: with a non-surrounded ANu and rare chromatin blocks in the nucleoplasm (Class A), with a complete peri-ANu heterochromatic rim assembling all chromatin (Class C), and intermediate variants (Class B). Comparison of the chromatin state and the ability of oocytes to complete meiosis allowed us to conclude that Class B and C oocytes are more capable of resuming meiosis in vitro and completing the first meiotic division, while Class A oocytes can resume maturation but often stop their development either at metaphase I (MI arrest) or before the onset of GV breakdown (GVBD arrest). In addition, oocytes with a low chromatin condensation demonstrated a high level of aneuploidy during the resumption of meiosis. Considering that the degree of chromatin condensation/compaction can be determined in vivo under a light microscope, this characteristic of the GV can be considered a promising criterion for selecting the best-quality GV oocytes in IVM rescue programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniil Salimov
- Clinical Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Yekaterinburg 620014, Russia;
| | - Tatiana Lisovskaya
- Clinical Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Yekaterinburg 620014, Russia;
| | - Junko Otsuki
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Center, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan;
| | - Alexandre Gzgzyan
- Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology Named after D. O. Ott, St. Petersburg 199034, Russia;
| | - Irina Bogolyubova
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg 194064, Russia;
- Department of Histology and Embryology Named after Prof. A.G. Knorre, St. Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, St. Petersburg 194100, Russia
| | - Dmitry Bogolyubov
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg 194064, Russia;
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Kincade JN, Hlavacek A, Akera T, Balboula AZ. Initial spindle positioning at the oocyte center protects against incorrect kinetochore-microtubule attachment and aneuploidy in mice. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadd7397. [PMID: 36800430 PMCID: PMC9937575 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.add7397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Spindle positioning within the oocyte must be tightly regulated. In mice, the spindle is predominantly assembled at the oocyte center before its migration toward the cortex to achieve the highly asymmetric division, a characteristic of female meiosis. The significance of the initial central positioning of the spindle is largely unknown. We show that initial spindle positioning at the oocyte center is an insurance mechanism to avoid the premature exposure of the spindle to cortical CDC42 signaling, which perturbs proper kinetochore-microtubule attachments, leading to the formation of aneuploid gametes. These findings contribute to understanding why female gametes are notoriously associated with high rates of aneuploidy, the leading genetic cause of miscarriage and congenital abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica N. Kincade
- Animal Sciences Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Avery Hlavacek
- Animal Sciences Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Takashi Akera
- Cell and Developmental Biology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ahmed Z. Balboula
- Animal Sciences Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
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Cytoplasmic forces functionally reorganize nuclear condensates in oocytes. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5070. [PMID: 36038550 PMCID: PMC9424315 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32675-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells remodel their cytoplasm with force-generating cytoskeletal motors. Their activity generates random forces that stir the cytoplasm, agitating and displacing membrane-bound organelles like the nucleus in somatic and germ cells. These forces are transmitted inside the nucleus, yet their consequences on liquid-like biomolecular condensates residing in the nucleus remain unexplored. Here, we probe experimentally and computationally diverse nuclear condensates, that include nuclear speckles, Cajal bodies, and nucleoli, during cytoplasmic remodeling of female germ cells named oocytes. We discover that growing mammalian oocytes deploy cytoplasmic forces to timely impose multiscale reorganization of nuclear condensates for the success of meiotic divisions. These cytoplasmic forces accelerate nuclear condensate collision-coalescence and molecular kinetics within condensates. Disrupting the forces decelerates nuclear condensate reorganization on both scales, which correlates with compromised condensate-associated mRNA processing and hindered oocyte divisions that drive female fertility. We establish that cytoplasmic forces can reorganize nuclear condensates in an evolutionary conserved fashion in insects. Our work implies that cells evolved a mechanism, based on cytoplasmic force tuning, to functionally regulate a broad range of nuclear condensates across scales. This finding opens new perspectives when studying condensate-associated pathologies like cancer, neurodegeneration and viral infections. Cytoskeletal activity generates mechanical forces known to agitate and displace membrane-bound organelles in the cytoplasm. In oocytes, Al Jord et al. discover that these cytoplasmic forces functionally remodel nuclear RNA-processing condensates across scales for developmental success.
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Ultrastructural Evaluation of the Human Oocyte at the Germinal Vesicle Stage during the Application of Assisted Reproductive Technologies. Cells 2022; 11:cells11101636. [PMID: 35626673 PMCID: PMC9139706 DOI: 10.3390/cells11101636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
After its discovery in 1825 by the physiologist J.E. Purkinje, the human germinal vesicle (GV) attracted the interest of scientists. Discarded after laparotomy or laparoscopic ovum pick up from the pool of retrieved mature oocytes, the leftover GV was mainly used for research purposes. After the discovery of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) such as in vitro maturation (IVM), in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), its developing potential was explored, and recognized as an important source of germ cells, especially in the case of scarce availability of mature oocytes for pathological/clinical conditions or in the case of previous recurrent implantation failure. We here review the ultrastructural data available on GV-stage human oocytes and their application to ARTs.
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The nucleolus-like and precursor bodies of mammalian oocytes and embryos and their possible role in post-fertilization centromere remodelling. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 48:581-593. [PMID: 32318710 DOI: 10.1042/bst20190847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In nearly all somatic cells, the ribosome biosynthesis is a key activity. The same is true also for mammalian oocytes and early embryos. This activity is intimately linked to the most prominent nuclear organelles - the nucleoli. Interestingly, during a short period around fertilization, the nucleoli in oocytes and embryos transform into ribosome-biosynthesis-inactive structures termed nucleolus-like or nucleolus precursor bodies (NPBs). For decades, researchers considered these structures to be passive repositories of nucleolar proteins used by the developing embryo to rebuild fully functional, ribosome-synthesis competent nucleoli when required. Recent evidence, however, indicates that while these structures are unquestionably essential for development, the material is largely dispensable for the formation of active embryonic nucleoli. In this mini-review, we will describe some unique features of oocytes and embryos with respect to ribosome biogenesis and the changes in the structure of oocyte and embryonic nucleoli that reflect this. We will also describe some of the different approaches that can be used to study nucleoli and NPBs in embryos and discuss the different results that might be expected. Finally, we ask whether the main function of nucleolar precursor bodies might lie in the genome organization and remodelling and what the involved components might be.
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Colin A, Letort G, Razin N, Almonacid M, Ahmed W, Betz T, Terret ME, Gov NS, Voituriez R, Gueroui Z, Verlhac MH. Active diffusion in oocytes nonspecifically centers large objects during prophase I and meiosis I. J Cell Biol 2020; 219:133616. [PMID: 31952078 PMCID: PMC7054987 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201908195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleus centering in mouse oocytes results from a gradient of actin-positive vesicle activity and is essential for developmental success. Here, we analyze 3D model simulations to demonstrate how a gradient in the persistence of actin-positive vesicles can center objects of different sizes. We test model predictions by tracking the transport of exogenous passive tracers. The gradient of activity induces a centering force, akin to an effective pressure gradient, leading to the centering of oil droplets with velocities comparable to nuclear ones. Simulations and experimental measurements show that passive particles subjected to the gradient exhibit biased diffusion toward the center. Strikingly, we observe that the centering mechanism is maintained in meiosis I despite chromosome movement in the opposite direction; thus, it can counteract a process that specifically off-centers the spindle. In conclusion, our findings reconcile how common molecular players can participate in the two opposing functions of chromosome centering versus off-centering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Colin
- Department of Chemistry, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, CNRS-ENS-UPMC 24, Paris, France
| | - Gaëlle Letort
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS, INSERM, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Equipe Labellisée Fondation pour la Recherche Médicale, Paris, France
| | - Nitzan Razin
- Department of Chemical and Biological Physics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Maria Almonacid
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS, INSERM, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Equipe Labellisée Fondation pour la Recherche Médicale, Paris, France
| | - Wylie Ahmed
- Department of Physics, California State University, Fullerton, CA
| | - Timo Betz
- Institute of Cell Biology, Cells in Motion Interfaculty Center, Centre for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, Münster, Germany
| | - Marie-Emilie Terret
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS, INSERM, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Equipe Labellisée Fondation pour la Recherche Médicale, Paris, France
| | - Nir S Gov
- Department of Chemical and Biological Physics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | | | - Zoher Gueroui
- Department of Chemistry, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, CNRS-ENS-UPMC 24, Paris, France
| | - Marie-Hélène Verlhac
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS, INSERM, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Equipe Labellisée Fondation pour la Recherche Médicale, Paris, France
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Tug-of-war between actomyosin-driven antagonistic forces determines the positioning symmetry in cell-sized confinement. Nat Commun 2020; 11:3063. [PMID: 32541780 PMCID: PMC7295813 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16677-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Symmetric or asymmetric positioning of intracellular structures including the nucleus and mitotic spindle steers various biological processes such as cell migration, division, and embryogenesis. In typical animal cells, both a sparse actomyosin meshwork in the cytoplasm and a dense actomyosin cortex underneath the cell membrane participate in the intracellular positioning. However, it remains unclear how these coexisting actomyosin structures regulate the positioning symmetry. To reveal the potential mechanism, we construct an in vitro model composed of cytoplasmic extracts and nucleus-like clusters confined in droplets. Here we find that periodic centripetal actomyosin waves contract from the droplet boundary push clusters to the center in large droplets, while network percolation of bulk actomyosin pulls clusters to the edge in small droplets. An active gel model quantitatively reproduces molecular perturbation experiments, which reveals that the tug-of-war between two distinct actomyosin networks with different maturation time-scales determines the positioning symmetry.
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10
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Active Fluctuations of the Nuclear Envelope Shape the Transcriptional Dynamics in Oocytes. Dev Cell 2019; 51:145-157.e10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2019.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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11
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Lavrentyeva EA, Shishova KV, Zatsepina OV. Differences in Nuclear Dynamics in Mouse GV Oocytes with a Diverse Chromatin Configuration. BIOL BULL+ 2019. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062359019040095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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12
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Fulka H, Langerova A. Nucleoli in embryos: a central structural platform for embryonic chromatin remodeling? Chromosome Res 2018; 27:129-140. [PMID: 30406864 DOI: 10.1007/s10577-018-9590-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Nucleoli are the site of ribosomal RNA production and subunit assembly. In contrast to active nucleoli in somatic cells, where three basic sub-compartments can be observed, mammalian oocytes and early embryos contain atypical nucleoli termed "nucleolus-like bodies" or "nucleolus precursor bodies", respectively. Unlike their somatic counterparts, these structures are composed of dense homogenous fibrillar material and exhibit no polymerase activity. Irrespective of these unusual properties, they have been shown to be absolutely essential for embryonic development, as their microsurgical removal results in developmental arrest. Historically, nucleolus-like and nucleolus precursor bodies have been perceived as passive storage sites of nucleolar material, which is gradually utilized by embryos to construct fully functional nucleoli once they have activated their genome and have started to produce ribosomes. For decades, researchers have been trying to elucidate the composition of these organelles and provide the evidence for their repository role. However, only recently has it become clear that the function of these atypical nucleoli is altogether different, and rather than being involved in ribosome biogenesis, they participate in parental chromatin remodeling, and strikingly, the artificial introduction of a single NPB component is sufficient to rescue the developmental arrest elicited by the NPB removal. In this review, we will describe and summarize the experiments that led to the change in our understanding of these unique structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Fulka
- Institute of Animal Science, v.v.i., 104 00, Prague 10, Czech Republic. .,Institute of Molecular Genetics ASCR, v.v.i., 142 20, Prague 4, Czech Republic. .,Institute of Experimental Medicine ASCR, v.v.i., 142 20, Prague 4, Czech Republic.
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Artini PG, Obino ME, Vergine F, Sergiampietri C, Papini F, Cela V. Assisted reproductive technique in women of advanced fertility age. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 70:738-749. [DOI: 10.23736/s0026-4784.18.04247-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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14
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Almonacid M, Terret ME, Verlhac MH. Control of nucleus positioning in mouse oocytes. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2018; 82:34-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2017.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Kallen A, Polotsky AJ, Johnson J. Untapped Reserves: Controlling Primordial Follicle Growth Activation. Trends Mol Med 2018; 24:319-331. [PMID: 29452791 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2018.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Revised: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Even with the benefit of assisted reproductive technologies (ART), many women are unable to conceive and deliver healthy offspring. One common cause of infertility is the inability to produce eggs capable of contributing to live birth. This can occur despite standard-of-care treatment to maximize the recovery of eggs from growing ovarian follicles. Dormant primordial follicles in the human ovary are a 'reserve ' that can be exploited clinically to overcome this problem. We discuss how controlling primordial follicle growth activation (PFGA) can produce increased numbers of high-quality eggs available for fertility treatment(s). We consider the state of the art in interventions used to control PFGA, and consider genetic and epigenetic strategies on the horizon that might improve compromised oocyte quality to increase live births.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Kallen
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Alex J Polotsky
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Divisions of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and Reproductive Sciences, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Joshua Johnson
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Divisions of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and Reproductive Sciences, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
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Regulation of GVBD in mouse oocytes by miR-125a-3p and Fyn kinase through modulation of actin filaments. Sci Rep 2017; 7:2238. [PMID: 28533542 PMCID: PMC5440411 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-02071-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Meiotically arrested oocytes are characterized by the presence of the nuclear structure known as germinal-vesicle (GV), the breakdown of which (GVBD) is associated with resumption of meiosis. Fyn is a pivotal factor in resumption of the first meiotic division; its inhibition markedly decreases the fraction of oocytes undergoing GVBD. Here, we reveal that in mouse oocytes Fyn is post-transcriptionally regulated by miR-125a-3p. We demonstrate that in oocytes resuming meiosis miR-125a-3p and Fyn exhibit a reciprocal expression pattern; miR-125a-3p decreases alongside with an increase in Fyn expression. Microinjection of miR-125a-3p inhibits GVBD, an effect that is markedly reduced by Fyn over-expression, and impairs the organization of the actin rim surrounding the nucleus. Lower rate of GVBD is also observed in oocytes exposed to cytochalasin-D or blebbistatin, which interfere with actin polymerization and contractility of actin bundles, respectively. By down-regulating Fyn in HEK-293T cells, miR-125a-3p reduces the interaction between actin and A-type lamins, which constitute the nuclear-lamina. Our findings suggest a mechanism, by which a decrease in miR-125a-3p during oocyte maturation facilitates GVBD by allowing Fyn up-regulation and the resulting stabilization of the interaction between actin and A-type lamins.
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17
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Chaigne A, Terret ME, Verlhac MH. Asymmetries and Symmetries in the Mouse Oocyte and Zygote. Results Probl Cell Differ 2017; 61:285-299. [PMID: 28409310 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-53150-2_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian oocytes grow periodically after puberty thanks to the dialogue with their niche in the follicle. This communication between somatic and germ cells promotes the accumulation, inside the oocyte, of maternal RNAs, proteins and other molecules that will sustain the two gamete divisions and early embryo development up to its implantation. In order to preserve their stock of maternal products, oocytes from all species divide twice minimizing the volume of their daughter cells to their own benefit. For this, they undergo asymmetric divisions in size where one main objective is to locate the division spindle with its chromosomes off-centred. In this chapter, we will review how this main objective is reached with an emphasis on the role of actin microfilaments in this process in mouse oocytes, the most studied example in mammals. This chapter is subdivided into three parts: I-General features of asymmetric divisions in mouse oocytes, II-Mechanism of chromosome positioning by actin in mouse oocytes and III-Switch from asymmetric to symmetric division at the oocyte-to-embryo transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agathe Chaigne
- MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, UCL, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.,Institute for the Physics of Living Systems, UCL, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
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Meczekalski B, Czyzyk A, Kunicki M, Podfigurna-Stopa A, Plociennik L, Jakiel G, Maciejewska-Jeske M, Lukaszuk K. Fertility in women of late reproductive age: the role of serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels in its assessment. J Endocrinol Invest 2016; 39:1259-1265. [PMID: 27300031 PMCID: PMC5069312 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-016-0497-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fertility is referred to the capability for having offspring and can be evaluated by fertility rate. Women's fertility is strictly dependent on individual's age. The fertility peak occurs in the early 20s, and it starts to decline in the third and fourth decades of life (falling sharply after age 35). AIM The aim of this work is to review the available data concerning fertility in women of late reproductive age, especially the role of serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels. RESULTS There are a lot of factors responsible for decrease of fertility in women of late reproductive age. These factors can be classified as oocyte-dependent (decrease in oocyte quantity and quality) and oocyte-independent (reproductive organs [uterus, oviducts] status and general health). Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a dimeric glycoprotein of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily produced directly by the ovarian granulosa cells of secondary, preantral, and early antral follicles. It has been used as an ovarian reserve marker since 2002. Anti-Müllerian hormone seems to be the best endocrine marker for assessing the age-related decline of the ovarian pool in healthy women. Evaluation of AMH's predictive value in the naturally aging population is important for counseling women about reproductive planning as well as for treatment planning for women experiencing hormone-sensitive gynecological conditions such as endometriosis and fibroids. CONCLUSIONS AMH can be considered as an indicator of fertility in late reproductive age women and pregnancy outcome in assisted reproductive technology cycles. AMH can strongly predict poor response in the controlled ovarian stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Meczekalski
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, ul. Polna 33, Poznan, Poland.
| | - A Czyzyk
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, ul. Polna 33, Poznan, Poland
| | - M Kunicki
- INVICTA Fertility and Reproductive Center, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - A Podfigurna-Stopa
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, ul. Polna 33, Poznan, Poland
| | - L Plociennik
- INVICTA Fertility and Reproductive Center, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - G Jakiel
- INVICTA Fertility and Reproductive Center, Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center of Postgraduate Education, Warsaw, Poland
| | - M Maciejewska-Jeske
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, ul. Polna 33, Poznan, Poland
| | - K Lukaszuk
- INVICTA Fertility and Reproductive Center, Gdańsk, Poland
- INVICTA Fertility and Reproductive Center, Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecological Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdańsk, Poland
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Liu Q, Tian FJ, Xie QZ, Zhang J, Liu L, Yang J. Fyn Plays a Pivotal Role in Fetomaternal Tolerance Through Regulation of Th17 Cells. Am J Reprod Immunol 2016; 75:569-79. [PMID: 26892111 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine; Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University; Wuhan China
| | - Fu-ju Tian
- Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease; the International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital; Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine; Shanghai China
| | - Qing-zhen Xie
- Center for Reproductive Medicine; Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University; Wuhan China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine; Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University; Wuhan China
| | - Liu Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine; Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University; Wuhan China
| | - Jing Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine; Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University; Wuhan China
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20
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Oocyte environment: follicular fluid and cumulus cells are critical for oocyte health. Fertil Steril 2014; 103:303-16. [PMID: 25497448 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 385] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2014] [Revised: 11/08/2014] [Accepted: 11/10/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Bidirectional somatic cell-oocyte signaling is essential to create a changing intrafollicular microenvironment that controls primordial follicle growth into a cohort of growing follicles, from which one antral follicle is selected to ovulate a healthy oocyte. Such intercellular communications allow the oocyte to determine its own fate by influencing the intrafollicular microenvironment, which in turn provides the necessary cellular functions for oocyte developmental competence, which is defined as the ability of the oocyte to complete meiosis and undergo fertilization, embryogenesis, and term development. These coordinated somatic cell-oocyte interactions attempt to balance cellular metabolism with energy requirements during folliculogenesis, including changing energy utilization during meiotic resumption. If these cellular mechanisms are perturbed by metabolic disease and/or maternal aging, molecular damage of the oocyte can alter macromolecules, induce mitochondrial mutations, and reduce adenosine triphosphate production, all of which can harm the oocyte. Recent technologies are now exploring transcriptional, translational, and post-translational events within the human follicle with the goal of identifying biomarkers that reliably predict oocyte quality in the clinical setting.
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21
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Zhang K, Huang K, Luo Y, Li S. Identification and functional analysis of long non-coding RNAs in mouse cleavage stage embryonic development based on single cell transcriptome data. BMC Genomics 2014; 15:845. [PMID: 25277336 PMCID: PMC4200203 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-15-845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2014] [Accepted: 09/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate embryonic development and cell fate decision in various ways, such as modulation of chromatin modification and post-transcription regulation of gene expression. However, the profiles and roles of lncRNAs in early mammalian development have not yet been demonstrated. Here, we reported a comprehensive analysis of mouse cleavage stage embryonic lncRNA profiles based on public single-cell RNA-seq data. Results We reconstructed 50,006 high-confidence transcripts in 22,827 loci, and identified 5563 novel lncRNAs from 3492 loci expressed in mouse cleavage stage embryos. These lncRNAs share similar characteristics with previously reported vertebrate lncRNAs, such as relatively short length, low exon number, low expression level and low sequence conservation. Expression profile analysis revealed that the profiles of lncRNA vary considerably at different stages of cleavage stage embryos, suggesting that many lncRNAs in cleavage stage embryos are stage-specifically expressed. Co-expression network analysis suggested many lncRNAs in cleavage stage embryos are associated with cell cycle regulation, transcription, translation and oxidative phosphorylation to regulate the process of cleavage stage embryonic development. Conclusions This study provides the first catalog of lncRNAs expressed in mouse cleavage stage embryos and gives a revealing insight into the molecular mechanism responsible for early embryonic development. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2164-15-845) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yuping Luo
- Stem Cell Translational Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China.
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22
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Abstract
Oocyte endowment dwindles away during prepubertal and adult life until menopause occurs, and apoptosis has been identified as a central mechanism responsible for oocyte elimination. A few recent reports suggest that uncontrolled inflammation may adversely affect ovarian reserve. We tested the possible role of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1 in the age-related exhaustion of ovarian reserve using IL-1α and IL-1β-KO mice. IL-1α-KO mice showed a substantially higher pregnancy rate and litter size compared with WT mice at advanced age. The number of secondary and antral follicles was significantly higher in 2.5-mo-old IL-1α-KO ovaries compared with WT ovaries. Serum anti-Müllerian hormone, a putative marker of ovarian reserve, was markedly higher in IL-1α-KO mice from 2.5 mo onward, along with a greater ovarian response to gonadotropins. IL-1β-KO mice displayed a comparable but more subtle prolongation of ovarian lifespan compared with IL-1α-KO mice. The protein and mRNA of both IL-1α and IL-1β mice were localized within the developing follicles (oocytes and granulosa cells), and their ovarian mRNA levels increased with age. Molecular analysis revealed decreased apoptotic signaling [higher B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) and lower BCL-2-associated X protein levels], along with a marked attenuation in the expression of genes coding for the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in ovaries of IL-1α-KO mice compared with WT mice. Taken together, IL-1 emerges as an important participant in the age-related exhaustion of ovarian reserve in mice, possibly by enhancing the expression of inflammatory genes and promoting apoptotic pathways.
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Digital multiplexed mRNA analysis of functionally important genes in single human oocytes and correlation of changes in transcript levels with oocyte protein expression. Fertil Steril 2014; 101:857-64. [PMID: 24444598 PMCID: PMC3969224 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2013.11.125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2013] [Revised: 11/26/2013] [Accepted: 11/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate functionally important transcripts in single human oocytes with the use of NanoString technology and determine whether observed differences are biologically meaningful. DESIGN Analysis of human oocytes with the use of NanoString and immunoblotting. SETTING University-affiliated reproductive medicine unit. PATIENTS Women undergoing in vitro fertilization. INTERVENTION Human oocytes were analyzed with the use of NanoString or immunoblotting. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The abundance of transcripts for ten functionally important genes-AURKA, AURKC, BUB1, BUB1B (encoding BubR1), CDK1, CHEK1, FYN, MOS, MAP2K1, and WEE2-and six functionally dispensable genes were analyzed with the use of NanoString. BubR1 protein levels in oocytes from younger and older women were compared with the use of immunoblotting. RESULT(S) All ten functional genes but none of the six dispensable genes were detectable with the use of NanoString in single oocytes. There was 3- to 5-fold variation in BUB1, BUB1B, and CDK1 transcript abundance among individual oocytes from a single patient. Transcripts for these three genes-all players within the spindle assembly checkpoint surveillance mechanism for preventing aneuploidy-were reduced in the same oocyte from an older patient. Mean BUB1B transcripts were reduced by 1.5-fold with aging and associated with marked reductions in BubR1 protein levels. CONCLUSION(S) The abundance of functionally important transcripts exhibit marked oocyte-to-oocyte heterogeneity to a degree that is sufficient to affect protein expression. Observed variations in transcript abundance are therefore likely to be biologically meaningful, especially if multiple genes within the same pathway are simultaneously affected.
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