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Kong Y, Yang G, Feng X, Ji Z, Wang X, Shao Y, Meng J, Yao G, Ren C, Yang G. CTBP1 links metabolic syndrome to polycystic ovary syndrome through interruption of aromatase and SREBP1. Commun Biol 2024; 7:1174. [PMID: 39294274 PMCID: PMC11411056 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06857-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Some patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) suffered from metabolic syndrome (MetS) including dyslipidemia, hyperinsulinism, but the underlying mechanism is unclear. Although C-terminal Binding Protein 1 (CTBP1) is a transcriptional co-repressor frequently involved in hormone secretion disorders and MetS-associated diseases, the role of CTBP1 in PCOS is rarely reported. In the present study, we found that CTBP1 expression was significantly elevated in primary granulosa cells (pGCs) derived from the PCOS with MetS patients and was positively associated with serum triglyceride, but negatively correlated with serum estradiol (E2) or high-density lipoprotein. Mechanistic study suggested that CTBP1 physically bound to the promoter II of cytochrome P450 family 19 subfamily A member 1 (CYP19A1) to inhibit the aromatase gene transcription and expression, resulting in the reduced E2 synthesis. Moreover, CTBP1 interacted with the phosphorylated SREBP1a at S396 in nuclei, leading to the FBXW7-dependent protein degradation, resulting in the reduced lipid droplets formation in pGCs. Therefore, we conclude that CTBP1 in GCs dysregulates the synthesis of steroid hormones and lipids through suppression of aromatase expression and promotion of SREBP1a protein degradation in PCOS patients, which may offer some fresh insights into the potential pathological mechanism for this tough disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Kong
- Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Guang Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Xu Feng
- Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zhaodong Ji
- Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Xiaoling Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Yang Shao
- Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jiao Meng
- Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Guidong Yao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
| | - Chunxia Ren
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China.
| | - Gong Yang
- Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Central Laboratory, the Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
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Yao ZL, Wang X, Hu CL, Chen FX, Chen HJ, Jiang SJ, Zhao Y, Ji XS. A single-nucleus transcriptomic atlas characterizes cell types and their molecular features in the ovary of adult Nile tilapia. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 39235098 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
In fish species, there is limited analysis of signature transcriptome profiles at the single-cell level in gonadal cells. Here, the molecular signatures of distinct ovarian cell categories in adult Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) were analysed using single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq). We identified four cell types (oogonia, oocytes, granulosa cell, and thecal cell) based on their specifically expressed genes and biological functions. Similarly, we found some key pathways involved in ovarian development that may affect germline-somatic interactions. A cell-to-cell communication network between the distinct cell types was constructed. We found that the bidirectional communication is mandatory for the development of germ cells and somatic cells in fish ovaries, and the granulosa cells and thecal cells play a central regulating role in the cell network in fish ovary. Additionally, we identified some novel candidate marker genes for various types of ovarian cells and also validated them using in situ hybridization. Our work reveals an ovarian atlas at the cellular and molecular levels and contributes to providing insights into oogenesis and gonad development in fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Lei Yao
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China
- Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Non-grain Feed Resources (Co-construction by Ministry and Province) of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- Library, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China
| | - Chun Lei Hu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China
- Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Non-grain Feed Resources (Co-construction by Ministry and Province) of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China
| | - Fu Xiao Chen
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China
- Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Non-grain Feed Resources (Co-construction by Ministry and Province) of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China
| | - Hong Ju Chen
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China
- Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Non-grain Feed Resources (Co-construction by Ministry and Province) of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China
| | - Shi-Jin Jiang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China
- Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Non-grain Feed Resources (Co-construction by Ministry and Province) of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China
- Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Non-grain Feed Resources (Co-construction by Ministry and Province) of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China
| | - Xiang Shan Ji
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China
- Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Non-grain Feed Resources (Co-construction by Ministry and Province) of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China
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Chen Y, Wang S, Zhang C. The Differentiation Fate of Granulosa Cells and the Regulatory Mechanism in Ovary. Reprod Sci 2024:10.1007/s43032-024-01682-w. [PMID: 39192066 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01682-w] [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: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
Granulosa cells (GCs) are important drives of the reproductive process, not only the supporting cells for nutrition, but also cells with endocrine functions. Their differentiation and development parallel the entire menstruation period and even during pregnancy, making it tightly linked to the fate of the follicle. To elucidate the underlying mechanism is of great significance for related researches. The life course of GCs is briefly divided into five stages, from epithelial cells to pre-granulosa cells, GCs, mural and cumulus cells, lutein cells, and eventually disappear. A wide variety of genes and transcription factors participate in the regulation of different stages, and more importantly, various hormones secreted by the pituitary gland and GCs themselves play a leading role. These endogenous and exogenous signalling molecules interact to form a cross-linked communication network, promoting the development of GCs. Together with oocytes, theca cells and other functional cells in the ovary, GCs drive one of the most vital biological processes in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilin Chen
- Queen Mary School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Shimeng Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Chunping Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China.
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Fan X, Wang J, Ma Y, Chai D, Han S, Xiao C, Huang Y, Wang X, Wang J, Wang S, Xiao L, Zhang C. Activation of P2X7 Receptor Mediates the Abnormal Ovulation Induced by Chronic Restraint Stress and Chronic Cold Stress. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:620. [PMID: 39194558 DOI: 10.3390/biology13080620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2024] [Revised: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
Chronic stress has become a major problem that endangers people's physical and mental health. Studies have shown that chronic stress impairs female reproduction. However, the related mechanism is not fully understood. P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) is involved in a variety of pathological changes induced by chronic stress. Whether P2X7R is involved in the effect of chronic stress on female reproduction has not been studied. In this study, we established a chronic restraint stress mouse model and chronic cold stress mouse model. We found that the number of corpora lutea was significantly reduced in the two chronic stress models. The number of corpora lutea indirectly reflects the ovulation, suggesting that chronic stress influences ovulation. P2X7R expression was significantly increased in ovaries of the two chronic stress models. A superovulation experiment showed that P2X7R inhibitor A-438079 HCL partially rescued the ovulation rate of the two chronic stress models. Further studies showed that activation of P2X7R signaling inhibited the cumulus expansion and promoted the expression of NPPC in granulosa cells, one key negative factor of cumulus expansion. Moreover, sirius red staining showed that the ovarian fibrosis was increased in the two chronic stress models. For the fibrosis-related factors, TGF-β1 was increased and MMP2 was decreased. In vitro studies also showed that activation of P2X7R signaling upregulated the expression of TGF-β1 and downregulated the expression of MMP2 in granulosa cells. In conclusion, P2X7R expression was increased in the ovaries of the chronic restraint-stress and chronic cold-stress mouse models. Activation of P2X7R signaling promoted NPPC expression and cumulus expansion disorder, which contributed to the abnormal ovulation of the chronic stress model. Activation of P2X7R signaling is also associated with the ovarian fibrosis changes in the chronic stress model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Fan
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
- Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Shaanxi Provincial Rehabilitation Hospital, Xi'an 710065, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Yinyin Ma
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Dandan Chai
- Shangrao People's Hospital, Shangrao 334000, China
| | - Suo Han
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Chuyu Xiao
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Yingtong Huang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Xiaojie Wang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Jianming Wang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Shimeng Wang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Li Xiao
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Chunping Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
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Derakhshan Z, Bahmanpour S, Nasr-Esfahani MH, Masjedi F, Mirani M, Dara M, Tabei SMB. Alpha-Lipoic Acid Ameliorates Impaired Steroidogenesis in Human Granulosa Cells Induced by Advanced Glycation End-Products. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES 2024; 49:515-527. [PMID: 39205823 PMCID: PMC11347593 DOI: 10.30476/ijms.2023.99512.3168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Background Ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) are essential for follicular development. Ovarian advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) accumulation is related to GCs dysfunction. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) illustrates therapeutic capabilities for infertility-related disorders. Therefore, this study assessed the effects of ALA on AGEs-induced GCs hormonal dysfunction. Methods The study was conducted from October 2021 to September 2022 at the Department of Medical Genetics, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Isolated GCs (n=50) were divided into control, human glycated albumin (HGA), HGA+ALA, and ALA treatments. Steroidogenic enzymes and AGE receptor (RAGE) genes were assessed by qRT-PCR. Steroid hormones and RAGE protein were evaluated using ELISA and Western blotting. Data were analyzed using GraphPad Prism software (ver. 9), and P<0.05 was considered significant. Results Our findings showed that HGA treatment significantly (P=0.0001) increased RAGE (by 140.66%), STAR (by 117.65%), 3β-HSD (by 165.68%), and 17β-HSD (by 122.15%) expression, while it decreased CYP19A1 (by 68.37%) expression. RAGE protein level (by 267.10%) was also increased in HGA-treated GCs. A significant decrease in estradiol (by 59.66%) and a slight and sharp elevation in progesterone (by 30.40%) and total testosterone (by 158.24%) levels was also observed. ALA treatment ameliorated the HGA-induced changes in steroidogenic enzyme mRNA levels (P=0.001) and steroid hormone secretion (P=0.010). Conclusion This work shows that ALA therapy likely corrects hormonal dysfunctions caused by AGEs in luteinized GCs. This effect is probably achieved by decreased RAGE expression. Clinical research is needed to understand how AGEs and ALA interact in the ovary, which might lead to a more targeted ovarian dysfunction therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Derakhshan
- Department of Reproductive Biology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of MedicalSciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Soghra Bahmanpour
- Department of Anatomy and Reproductive Biology, School of Medical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Nasr-Esfahani
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, Isfahan, Iran
- Isfahan Fertility and Infertility Center, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Masjedi
- Shiraz Nephro-Urology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Maryam Mirani
- Department of Reproductive Biology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of MedicalSciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mahintaj Dara
- Stem Cells Technology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Bagher Tabei
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Maternal-fetal Medicine Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Paulsen B, Piechota S, Barrachina F, Giovannini A, Kats S, Potts KS, Rockwell G, Marchante M, Estevez SL, Noblett AD, Figueroa AB, Aschenberger C, Kelk DA, Forti M, Marcinyshyn S, Wiemer K, Sanchez M, Belchin P, Lee JA, Buyuk E, Slifkin RE, Smela MP, Fortuna PRJ, Chatterjee P, McCulloh DH, Copperman AB, Ordonez-Perez D, Klein JU, Kramme CC. Rescue in vitro maturation using ovarian support cells of human oocytes from conventional stimulation cycles yields oocytes with improved nuclear maturation and transcriptomic resemblance to in vivo matured oocytes. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:2021-2036. [PMID: 38814543 PMCID: PMC11339229 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03143-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Determine if the gene expression profiles of ovarian support cells (OSCs) and cumulus-free oocytes are bidirectionally influenced by co-culture during in vitro maturation (IVM). METHODS Fertility patients aged 25 to 45 years old undergoing conventional ovarian stimulation donated denuded immature oocytes for research. Oocytes were randomly allocated to either OSC-IVM culture (intervention) or Media-IVM culture (control) for 24-28 h. The OSC-IVM culture condition was composed of 100,000 OSCs in suspension culture with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), recombinant follicle stimulating hormone (rFSH), androstenedione, and doxycycline supplementation. The Media-IVM control lacked OSCs and contained the same supplementation. A limited set of in vivo matured MII oocytes were donated for comparative evaluation. Endpoints consisted of MII formation rate, morphological and spindle quality assessment, and gene expression analysis compared to in vitro and in vivo controls. RESULTS OSC-IVM resulted in a statistically significant improvement in MII formation rate compared to the Media-IVM control, with no apparent effect on morphology or spindle assembly. OSC-IVM MII oocytes displayed a closer transcriptomic maturity signature to IVF-MII controls than Media-IVM control MII oocytes. The gene expression profile of OSCs was modulated in the presence of oocytes, displaying culture- and time-dependent differential gene expression during IVM. CONCLUSION The OSC-IVM platform is a novel tool for rescue maturation of human oocytes, yielding oocytes with improved nuclear maturation and a closer transcriptomic resemblance to in vivo matured oocytes, indicating a potential enhancement in oocyte cytoplasmic maturation. These improvements on oocyte quality after OSC-IVM are possibly occurring through bidirectional crosstalk of cumulus-free oocytes and ovarian support cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Paulsen
- Gameto Inc., 430 E. 29th St Fl 14, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | | | | | | | - Simone Kats
- Gameto Inc., 430 E. 29th St Fl 14, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | | | | | | | - Samantha L Estevez
- Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Marta Sanchez
- Ruber Juan Bravo University Hospital, Eugin Group, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro Belchin
- Ruber Juan Bravo University Hospital, Eugin Group, Madrid, Spain
| | - Joseph A Lee
- Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Erkan Buyuk
- Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rick E Slifkin
- Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - 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
| | | | - Alan B Copperman
- Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York, New York, NY, USA
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Liu B, Liu Y, Li S, Chen P, Zhang J, Feng L. Depletion of placental brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is attributed to premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) in mice offspring. J Ovarian Res 2024; 17:141. [PMID: 38982490 PMCID: PMC11232340 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-024-01467-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is one of the causes of female infertility. Unexplained POI is increasingly affecting women in their reproductive years. However, the etiology of POI is diverse and remains elusive. We and others have shown that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an important role in adult ovarian function. Here, we report on a novel role of BDNF in the Developmental Origins of POI. METHODS Placental BDNF knockout mice were created using CRISPR/CAS9. Homozygous knockout (cKO(HO)) mice didn't survive, while heterozygous knockout (cKO(HE)) mice did. BDNF reduction in cKO(HE) mice was confirmed via immunohistochemistry and Western blots. Ovaries were collected from cKO(HE) mice at various ages, analyzing ovarian metrics, FSH expression, and litter sizes. In one-month-old mice, oocyte numbers were assessed using super-ovulation, and oocyte gene expression was analyzed with smart RNAseq. Ovaries of P7 mice were studied with SEM, and gene expression was confirmed with RT-qPCR. Alkaline phosphatase staining at E11.5 and immunofluorescence for cyclinD1 assessed germ cell number and cell proliferation. RESULTS cKO(HE) mice had decreased ovarian function and litter size in adulthood. They were insensitive to ovulation induction drugs manifested by lower oocyte release after superovulation in one-month-old cKO(HE) mice. The transcriptome and SEM results indicate that mitochondria-mediated cell death or aging might occur in cKO(HE) ovaries. Decreased placental BDNF led to diminished primordial germ cell proliferation at E11.5 and ovarian reserve which may underlie POI in adulthood. CONCLUSION The current results showed decreased placental BDNF diminished primordial germ cell proliferation in female fetuses during pregnancy and POI in adulthood. Our findings can provide insights into understanding the underlying mechanisms of POI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Liu
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Reproduction, School of Medicine, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongjie Liu
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuman Li
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pingping Chen
- Department of Reproduction, School of Medicine, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Liping Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
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Fan Y, Wang J, Ye T, Yang D, Zhang Q, Zhang C, Yan B, Wang Q, Ding D, Chen B, Zou W, Ji D, Zou H, Zhang Z. Application of amphiregulin in IVM culture of immature human oocytes and pre-insemination culture for COCs in IVF cycles. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1428147. [PMID: 38957445 PMCID: PMC11217178 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1428147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Amphiregulin (AR) is a growth factor that resembles the epidermal growth factor (EGF) and serves various functions in different cells. However, no systematic studies or reports on the role of AR in human oocytes have currently been performed or reported. This study aimed to explore the role of AR in human immature oocytes during in vitro maturation (IVM) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) in achieving better embryonic development and to provide a basis for the development of a pre-insemination culture medium specific for cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs). Methods First, we examined the concentration of AR in the follicular fluid (FF) of patients who underwent routine IVF and explored the correlation between AR levels and oocyte maturation and subsequent embryonic development. Second, AR was added to the IVM medium to culture immature oocytes and investigate whether AR could improve the effects of IVM. Finally, we pioneered the use of a fertilization medium supplemented with AR for the pre-insemination culture of COCs to explore whether the involvement of AR can promote the maturation and fertilization of IVF oocytes, as well as subsequent embryonic development. Results A total of 609 FF samples were examined, and a positive correlation between AR levels and blastocyst formation was observed. In our IVM study, the development potential and IVM rate of immature oocytes, as well as the fertilization rate of IVM oocytes in the AR-added groups, were ameliorated significantly compared to the control group (All P < 0.05). Only the IVM-50 group had a significantly higher blastocyst formation rate than the control group (P < 0.05). In the final IVF study, the maturation, fertilization, high-quality embryo, blastocyst formation, and high-quality blastocyst rates of the AR-added group were significantly higher than those of the control group (All P < 0.05). Conclusion AR levels in the FF positively correlated with blastocyst formation, and AR involvement in pre-insemination cultures of COCs can effectively improve laboratory outcomes in IVF. Furthermore, AR can directly promote the in vitro maturation and developmental potential of human immature oocytes at an optimal concentration of 50 ng/ml.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongqi Fan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Tingting Ye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Dandan Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Qiqi Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Bo Yan
- Department of Second Clinical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Qiushuang Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Ding Ding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Beili Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Weiwei Zou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Dongmei Ji
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Huijuan Zou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zhiguo Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
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9
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Rulli SB, Ahtiainen P, Ratner LD, Jonas K, Calandra RS, Poutanen M, Huhtaniemi I. Elevated chorionic gonadotropic hormone in transgenic mice induces parthenogenetic activation and ovarian teratomas. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2024; 587:112214. [PMID: 38537882 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2024.112214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Both male and female reproductive functions are impacted by altered gonadotrophin secretion and action, which may also influence the development of endocrine tumours. To ascertain if chronic hypersecretion of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) contributes to the development of gonadal tumours, double transgenic (TG) mice that overexpress hCGα- and β-subunits were analysed. By the age of two months, ovarian tumours with characteristics of teratomas developed with 100% penetrance. Teratomas were also seen in wild-type ovaries orthotopically transplanted into TG mice, demonstrating an endocrine/paracrine mechanism for the hCG-induced ovarian tumorigenesis. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments showed oocyte parthenogenetic activation in TG females. In addition, ovaries showed reduced ovulatory gene expression, inhibited ERK1/2 phosphorylation, and impaired cumulus cell expansion. Hence, persistently high endocrine hCG activity causes parthenogenetic activation and development of ovarian teratomas, along with altered follicle development and impaired ERK1/2 signalling, offering a novel mechanism associated with the molecular pathogenesis of ovarian teratomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana B Rulli
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, FIN-20520, Turku, Finland; Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental-CONICET, Vuelta de Obligado 2490, 1428, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD), Universidad Maimónides, Hidalgo 775, C1405BCK, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Petteri Ahtiainen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, FIN-20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Laura D Ratner
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental-CONICET, Vuelta de Obligado 2490, 1428, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Kim Jonas
- Department of Digestion, Metabolism and Reproduction, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Hammersmith Campus, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK; Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Population and Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Ricardo S Calandra
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental-CONICET, Vuelta de Obligado 2490, 1428, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Matti Poutanen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, FIN-20520, Turku, Finland; Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, FIN-20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Ilpo Huhtaniemi
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, FIN-20520, Turku, Finland; Department of Digestion, Metabolism and Reproduction, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Hammersmith Campus, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
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10
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Del Bianco D, Gentile R, Sallicandro L, Biagini A, Quellari PT, Gliozheni E, Sabbatini P, Ragonese F, Malvasi A, D’Amato A, Baldini GM, Trojano G, Tinelli A, Fioretti B. Electro-Metabolic Coupling of Cumulus-Oocyte Complex. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5349. [PMID: 38791387 PMCID: PMC11120766 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105349] [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: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Oocyte-cumulus cell interaction is essential for oocyte maturation and competence. The bidirectional crosstalk network mediated by gap junctions is fundamental for the metabolic cooperation between these cells. As cumulus cells exhibit a more glycolytic phenotype, they can provide metabolic substrates that the oocyte can use to produce ATP via oxidative phosphorylation. The impairment of mitochondrial activity plays a crucial role in ovarian aging and, thus, in fertility, determining the success or failure of assisted reproductive techniques. This review aims to deepen the knowledge about the electro-metabolic coupling of the cumulus-oocyte complex and to hypothesize a putative role of potassium channel modulators in order to improve fertility, promote intracellular Ca2+ influx, and increase the mitochondrial biogenesis and resulting ATP levels in cumulus cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diletta Del Bianco
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, Via dell’Elce di Sotto 8, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (D.D.B.); (R.G.); (L.S.); (A.B.); (P.T.Q.); (E.G.); (P.S.); (F.R.)
| | - Rosaria Gentile
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, Via dell’Elce di Sotto 8, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (D.D.B.); (R.G.); (L.S.); (A.B.); (P.T.Q.); (E.G.); (P.S.); (F.R.)
- Laboratorio Interdipartimentale di Fisiopatologia della Riproduzione, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Edificio C, Piano 3 P.zza Lucio Severi, 1, Sant’Andrea delle Fratte, 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Luana Sallicandro
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, Via dell’Elce di Sotto 8, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (D.D.B.); (R.G.); (L.S.); (A.B.); (P.T.Q.); (E.G.); (P.S.); (F.R.)
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Perugia Medical School, University of Perugia, Piazza Lucio Severi 1, 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Andrea Biagini
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, Via dell’Elce di Sotto 8, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (D.D.B.); (R.G.); (L.S.); (A.B.); (P.T.Q.); (E.G.); (P.S.); (F.R.)
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Perugia Medical School, University of Perugia, Piazza Lucio Severi 1, 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Paola Tiziana Quellari
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, Via dell’Elce di Sotto 8, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (D.D.B.); (R.G.); (L.S.); (A.B.); (P.T.Q.); (E.G.); (P.S.); (F.R.)
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Perugia Medical School, University of Perugia, Piazza Lucio Severi 1, 06132 Perugia, Italy
- ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, 20162 Milano, Italy
| | - Elko Gliozheni
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, Via dell’Elce di Sotto 8, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (D.D.B.); (R.G.); (L.S.); (A.B.); (P.T.Q.); (E.G.); (P.S.); (F.R.)
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Perugia Medical School, University of Perugia, Piazza Lucio Severi 1, 06132 Perugia, Italy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tirana, AL1005 Tirana, Albania
| | - Paola Sabbatini
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, Via dell’Elce di Sotto 8, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (D.D.B.); (R.G.); (L.S.); (A.B.); (P.T.Q.); (E.G.); (P.S.); (F.R.)
| | - Francesco Ragonese
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, Via dell’Elce di Sotto 8, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (D.D.B.); (R.G.); (L.S.); (A.B.); (P.T.Q.); (E.G.); (P.S.); (F.R.)
- Laboratorio Interdipartimentale di Fisiopatologia della Riproduzione, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Edificio C, Piano 3 P.zza Lucio Severi, 1, Sant’Andrea delle Fratte, 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Antonio Malvasi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari, 70121 Bari, Italy;
| | - Antonio D’Amato
- 1st Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Bari, 70121 Bari, Italy;
| | | | - Giuseppe Trojano
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, “Madonna delle Grazie” Hospital ASM, 75100 Matera, Italy;
| | - Andrea Tinelli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and CERICSAL (CEntro di RIcerca Clinico SALentino), Veris delli Ponti Hospital, Via Giuseppina delli Ponti, 73020 Scorrano, Lecce, Italy
| | - Bernard Fioretti
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, Via dell’Elce di Sotto 8, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (D.D.B.); (R.G.); (L.S.); (A.B.); (P.T.Q.); (E.G.); (P.S.); (F.R.)
- Laboratorio Interdipartimentale di Fisiopatologia della Riproduzione, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Edificio C, Piano 3 P.zza Lucio Severi, 1, Sant’Andrea delle Fratte, 06132 Perugia, Italy
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11
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Ferrer-Roda M, Izquierdo D, Gil A, Oliveira MEF, Paramio MT. Oocyte Competence of Prepubertal Sheep and Goat Oocytes: An Assessment of Large-Scale Chromatin Configuration and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Expression in Oocytes and Cumulus Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4474. [PMID: 38674059 PMCID: PMC11049957 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084474] [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: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The oocyte competence of prepubertal females is lower compared to that of adults, mainly because they originate from small follicles. In adult females, the germinal vesicle (GV) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) have been associated with oocyte competence. This study aimed to analyze GV chromatin configuration and EGFR expression in prepubertal goat and sheep oocytes obtained from small (<3 mm) and large (≥3 mm) follicles and compare them with those from adults. GV chromatin was classified from diffuse to condensed as GV1, GVn, and GVc for goats and NSN, SN, and SNE for sheep. EGFR was quantified in cumulus cells (CCs) by Western blotting and in oocytes by immunofluorescence. Oocytes from prepubertal large follicles and adults exhibited highly condensed chromatin in goats (71% and 69% in GVc, respectively) and sheep (59% and 75% in SNE, respectively). In both species, EGFR expression in CCs and oocytes was higher in prepubertal large follicles than in small ones. In adult females, EGFR expression in oocytes was higher than in prepubertal large follicles. In conclusion, GV configuration and EGFR expression in CCs and oocytes were higher in the large than small follicles of prepubertal females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mònica Ferrer-Roda
- Department of Animal and Food Science, Veterinary Faculty, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain; (M.F.-R.); (D.I.); (A.G.); (M.E.F.O.)
| | - Dolors Izquierdo
- Department of Animal and Food Science, Veterinary Faculty, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain; (M.F.-R.); (D.I.); (A.G.); (M.E.F.O.)
| | - Ana Gil
- Department of Animal and Food Science, Veterinary Faculty, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain; (M.F.-R.); (D.I.); (A.G.); (M.E.F.O.)
| | - Maria Emilia Franco Oliveira
- Department of Animal and Food Science, Veterinary Faculty, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain; (M.F.-R.); (D.I.); (A.G.); (M.E.F.O.)
- School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University, São Paulo 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Maria-Teresa Paramio
- Department of Animal and Food Science, Veterinary Faculty, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain; (M.F.-R.); (D.I.); (A.G.); (M.E.F.O.)
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12
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Nahar A, Becker J, Pasquariello R, Herrick J, Rogers H, Zhang M, Schoolcraft W, Krisher RL, Yuan Y. FGF2, LIF, and IGF-1 supplementation improves mouse oocyte in vitro maturation via increased glucose metabolism†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:672-683. [PMID: 38263524 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioae014] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Chemically defined oocyte maturation media supplemented with FGF2, LIF, and IGF-1 (FLI medium) enabled significantly improved oocyte quality in multiple farm animals, yet the molecular mechanisms behind such benefits were poorly defined. Here, we first demonstrated that FLI medium enhanced mouse oocyte quality assessed by blastocyst formation after in vitro fertilization and implantation and fetal development after embryo transfer. We then analyzed the glucose concentrations in the spent media; reactive oxygen species concentrations; mitochondrial membrane potential; spindle morphology in oocytes; and the abundance of transcripts of endothelial growth factor-like factors, cumulus expansion factors, and glucose metabolism-related genes in cumulus cells. We found that FLI medium enabled increased glucose metabolism through glycolysis, pentose phosphate pathway, and hexosamine biosynthetic pathway, as well as more active endothelial growth factor-like factor expressions in cumulus cells, resulting in improved cumulus cell expansion, decreased spindle abnormality, and overall improvement in oocyte quality. In addition, the activities of MAPK1/3, PI3K/AKT, JAK/STAT3, and mTOR signaling pathways in cumulus cells were assessed by the phosphorylation of MAPK1/3, AKT, STAT3, and mTOR downstream target RPS6KB1. We demonstrated that FLI medium promoted activations of all these signaling pathways at multiple different time points during in vitro maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asrafun Nahar
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO, USA
| | - John Becker
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO, USA
| | - Rolando Pasquariello
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO, USA
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Jason Herrick
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO, USA
- Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Heather Rogers
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO, USA
| | - Mingxiang Zhang
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO, USA
| | | | - Rebecca L Krisher
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO, USA
- Genus Plc, DeForest, WI, USA
| | - Ye Yuan
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO, USA
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13
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Biswas D, Yoon JD, Mishra B, Hyun SH. Epigen enhances the developmental potential of in vitro fertilized embryos by improving cytoplasmic maturation. Theriogenology 2024; 218:16-25. [PMID: 38290231 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Numerous growth factors contribute to oocyte maturation and embryonic development in vivo; however, only a few are understood. One such factor is epigen, a new member of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family that is secreted by the granulosa cells of immature oocytes. We hypothesized that epigen may play a role in oocyte maturation, specifically in the nuclear and cytoplasmic aspects. This study aimed to investigate the effects of epigen on porcine oocyte maturation and embryo development in vitro. In this study, three different concentrations of epigen (3, 6, and 30 ng/mL) were added to tissue culture medium-199 (TCM-199) during in vitro maturation of porcine oocytes. A control group that did not receive epigen supplementation was also included. Mature porcine oocytes were fertilized, and the resulting zygotes were cultured until day 7. The levels of intracellular glutathione (GSH) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured in the in vitro matured oocytes. At the same time, the expression patterns of genes related to apoptosis were detected in day 7 blastocysts (BLs) using real-time quantitative PCR Apoptosis was detected by annexin-V assays in mature oocytes. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Duncan's test on SPSS, and results are presented as mean ± SEM. The group that received 6 ng/mL epigen had a significantly lower rate of germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) than the control group without affecting the nuclear maturation among the experimental groups. Among the treatment groups, the 6 ng/mL epigen group showed significantly higher levels of intracellular GSH and lower ROS production. Supplementation with 6 ng/mL epigen significantly improved blastocyst (BL) formation rates compared to those in the control and 3 ng/mL groups. Additionally, the blastocyst expansion rate was significantly higher with epigen supplementation (6 ng/mL). In the fertilization experiment, the group supplemented with 6 ng/mL epigen exhibited significantly higher levels of monospermy and fertilization efficiency and lower levels of polyspermy than the control group. This study indicated that adding epigen at a concentration of 6 ng/mL can significantly enhance the developmental potential of porcine oocytes fertilized in vitro. Specifically, the study found that epigen improves cytoplasmic maturation, which helps prevent polyspermy and emulates monospermic penetration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dibyendu Biswas
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea; Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea; Department of Medicine, Surgery and Obstetrics, Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Barishal Campus, Barisal, 8210, Bangladesh
| | - Junchul David Yoon
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea; Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Birendra Mishra
- Dept. of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawaii at Manoa, AgSci 216, 1955 East-West Rd, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA
| | - Sang Hwan Hyun
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea; Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea.
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14
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Sun M, Wang X, Bi F, Xiang H, Wang N, Gao W, Liu Y, Lv Z, Li Y, Huan Y. Fibronectin 1 supports oocyte in vitro maturation in pigs. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 264:130590. [PMID: 38447826 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130590] [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: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM) based on the follicular fluid (FF) environment can exploit untapped resources, however, what FF factors regulate oocyte maturation remains unclear. This work demonstrated that serum and FF significantly promoted oocyte polar body extrusion (PBE) and subsequent embryo development, and FF was especially effective. Fibronectin 1 (FN1) was predicted as one potential candidate to regulate oocyte maturation by proteomics. FN1 transcription obviously decreased, and the protein expression significantly increased and migrated to plasma membrane or even outside during oocyte IVM. Treatment with 10 ng/mL FN1 significantly improved oocyte PBE rate. FN1 significantly upregulated the percentage of regular spindle morphology, downregulated the γ-H2AX level, decreased the levels of ROS and apoptosis, and increased GSH and mitochondrion contents by ameliorating the expression of corresponding genes. Moreover, FN1 significantly increased the p-PI3K level to enhance the activation of PI3K signaling pathway. In conclusion, this study discovers and confirms that FN1 is one factor in FF that significantly enhances oocyte maturation, and the underlying mechanism is that FN1 ameliorates oocyte nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation by promoting the activation of PI3K signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingju Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266109, China
| | - Xiangyu Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266109, China
| | - Fanglong Bi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266109, China
| | - Hongxiao Xiang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266109, China
| | - Ning Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266109, China
| | - Wenju Gao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266109, China
| | - Yixuan Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266109, China
| | - Zizhen Lv
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266109, China
| | - Youwei Li
- College of Haidu, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong Province 265200, China
| | - Yanjun Huan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266109, China.
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15
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de Souza EB, Marin DD, Ramos AS, Homobono BP, Ramos PDCDA, de Brito VC, da Cruz GS, da Costa NN, Cordeiro MDS, Santos SDSD. Use of platelet-rich plasma on in vitro maturation during bovine embryo production. Anim Reprod 2024; 21:e20230107. [PMID: 38562606 PMCID: PMC10984563 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2023-0107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
One of the crucial aspects to be considered for successful in vitro production (IVP) of embryos is the composition of the various media used throughout the stages of this reproductive biotechnology. The cell culture media employed should fulfill the metabolic requirements of both gametes during oocyte maturation and sperm development, as well as the embryo during its initial cell divisions. Most IVP protocols incorporate blood serum into the media composition as a source of hormones, proteins, growth factors, and nutrients. Numerous studies have suggested Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) as a substitute for fetal sera in cell culture, particularly for stem cells. Therefore, the objective of this study is to assess the potential use of PRP as a replacement for fetal bovine serum (FBS) during oocyte maturation for in vitro production of bovine embryos. During in vitro maturation (IVM), cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were allocated into the following experimental groups: Group G1 (IVM medium with 5% PRP); Group G2 (MIV medium with 5% PRP and 5% SFB); Group G3 (MIV medium with 5% SFB); and Group G4 (MIV medium without either PRP or SFB). Subsequently, the cumulus-oocyte complexes were fertilized with semen from a single bull, and the resulting zygotes were cultured for seven days. Cleavage and blastocyst formation rates were assessed on days 2 and 7 of embryonic development, respectively. The quality of matured COCs was also evaluated by analyzing the gene expression of HSP70, an important protein associated with cellular stress. The results demonstrated that there were no significant differences among the experimental groups in terms of embryo production rates, both in the initial cleavage stages and blastocyst formation (except for the G4 group, which exhibited a lower blastocyst formation rate on D7, as expected). This indicates that PRP could be a cost-effective alternative to SFB in the IVP of embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Baia de Souza
- Laboratório de Fertilização in Vitro, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas – ICB, Universidade Federal do Pará – UFPA, Belém, PA, Brasil
| | - Diego Dubeibe Marin
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas y Ambientales – UDCA, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Anelise Sarges Ramos
- Laboratório de Fertilização in Vitro, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas – ICB, Universidade Federal do Pará – UFPA, Belém, PA, Brasil
| | - Bruno Porpino Homobono
- Laboratório de Fertilização in Vitro, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas – ICB, Universidade Federal do Pará – UFPA, Belém, PA, Brasil
| | | | - Vanessa Cunha de Brito
- Laboratório de Fertilização in Vitro, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas – ICB, Universidade Federal do Pará – UFPA, Belém, PA, Brasil
| | - Gabriela Santos da Cruz
- Laboratório de Fertilização in Vitro, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas – ICB, Universidade Federal do Pará – UFPA, Belém, PA, Brasil
| | - Nathalia Nogueira da Costa
- Laboratório de Fertilização in Vitro, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas – ICB, Universidade Federal do Pará – UFPA, Belém, PA, Brasil
| | - Marcela da Silva Cordeiro
- Laboratório de Fertilização in Vitro, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas – ICB, Universidade Federal do Pará – UFPA, Belém, PA, Brasil
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16
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Liu Y, Fan H, Kang X, Hao Y, Wang N, Zheng H, Li Y, Kang S. A rare germline BMP15 missense mutation causes hereditary ovarian immature teratoma in human. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2310409121. [PMID: 38427603 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2310409121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Ovarian immature teratomas (OITs) are malignant tumors originating from the ovarian germ cells that mainly occur during the first 30 y of a female's life. Early age of onset strongly suggests the presence of susceptibility gene mutations for the disease yet to be discovered. Whole exon sequencing was used to screen pathogenic mutations from pedigrees with OITs. A rare missense germline mutation (C262T) in the first exon of the BMP15 gene was identified. In silico calculation suggested that the mutation could impair the formation of mature peptides. In vitro experiments on cell lines confirmed that the mutation caused an 84.7% reduction in the secretion of mature BMP15. Clinical samples from OIT patients also showed a similar pattern of decrease in the BMP15 expression. In the transgenic mouse model, the spontaneous parthenogenetic activation significantly increased in oocytes carrying the T allele. Remarkably, a mouse carrying the T allele developed the phenotype of OIT. Oocyte-specific RNA sequencing revealed that abnormal activation of the H-Ras/MAPK pathway might contribute to the development of OIT. BMP15 was identified as a pathogenic gene for OIT which improved our understanding of the etiology of OIT and provided a potential biomarker for genetic screening of this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yakun Liu
- Department of Gynecology, Fourth Hospital, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, China
| | - Hongwei Fan
- Department of Gynecology, Fourth Hospital, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, China
| | - Xi Kang
- Department of Surgery, Fourth Hospital, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, China
| | - Yuntao Hao
- Department of Gynecology, Fourth Hospital, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, China
| | - Na Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Fourth Hospital, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, China
| | - Hui Zheng
- Nanjing Personal Oncology Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Nanjing, Jiangsu 211103, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Molecular Biology, Fourth Hospital, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, China
| | - Shan Kang
- Department of Gynecology, Fourth Hospital, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, China
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17
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Wang J, Chen H, Zhang Y, Shen H, Zeng X. Long non-coding RNA Loc105611671 promotes the proliferation of ovarian granulosa cells and steroid hormone production upregulation of CDC42. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1366759. [PMID: 38500606 PMCID: PMC10944914 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1366759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Granulosa cells (GCs) are essential for follicular development, and long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) are known to support the maintenance of this process and hormone synthesis in mammals. Nevertheless, the regulatory roles of these lncRNAs within sheep follicular GCs remain largely unexplored. This study delved into the influence of a Loc105611671, on the proliferation and steroid hormone synthesis of sheep ovarian GCs and the associated target genes in vitro. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) gain-of-function experiments indicated that overexpression of Loc105611671 significantly boosted GCs proliferation, along with estrogen (E2) and progesterone (P4) levels. Further mechanistic scrutiny revealed that Loc105611671 is primarily localized within the cytoplasm of ovarian granulosa cells and engages in molecular interplay with CDC42. This interaction results in the upregulation of CDC42 protein expression. Moreover, it was discerned that increased CDC42 levels contribute to augmented proliferation of follicular granulosa cells and the secretion of E2 and P4. Experiments involving co-transfection elucidated that the concurrent overexpression of CDC42 and Loc105611671 acted synergistically to potentiate these effects. These findings provide insights into the molecular underpinnings of fecundity in ovine species and may inform future strategies for enhancing reproductive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinglei Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Hanying Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Yongsheng Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Hong Shen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Xiancun Zeng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
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18
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Raad G, Tanios J, Serdarogullari M, Bazzi M, Mourad Y, Azoury J, Yarkiner Z, Liperis G, Fakih F, Fakih C. Mature oocyte dysmorphisms may be associated with progesterone levels, mitochondrial DNA content, and vitality in luteal granulosa cells. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:795-813. [PMID: 38363455 PMCID: PMC10957819 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03053-5] [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: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To identify whether follicular environment parameters are associated with mature oocyte quality, embryological and clinical outcomes. METHODS This retrospective study examined 303 mature oocytes from 51 infertile women undergoing ICSI cycles between May 2018 and June 2021. Exclusion criteria consisted of advanced maternal age (> 36 years old), premature ovarian failure, obesity in women, or use of frozen gametes. Luteal granulosa cells (LGCs) were analyzed for mitochondrial DNA/genomic (g) DNA ratio and vitality. The relationships between hormone levels in the follicular fluid and oocyte features were assessed. Quantitative morphometric measurements of mature oocytes were assessed, and the association of LGC parameters and oocyte features on live birth rate after single embryo transfer was examined. RESULTS Results indicated an inverse correlation between the mtDNA/gDNA ratio of LGCs and the size of polar body I (PBI). A 4.0% decrease in PBI size was observed with each one-unit increase in the ratio (p = 0.04). Furthermore, a 1% increase in LGC vitality was linked to a 1.3% decrease in fragmented PBI (p = 0.03), and a 1 ng/mL increase in progesterone levels was associated with a 0.1% rise in oocytes with small inclusions (p = 0.015). Associations were drawn among LGC characteristics, perivitelline space (PVS) debris, cytoplasmic inclusions, PBI integrity, and progesterone levels. Certain dysmorphisms in mature oocytes were associated with embryo morphokinetics; however, live birth rates were not associated with follicular parameters and oocyte quality characteristics. CONCLUSION Follicular markers may be associated with mature oocyte quality features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georges Raad
- Al Hadi Laboratory and Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon
| | | | - Munevver Serdarogullari
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Cyprus International University, Northern Cyprus Via Mersin 10, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Marwa Bazzi
- Al Hadi Laboratory and Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Youmna Mourad
- Al Hadi Laboratory and Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Joseph Azoury
- Azoury IVF Clinic, ObGyn and Infertility, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Zalihe Yarkiner
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences-Department of Basic Sciences and Humanities, Cyprus International University, Northern Cyprus Via Mersin 10, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Georgios Liperis
- Westmead Fertility Centre, Institute of Reproductive Medicine, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia.
| | - Fadi Fakih
- Al Hadi Laboratory and Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Chadi Fakih
- Al Hadi Laboratory and Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
- Faculty of Medicine, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
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19
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Ma YR, Gao W, Wang HQ, Zhao PS, Zhang YX, Wei FH, Jiang H, Zhang JB, Yuan B, Gao F. EGF-driven EGFR/miR-27b-3p/FOXO1 promotes rat FSH synthesis and secretion. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23469. [PMID: 38358361 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301970r] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
The adenopituitary secretes follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which plays a crucial role in regulating the growth, development, and reproductive functions of organisms. Investigating the process of FSH synthesis and secretion can offer valuable insights into potential areas of focus for reproductive research. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a significant paracrine/autocrine factor within the body, and studies have demonstrated its ability to stimulate FSH secretion in animals. However, the precise mechanisms that regulate this action are still poorly understood. In this research, in vivo and in vitro experiments showed that the activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) by EGF induces the upregulation of miR-27b-3p and that miR-27b-3p targets and inhibits Foxo1 mRNA expression, resulting in increased FSH synthesis and secretion. In summary, this study elucidates the precise molecular mechanism through which EGF governs the synthesis and secretion of FSH via the EGFR/miR-27b-3p/FOXO1 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ran Ma
- Department of Laboratory Animals, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, P.R. China
| | - Wei Gao
- Department of Laboratory Animals, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, P.R. China
| | - Hao-Qi Wang
- Department of Laboratory Animals, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, P.R. China
| | - Pei-Sen Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Animals, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, P.R. China
| | - Yu-Xin Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Animals, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, P.R. China
| | - Fan-Hao Wei
- Department of Laboratory Animals, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, P.R. China
| | - Hao Jiang
- Department of Laboratory Animals, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, P.R. China
| | - Jia-Bao Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Animals, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, P.R. China
| | - Bao Yuan
- Department of Laboratory Animals, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, P.R. China
| | - Fei Gao
- Department of Laboratory Animals, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, P.R. China
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20
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Liu Z, Jing C, Kong F. From clinical management to personalized medicine: novel therapeutic approaches for ovarian clear cell cancer. J Ovarian Res 2024; 17:39. [PMID: 38347608 PMCID: PMC10860311 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-024-01359-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Ovarian clear-cell cancer is a rare subtype of epithelial ovarian cancer with unique clinical and biological features. Despite optimal cytoreductive surgery and platinum-based chemotherapy being the standard of care, most patients experience drug resistance and a poor prognosis. Therefore, novel therapeutic approaches have been developed, including immune checkpoint blockade, angiogenesis-targeted therapy, ARID1A synthetic lethal interactions, targeting hepatocyte nuclear factor 1β, and ferroptosis. Refining predictive biomarkers can lead to more personalized medicine, identifying patients who would benefit from chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy. Collaboration between academic research groups is crucial for developing prognostic outcomes and conducting clinical trials to advance treatment for ovarian clear-cell cancer. Immediate progress is essential, and research efforts should prioritize the development of more effective therapeutic strategies to benefit all patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zesi Liu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116000, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Chunli Jing
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116000, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Fandou Kong
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116000, Liaoning Province, China.
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21
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Loureiro B, Ereno RL, Pupulim AGR, Tramontana MCVB, Tabosa HP, Barros CM, Favoreto MG. Genome-wide association study of Nelore and Angus heifers with low and high ovarian follicle counts. Anim Reprod 2024; 21:e20230110. [PMID: 38384724 PMCID: PMC10878542 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2023-0110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The number of antral follicles is considered an important fertility trait because animals with a high follicle count (HFC) produce more oocytes and embryos per cycle. Identification of these animals by genetic markers such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) can accelerate selection of future generations. The aim of this study was to perform a genome wide association study (GWAS) on Nelore and Angus heifers with HFC and low (LFC) antral follicle counts. The groups HFC and LFC for genotyping were formed based on the average of total follicles (≥ 3 mm) counted in each breed consistently ± standard deviation. A total of 72 Nelore heifers (32 HFC and 40 LFC) and 48 Angus heifers (21 HFC and 27 LFC) were selected and the DNA was extracted from blood and hair bulb. Genotyping was done using the Illumina Bovine HD 770K BeadChip. The GWAS analysis showed 181 and 201 SNPs with genotype/phenotype association (P ≤ 0.01) in Nelore and Angus heifers, respectively. Functional enrichment analysis was performed on candidate genes that were associated with SNPs. A total of 97 genes were associated to the 181 SNPs in the Nelore heifers and the functional analysis identified genes (ROBO1 and SLIT3) in the ROBO-SLIT pathway that can be involved in the control of germ cell migration in the ovary as it is involved in lutheal cell migration and fetal ovary development. In the Angus heifers, 57 genes were associated with the 201 SNPs, highlighting Fribilin 1 (FBN1) gene, involved in regulation of growth factors directly involved in follicle activation and development. In summary, GWAS for Nelore and Angus heifers showed SNPs associated with higher follicle count phenotype. Furthermore, these findings offer valuable insights for the further investigation of potential mechanism involved in follicle formation and development, important for breeding programs for both breeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Loureiro
- Laboratório de Fisiologia da Reprodução Animal, Universidade Vila Velha - UVV, Vila Velha, ES, Brasil
| | - Ronaldo Luiz Ereno
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Botucatu, SP, Brasil
| | | | | | - Henrique Passos Tabosa
- Laboratório de Fisiologia da Reprodução Animal, Universidade Vila Velha - UVV, Vila Velha, ES, Brasil
| | - Ciro Moraes Barros
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Botucatu, SP, Brasil
| | - Maurício Gomes Favoreto
- Laboratório de Fisiologia da Reprodução Animal, Universidade Vila Velha - UVV, Vila Velha, ES, Brasil
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Botucatu, SP, Brasil
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22
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Zhou C, Zeng H, Xiao X, Wang L, Jia L, Shi Y, Zhang M, Fang C, Zeng Y, Wu T, Huang J, Liang X. Global crotonylome identifies EP300-regulated ANXA2 crotonylation in cumulus cells as a regulator of oocyte maturation. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 259:129149. [PMID: 38176486 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.129149] [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: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Lysine crotonylation (Kcr), a newly discovered post-translational modification, played a crucial role in physiology and disease progression. However, the roles of crotonylation in oocyte meiotic resumption remain elusive. As abnormal cumulus cell development will cause oocyte maturation arrest and female infertility, we report that cumulus cells surrounding human meiotic arrested oocytes showed significantly lower crotonylation, which was associated with decreased EP300 expression and blocked cumulus cell expansion. In cultured human cumulus cells, exogenous crotonylation or EP300 activator promoted cell proliferation and reduced cell apoptosis, whereas EP300 knockdown induced the opposite effect. Transcriptome profiling analysis in human cumulus cells indicated that functions of crotonylation were associated with activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway. Importantly, we characterized the Kcr proteomics landscape in cumulus cells by LC-MS/MS analysis, and identified that annexin A2 (ANXA2) was crotonylated in cumulus cells in an EP300-dependent manner. Crotonylation of ANXA2 enhanced the ANXA2-EGFR binding, and then activated the EGFR pathway to affect cumulus cell proliferation and apoptosis. Using mouse oocytes IVM model and EP300 knockout mice, we further confirmed that crotonylation alteration in cumulus cells affected the oocyte maturation. Together, our results indicated that EP300-mediated crotonylation is important for cumulus cells functions and oocyte maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanchuan Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, China; GuangDong Engineering Technology Research Center of Fertility Preservation, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China; Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Haitao Zeng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, China; GuangDong Engineering Technology Research Center of Fertility Preservation, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Xingxing Xiao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, China; Department of Gynecology, Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University (The First People's Hospital of Shunde), Foshan, Guangdong, 528308, China
| | - Li Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, China; Tongren People's Hospital, Guizhou, 554300, China
| | - Lei Jia
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, China; GuangDong Engineering Technology Research Center of Fertility Preservation, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanan Shi
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, China; GuangDong Engineering Technology Research Center of Fertility Preservation, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Minfang Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, China; GuangDong Engineering Technology Research Center of Fertility Preservation, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Cong Fang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, China; GuangDong Engineering Technology Research Center of Fertility Preservation, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanyan Zeng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, China; GuangDong Engineering Technology Research Center of Fertility Preservation, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China; Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Taibao Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, China; GuangDong Engineering Technology Research Center of Fertility Preservation, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China; Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiana Huang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, China; GuangDong Engineering Technology Research Center of Fertility Preservation, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China; Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoyan Liang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, China; GuangDong Engineering Technology Research Center of Fertility Preservation, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China; Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China.
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23
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Chang Y, Guo R, Zeng T, Sun H, Tian Y, Han X, Cao Y, Xu L, Duan M, Lu L, Chen L. Analysis of Transcriptomic Differences in the Ovaries of High- and Low-Laying Ducks. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:181. [PMID: 38397170 PMCID: PMC10887599 DOI: 10.3390/genes15020181] [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: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The egg-laying performance of Shan Ma ducks (Anas Platyrhynchos) is a crucial economic trait. Nevertheless, limited research has been conducted on the egg-laying performance of this species. We examined routine blood indicators and observed higher levels of metabolic and immune-related factors in the high-egg-production group compared with the low-egg-production group. Furthermore, we explored the ovarian transcriptome of both high- and low-egg-production groups of Shan Ma ducks using Illumina NovaSeq 6000 sequencing. A total of 1357 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, with 686 down-regulated and 671 up-regulated in the high-egg-production (HEP) ducks and low-egg-production (LEP) ducks. Several genes involved in the regulation of ovarian development, including neuropeptide Y (NPY), cell cycle protein-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1), and transcription factor 1 (E2F1), exhibited significant differential expressions at varying stages of egg production. Pathway functional analysis revealed that the DEGs were primarily associated with the steroid biosynthesis pathway, and the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathway exhibited higher activity in the HEP group compared to the LEP group. This study offers valuable information about and novel insights into high egg production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuguang Chang
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Institute of Animal Science & Veterinary, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China; (Y.C.); (T.Z.); (H.S.); (Y.T.); (Y.C.); (L.X.); (M.D.); (L.L.)
| | - Rongbing Guo
- College of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China;
| | - Tao Zeng
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Institute of Animal Science & Veterinary, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China; (Y.C.); (T.Z.); (H.S.); (Y.T.); (Y.C.); (L.X.); (M.D.); (L.L.)
| | - Hanxue Sun
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Institute of Animal Science & Veterinary, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China; (Y.C.); (T.Z.); (H.S.); (Y.T.); (Y.C.); (L.X.); (M.D.); (L.L.)
| | - Yong Tian
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Institute of Animal Science & Veterinary, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China; (Y.C.); (T.Z.); (H.S.); (Y.T.); (Y.C.); (L.X.); (M.D.); (L.L.)
| | - Xue Han
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guiyang 550000, China;
| | - Yongqing Cao
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Institute of Animal Science & Veterinary, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China; (Y.C.); (T.Z.); (H.S.); (Y.T.); (Y.C.); (L.X.); (M.D.); (L.L.)
| | - Ligen Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Institute of Animal Science & Veterinary, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China; (Y.C.); (T.Z.); (H.S.); (Y.T.); (Y.C.); (L.X.); (M.D.); (L.L.)
| | - Mingcai Duan
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Institute of Animal Science & Veterinary, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China; (Y.C.); (T.Z.); (H.S.); (Y.T.); (Y.C.); (L.X.); (M.D.); (L.L.)
| | - Lizhi Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Institute of Animal Science & Veterinary, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China; (Y.C.); (T.Z.); (H.S.); (Y.T.); (Y.C.); (L.X.); (M.D.); (L.L.)
| | - Li Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Institute of Animal Science & Veterinary, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China; (Y.C.); (T.Z.); (H.S.); (Y.T.); (Y.C.); (L.X.); (M.D.); (L.L.)
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24
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Gilchrist RB, Ho TM, De Vos M, Sanchez F, Romero S, Ledger WL, Anckaert E, Vuong LN, Smitz J. A fresh start for IVM: capacitating the oocyte for development using pre-IVM. Hum Reprod Update 2024; 30:3-25. [PMID: 37639630 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmad023] [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: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While oocyte IVM is practiced sporadically it has not achieved widespread clinical practice globally. However, recently there have been some seminal advances in our understanding of basic aspects of oocyte biology and ovulation from animal studies that have led to novel approaches to IVM. A significant recent advance in IVM technology is the use of biphasic IVM approaches. These involve the collection of immature oocytes from small antral follicles from minimally stimulated patients/animals (without hCG-priming) and an ∼24 h pre-culture of oocytes in an advanced culture system ('pre-IVM') prior to IVM, followed by routine IVF procedures. If safe and efficacious, this novel procedure may stand to make a significant impact on human ART practices. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The objectives of this review are to examine the major scientific advances in ovarian biology with a unique focus on the development of pre-IVM methodologies, to provide an insight into biphasic IVM procedures, and to report on outcomes from animal and clinical human data, including safety data. The potential future impact of biphasic IVM on ART practice is discussed. SEARCH METHODS Peer review original and review articles were selected from PubMed and Web of Science searches for this narrative review. Searches were performed using the following keywords: oocyte IVM, pre-IVM, biphasic IVM, CAPA-IVM, hCG-triggered/primed IVM, natural cycle IVF/M, ex-vivo IVM, OTO-IVM, oocyte maturation, meiotic competence, oocyte developmental competence, oocyte capacitation, follicle size, cumulus cell (CC), granulosa cell, COC, gap-junction communication, trans-zonal process, cAMP and IVM, cGMP and IVM, CNP and IVM, EGF-like peptide and IVM, minimal stimulation ART, PCOS. OUTCOMES Minimizing gonadotrophin use means IVM oocytes will be collected from small antral (pre-dominant) follicles containing oocytes that are still developing. Standard IVM yields suboptimal clinical outcomes using such oocytes, whereas pre-IVM aims to continue the oocyte's development ex vivo, prior to IVM. Pre-IVM achieves this by eliciting profound cellular changes in the oocyte's CCs, which continue to meet the oocyte's developmental needs during the pre-IVM phase. The literature contains 25 years of animal research on various pre-IVM and biphasic IVM procedures, which serves as a large knowledge base for new approaches to human IVM. A pre-IVM procedure based on c-type natriuretic peptide (named 'capacitation-IVM' (CAPA-IVM)) has undergone pre-clinical human safety and efficacy trials and its adoption into clinical practice resulted in healthy live birth rates not different from conventional IVF. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Over many decades, improvements in clinical IVM have been gradual and incremental but there has likely been a turning of the tide in the past few years, with landmark discoveries in animal oocyte biology finally making their way into clinical practice leading to improved outcomes for patients. Demonstration of favorable clinical results with CAPA-IVM, as the first clinically tested biphasic IVM system, has led to renewed interest in IVM as an alternative, low-intervention, low-cost, safe, patient-friendly ART approach, and especially for patients with PCOS. The same new approach is being used as part of fertility preservation in patients with cancer and holds promise for social oocyte freezing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert B Gilchrist
- Fertility & Research Centre, Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Tuong M Ho
- IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Michel De Vos
- Brussels IVF, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Flor Sanchez
- Centro de Estudios e Investigaciones en Biología y Medicina Reproductiva, Lima, Peru
| | - Sergio Romero
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology and Fertility Preservation, Cayetano Heredia University (UPCH), Lima, Peru
- Centro de Fertilidad y Reproducción Asistida, Lima, Peru
| | - William L Ledger
- Fertility & Research Centre, Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW, Australia
- City Fertility, Global CHA IVF Partners, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ellen Anckaert
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lan N Vuong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Johan Smitz
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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Pant P, Chitme H, Sircar R, Prasad R, Prasad HO. Differential Gene Expression Analysis of Human Ovarian Follicular Cumulus and Mural Granulosa Cells Under the Influence of Insulin in IVF Ovulatory Women and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Patients Through Network Analysis. Endocr Res 2024; 49:22-45. [PMID: 37874895 DOI: 10.1080/07435800.2023.2272629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a commonly occurring reproductive disorder among the reproductive-aged women. Its global occurrence varies based on diagnostic guidelines, ethnicities, and locations of concern. Insulin resistance (IR) is commonly observed around 65-70% of women diagnosed with PCOS, representing a prevalent association. Consequently, the study was designed with an objective of illustrating the effect of insulin on mural and cumulus granulosa cells (GCs) of PCOS patients in comparison to normal ovulating women. METHODOLOGY This study is a case-control design, wherein a total of 80 participants were recruited meeting criterion of inclusion and exclusion, divided into 8 groups with each group consisting of 10 samples. The process involves the isolation and culturing of mural granulosa cells (MGC) and cumulus granulosa cells (CGC) with and without exposure to insulin. The proteins released by untreated GCs and insulin-treated GCs were extracted, and complex protein mixtures were digested with trypsin, followed by tandem mass spectrometry analysis and data processing using bioinformatics. RESULTS We found 595 proteins in both control and PCOS samples, of which 310 were contributed by MGCs and 285 by CGCs. The PCOS MGCs expressed 20%, both the normal MGCs and CGCs have equal representation of 16% by each, whereas the PCOS CGCs proteins contributed 15% of the total of the proteomic expression. However, the poor expression observed with the Insulin exposure, the Insulin treated PCOS CGCs contributes 13%, PCOS MGCs contributes 8%. The normal MGCs upon the Insulin treatment give 8% then and there only 4% of proteins expressed by normal CGCs after Insulin treatment. The Venn analysis widened on their precise expression topographies. The examination of strings exhibited important protein-protein interaction pathways. CONCLUSION This is a pioneering investigation aimed to establish the link between hyperinsulinemia in localized follicular GCs and PCOS mechanisms by comparing them to control group. The examination of various attributes, mechanisms, and traits shown by genes and proteins in individuals with PCOS compared to control populations, alongside the investigation of the dynamics of these genes and proteins following exposure to insulin, holds promise for the formulation of novel hypotheses and strategies in the identification of new biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj Pant
- Faculty of Pharmacy, DIT University, Dehradun, India
| | | | - Reema Sircar
- Gynaecology, Indira IVF Hospital, Dehradun, India
| | - Ritu Prasad
- Gynaecology, Morpheus Prasad International Hospital, Dehradun, India
| | - Hari Om Prasad
- Gynaecology, Morpheus Prasad International Hospital, Dehradun, India
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Uju CN, Unniappan S. Growth factors and female reproduction in vertebrates. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2024; 579:112091. [PMID: 37863469 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.112091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Female reproductive efficiency is influenced by the outcomes of various processes, including folliculogenesis, apoptosis, response to gonadotropin signaling, oocyte maturation, and ovulation. The role of hormones in regulating these processes and other reproductive activities has been well established. It is becoming increasingly evident that in addition to well-characterized hormones, growth factors play vital roles in regulating some of these reproductive activities. Growth factors and their receptors are widely distributed in vertebrate ovaries at different stages of ovarian development, indicating their involvement in intraovarian reproductive functions. In the ovary, cell surface receptors allow growth factors to regulate intraovarian reproductive activities. Understanding these actions in the reproductive axis would provide a tool to target growth factors and/or their receptors to yield desirable reproductive outcomes. These include enrichment of in vitro maturation and fertilization culture media, and management of infertility. This review discusses some widely characterized growth factors belonging to the TGF, EGF, IGF, FGF, and BDNF family of peptides and their role in female reproduction in vertebrates, with a focus on mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinelo N Uju
- Laboratory of Integrative Neuroendocrinology, Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Suraj Unniappan
- Laboratory of Integrative Neuroendocrinology, Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 5B4, Canada.
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Gong X, Shen L, Zhang H, Ai J, Gilchrist RB, Zhao Y. CAPA-IVM improves the cytoplasmic quality of in vitro-matured oocytes from unstimulated mice. Theriogenology 2023; 212:117-128. [PMID: 37717515 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.09.004] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian tissue oocyte (OTO) in vitro maturation (IVM) is a strategy to improve fertility preservation efficiency. Here, the effects of capacitation IVM (CAPA-IVM) on OTO function were investigated. Immature cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) from unstimulated 28-day-old mouse ovaries (mimicking OTOs) underwent CAPA-IVM, standard IVM (S-IVM) or in vivo maturation following ovarian stimulation (OS; positive control), and oocyte meiotic maturation and cytoplasmic quality were assessed. CAPA-IVM resulted in improved oocyte meiotic maturation (P < 0.05) and cumulus expansion (P < 0.0001) compared to S-IVM, with expansion comparable to the OS group. MII OTO ROS was lower after CAPA-IVM than S-IVM (P < 0.0001) but not as low as in the OS group (P = 0.036). CAPA-IVM resulted in a better oocyte mitochondrial distribution than S-IVM (P < 0.05) and was similar to the OS group (P > 0.05). Mitochondrial membrane potential in MII OTOs was higher after CAPA-IVM than S-IVM and OS (P < 0.0001). Compared with S-IVM, CAPA-IVM resulted in lower rates of spindle/chromosome configuration and cortical granule distribution abnormalities (P < 0.05), which were similar to OS levels (P > 0.05). MII OTO intracellular Ca2+ levels were similar in the CAPA-IVM and OS groups (P > 0.05), while S-IVM decreased intracellular Ca2+ (P < 0.05). CAPA-IVM and S-IVM decreased mitochondrial Ca2+ levels (P < 0.05). CAPA-IVM increased expression of antioxidant genes (Sod2 and Sirt1) and Egfr (P < 0.05) but not apoptotic genes (Bcl2, Bax and Bcl2/Bax; P > 0.05). CAPA-IVM increased the OTO maturation rate and quality of oocytes from unstimulated mice to the extent that many features of oocyte cytoplasmic quality were comparable to superovulated in vivo matured oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqi Gong
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Lin Shen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Hanwang Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jihui Ai
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Robert B Gilchrist
- Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Yiqing Zhao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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Zhao Q, Zhang Y, Wu D, Hainan L. The effect of heat stress on the epidermal growth factor (EGF)-mediated intracellular signaling, and changes cell behavior on swine testicular cell. Anim Biotechnol 2023; 34:2990-2998. [PMID: 36183269 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2022.2126370] [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: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
At present, high environmental temperature is the main factor endangering animal production, growth and development. Therefore, the harmful effects of heat stress led by hot environment on livestock have attracted much attention. In this work, the cellar property and signaling property of epidermal growth factor (EGF) below heat stress remains unclear in swine testicular cells. Here, the effect of heat stress on EGF-induced intracellular signaling and cell behavior was explored in the ST (a porcine testis cell line). A series of experiments were done to study the cellular behavior and signaling properties of EGF under heat stress. It can be discovered which high ambient temperature changed the cellular characteristics of EGF/EGFR. The eventuates displayed when cells were exposed to thermal environment, EGF/EGFR basically did not internalize, mainly gathered on the cell membrane. Our group also researched the effect of EGF's signaling properties, and the results showed that the ability of EGF to activate EGFR-mediated intracellular signaling decreased significantly under heat stress. Finally, this study illustrated that EGF's cell behavior and signaling profile are obviously altered, indicating that heat stress seriously affected the biological activity of EGF/EGFR, which establish a solid foundation for studying the effect of the EGF on testicular tissue under heat environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingrong Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Deyi Wu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Lan Hainan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
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La Marca A, Longo M, Sighinolfi G, Grisendi V, Imbrogno MG, Giulini S. New insights into the role of LH in early ovarian follicular growth: a possible tool to optimize follicular recruitment. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 47:103369. [PMID: 37918055 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.103369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Evidence shows that LH participates in enhancing transition from the early stage to the antral stage of folliculogenesis. It has been demonstrated that functional LH receptors are expressed, albeit at a very low level and even in smaller follicles, during the phase that was traditionally considered to be gonadotrophin independent, suggesting a role for LH in accelerating the rate of progression of non-growing and primary follicles to the preantral/antral stage. Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, together with other clinical conditions of pituitary suppression, has been associated with reduced functional ovarian reserve. The reduction in LH serum concentration is associated with a low concentration of anti-Müllerian hormone. This is the case in hypothalamic amenorrhoea, pregnancy, long-term GnRH-analogue therapy and hormonal contraception. The effect seems to be reversible, such that after pregnancy and after discontinuation of drugs, the functional ovarian reserve returns to the baseline level. Evidence suggests that women with similar primordial follicle reserves could present with different numbers of antral follicles, and that gonadotrophins may play a fundamental role in permitting a normal rate of progression of follicles through non-cyclic folliculogenesis. The precise role of gonadotrophins in early folliculogenesis, as well as their use to modify the functional ovarian reserve, must be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio La Marca
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Policlinico di Modena, via del Pozzo, 41124 Modena, Italy.
| | - Maria Longo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Policlinico di Modena, via del Pozzo, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Giovanna Sighinolfi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Policlinico di Modena, via del Pozzo, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Valentina Grisendi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Policlinico di Modena, via del Pozzo, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Maria Giovanna Imbrogno
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Policlinico di Modena, via del Pozzo, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Simone Giulini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Policlinico di Modena, via del Pozzo, 41124 Modena, Italy
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Fair T, Lonergan P. The oocyte: the key player in the success of assisted reproduction technologies. Reprod Fertil Dev 2023; 36:133-148. [PMID: 38064189 DOI: 10.1071/rd23164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The ovulation of a mature oocyte at metaphase II of meiosis, with optimal potential to undergo fertilisation by a sperm cell, complete meiosis and sustain the switch to mitotic division, and support early embryo development, involves a protracted and disrupted/delayed series of processes. Many of these are targeted for exploitation in vivo , or recapitulation in vitro , by the livestock industry. Reproductive technologies, including AI, multiple ovulation embryo transfer, ovum pick-up, in vitro embryo production, and oestrus and ovulation synchronisation, offer practitioners and producers the opportunity to produce offspring from genetically valuable dams in much greater numbers than they would normally have in their lifetime, while in vitro oocyte and follicle culture are important platforms for researchers to interrogate the physiological mechanisms driving fertility. The majority of these technologies target the ovarian follicle and the oocyte within; thus, the quality and capability of the recovered oocyte determine the success of the reproductive intervention. Molecular and microscopical technologies have grown exponentially, providing powerful platforms to interrogate the molecular mechanisms which are integral to or affected by ART. The development of the bovine oocyte from its differentiation in the ovary to ovulation is described in the light of its relevance to key aspects of individual interventions, while highlighting the historical timeline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trudee Fair
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Pat Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
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Martirosyan YO, Silachev DN, Nazarenko TA, Birukova AM, Vishnyakova PA, Sukhikh GT. Stem-Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: Unlocking New Possibilities for Treating Diminished Ovarian Reserve and Premature Ovarian Insufficiency. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:2247. [PMID: 38137848 PMCID: PMC10744991 DOI: 10.3390/life13122247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite advancements in assisted reproductive technology (ART), achieving successful pregnancy rates remains challenging. Diminished ovarian reserve and premature ovarian insufficiency hinder IVF success-about 20% of in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients face a poor prognosis due to a low response, leading to higher cancellations and reduced birth rates. In an attempt to address the issue of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), we conducted systematic PubMed and Web of Science research, using keywords "stem cells", "extracellular vesicles", "premature ovarian insufficiency", "diminished ovarian reserve" and "exosomes". Amid the complex ovarian dynamics and challenges like POI, stem cell therapy and particularly the use of extracellular vesicles (EVs), a great potential is shown. EVs trigger paracrine mechanisms via microRNAs and bioactive molecules, suppressing apoptosis, stimulating angiogenesis and activating latent regenerative potential. Key microRNAs influence estrogen secretion, proliferation and apoptosis resistance. Extracellular vesicles present a lot of possibilities for treating infertility, and understanding their molecular mechanisms is crucial for maximizing EVs' therapeutic potential in addressing ovarian disorders and promoting reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yana O. Martirosyan
- V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (T.A.N.); (A.M.B.); (P.A.V.); (G.T.S.)
| | - Denis N. Silachev
- V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (T.A.N.); (A.M.B.); (P.A.V.); (G.T.S.)
- Department of Functional Biochemistry of Biopolymers, A.N. Belozersky Research Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Moscow State University, 119992 Moscow, Russia
| | - Tatiana A. Nazarenko
- V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (T.A.N.); (A.M.B.); (P.A.V.); (G.T.S.)
| | - Almina M. Birukova
- V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (T.A.N.); (A.M.B.); (P.A.V.); (G.T.S.)
| | - Polina A. Vishnyakova
- V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (T.A.N.); (A.M.B.); (P.A.V.); (G.T.S.)
- Research Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 117198 Moscow, Russia
| | - Gennadiy T. Sukhikh
- V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (T.A.N.); (A.M.B.); (P.A.V.); (G.T.S.)
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Das M, Son WY. In vitro maturation (IVM) of human immature oocytes: is it still relevant? Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2023; 21:110. [PMID: 37993914 PMCID: PMC10664544 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-023-01162-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In vitro maturation (IVM) of human immature oocytes has been shown to be a viable option for patients at risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), those seeking urgent fertility preservation and in circumstances where controlled ovarian stimulation is not feasible. Moreover, IVM techniques can be combined with ovarian tissue cryobanking to increase the chances of conception in cancer survivors. The clinical applications of IVM in the field of reproductive medicine are rapidly expanding and the technique is now classified as non-experimental. In contrast to conventional IVF (in vitro fertilization), IVM offers several advantages, such as reduced gonadotropin stimulation, minimal risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), reduced treatment times and lower costs. However, the technical expertise involved in performing IVM and its lower success rates compared to traditional IVF cycles, still pose significant challenges. Despite recent advances, such as innovative biphasic IVM systems, IVM is still an evolving technique and research is ongoing to refine protocols and identify techniques to improve its efficiency and effectiveness. A comprehensive understanding of the distinct mechanisms of oocyte maturation is crucial for obtaining more viable oocytes through in vitro methods, which will in turn lead to significantly improved success rates. In this review, the present state of human IVM programs and future research directions will be discussed, aiming to promote a better understanding of IVM and identify potential strategies to improve the overall efficiency and success rates of IVM programs, which will in turn lead to better clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mausumi Das
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Queen Charlotte and Hammersmith Hospitals, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Zhang CH, Liu XY, Wang J. Essential Role of Granulosa Cell Glucose and Lipid Metabolism on Oocytes and the Potential Metabolic Imbalance in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16247. [PMID: 38003436 PMCID: PMC10671516 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216247] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Granulosa cells are crucial for the establishment and maintenance of bidirectional communication among oocytes. Various intercellular material exchange modes, including paracrine and gap junction, are used between them to achieve the efficient delivery of granulosa cell structural components, energy substrates, and signaling molecules to oocytes. Glucose metabolism and lipid metabolism are two basic energy metabolism pathways in granulosa cells; these are involved in the normal development of oocytes. Pyruvate, produced by granulosa cell glycolysis, is an important energy substrate for oocyte development. Granulosa cells regulate changes in intrafollicular hormone levels through the processing of steroid hormones to control the development process of oocytes. This article reviews the material exchange between oocytes and granulosa cells and expounds the significance of granulosa cells in the development of oocytes through both glucose metabolism and lipid metabolism. In addition, we discuss the effects of glucose and lipid metabolism on oocytes under pathological conditions and explore its relationship to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A series of changes were found in the endogenous molecules and ncRNAs that are related to glucose and lipid metabolism in granulosa cells under PCOS conditions. These findings provide a new therapeutic target for patients with PCOS; additionally, there is potential for improving the fertility of patients with PCOS and the clinical outcomes of assisted reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Hua Zhang
- Queen Mary School, Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China; (C.-H.Z.); (X.-Y.L.)
| | - Xiang-Yi Liu
- Queen Mary School, Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China; (C.-H.Z.); (X.-Y.L.)
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
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Ye XW, Gu JM, Cao CY, Zhang ZY, Cheng H, Chen Z, Fang XM, Zhang Z, Wang QS, Pan YC, Wang Z. The jigsaw puzzle of pedigree: whole-genome resequencing reveals genetic diversity and ancestral lineage in Sunong black pigs. Animal 2023; 17:101014. [PMID: 37952495 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.101014] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The Sunong black pig is a new composite breed under development generated from Chinese indigenous pig breeds (i.e., Taihu and Huai) and intensive pig breeds (i.e., Landrace and Berkshire), which is an important genetic material for studying breeding mechanisms. However, there is currently limited knowledge about the genetic structure and germplasm characteristics of Sunong black pigs. To comprehensively understand their genetic composition and ancestry proportions, we performed population structure and local ancestry inference analysis based on whole-genome sequencing information. The results showed that Sunong black pigs could be clustered independently into a group, whose pedigree was intermediate between indigenous and commercial pig breeds, but closer to commercial pigs. Furthermore, local ancestry inference analysis revealed that Sunong black pigs inherited immune and reproductive traits from indigenous pig breeds, including CC and CXC chemokine family, Toll-like receptor family, IFN gene family, ESR1, AREG and EREG gene, while growth and development-related traits were inherited from commercial pig breeds, including IGF1 and GSY2 gene. Overall, Sunong black pigs have formed a relatively stable genome structure with some advantageous traits inherited from their ancestral breeds. This study deepened the understanding of the breeding mechanism of Sunong black pigs and provided a reference for cross-breeding programmes in livestock.
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Affiliation(s)
- X W Ye
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Rd, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - J M Gu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Rd, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - C Y Cao
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Rd, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Z Y Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Rd, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - H Cheng
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Rd, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Z Chen
- Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 50 Zhongling Str, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - X M Fang
- Institute of Agricultural Product Safety and Nutrition, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 50 Zhongling Str, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Z Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Rd, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Q S Wang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Rd, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Y C Pan
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Rd, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Z Wang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Rd, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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35
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Telfer EE, Grosbois J, Odey YL, Rosario R, Anderson RA. Making a good egg: human oocyte health, aging, and in vitro development. Physiol Rev 2023; 103:2623-2677. [PMID: 37171807 PMCID: PMC10625843 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00032.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian eggs (oocytes) are formed during fetal life and establish associations with somatic cells to form primordial follicles that create a store of germ cells (the primordial pool). The size of this pool is influenced by key events during the formation of germ cells and by factors that influence the subsequent activation of follicle growth. These regulatory pathways must ensure that the reserve of oocytes within primordial follicles in humans lasts for up to 50 years, yet only approximately 0.1% will ever be ovulated with the rest undergoing degeneration. This review outlines the mechanisms and regulatory pathways that govern the processes of oocyte and follicle formation and later growth, within the ovarian stroma, through to ovulation with particular reference to human oocytes/follicles. In addition, the effects of aging on female reproductive capacity through changes in oocyte number and quality are emphasized, with both the cellular mechanisms and clinical implications discussed. Finally, the details of current developments in culture systems that support all stages of follicle growth to generate mature oocytes in vitro and emerging prospects for making new oocytes from stem cells are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn E Telfer
- Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Johanne Grosbois
- Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Yvonne L Odey
- Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Roseanne Rosario
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Richard A Anderson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Chen N, Zhang Y, Tian Y, Wu S, Gao F, Yuan X. Deciphering Cellular Heterogeneity and Communication Patterns in Porcine Antral Follicles by Single-Cell RNA Sequencing. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3019. [PMID: 37835625 PMCID: PMC10571650 DOI: 10.3390/ani13193019] [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: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The antral follicle stage is a critical period in mammalian oocyte maturation, marked by complex interactions between oocyte development and neighboring granulosa cells. Understanding the heterogeneity and communication patterns of granulosa cells within antral follicles is crucial for deciphering their roles in follicle development and oocyte maturation. Here, we employed single-cell RNA-sequencing to explore the molecular and cellular characteristics of porcine antral follicles. Our analysis revealed distinct subpopulations within mural and cumulus granulosa cells, indicating diverse cellular states and functions within the follicles. Functional enrichment analysis unveiled the involvement of specific subpopulations in steroid biosynthesis, cumulus expansion, and cellular communication. Moreover, comparing mature and less mature follicles highlighted differences in cell distribution and functions, indicating developmental-specific variations. Our findings shed light on the intricate cellular heterogeneity and communication network within porcine antral follicles, providing valuable insights into the regulation of follicle development and oocyte maturation in pigs. These results hold promise for improving pig reproductive efficiency and advancing human reproductive medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Chen
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Yuhan Tian
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, State Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Breeding, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Shumei Wu
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, State Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Breeding, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Fei Gao
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518000, China
- Comparative Pediatrics and Nutrition, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Xiaolong Yuan
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, State Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Breeding, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510000, China
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37
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Akbari H, Foruozandeh H, Mohammadi M. Impact of Ovarian Factor Mediums on the Apoptotic Gene Expression and Embryo Quality Derived From Vitrified Immature Human Oocytes. J Obstet Gynaecol India 2023; 73:309-315. [PMID: 37701087 PMCID: PMC10492718 DOI: 10.1007/s13224-022-01726-8] [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: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Condition mediums have a potential role in oocyte development. In this study, we evaluated the effects of different mediums on the developmental potential of vitrified immature human oocyte after IVM and parthenogenesis by ionomycin. Methods Immature oocytes were collected from 184 women after vitrification/thawing and maturation, in three types of IVM mediums separately. Finally, 151 IVM MΙΙ oocytes were obtained and randomly divided into six groups and underwent the following intervention. Fresh and vitrified-thawing MΙΙ oocytes were activated after IVM in three conditioned mediums by ionomycin. Mediums included 1) Minimum Essential Medium Alpha (α-MEM) (as control medium), 2) α-MEM supplemented with supernatants of Mesenchyme bone marrow (B.M), 3) α-MEM with ovarian growth factors (O.F). Then, scoring of parthenote embryos was undertaken in accordance with pertinent morphological properties. Moreover, the expression of Bax and Bcl2 were determined in the parthenote embryos. Result Percentage of the degenerated oocyte, 2-4 cells, 4-8 cells, and 16 cells, was different in the experimental groups. Also, cytoplasmic maturation and blastocyst formation rates were significantly different (p < 0.05) between the control and the other mediums. The highest mRNA expression levels of Bcl2 and Bax genes in parthenotes were observed in the fIVM O.F and vIVM α-MEM mediums, respectively. vIVM, α-MEM and fIVM O.F showed the lowest expression of Bcl2 and Bax genes, respectively. Conclusion Our findings indicate that the O.F. medium had more potent effects on oocyte growth and cytoplasmic maturation up to the blastocyst stage with the highest expression level of the BCL2 gene and the lowest relative amount of the BAX gene in this medium. The results of the present study have been verified only for parthenogenetically activated embryos, and any positive effect of the environment on the egg/embryo fertilized with sperm requires more extensive studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hakimeh Akbari
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Gerash University of Medical Sciences, Gerash, Iran
| | - Hossein Foruozandeh
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Gerash University of Medical Sciences, Gerash, Iran
| | - Masoud Mohammadi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Gerash University of Medical Sciences, Gerash, Iran
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Luo JY, Shen SQ, Xu HJ, Yang JS, Ma WM. The transcription factor masculinizer in sexual differentiation and achieved full functional sex reversal in prawn. iScience 2023; 26:106968. [PMID: 37534170 PMCID: PMC10391606 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Some Zinc finger (ZnF) proteins are required for masculinization in silkworms. In the present study, a masculinizer gene (Mr-Masc) with multi-tissue expression is identified in the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii. The Mr-Masc is clustered into a separate branch with ZnF proteins from decapoda by phylogenetic tree analysis. Moreover, Mr-Masc silencing in male postlarvae prawn results in functional sex reversal females known as neo-females, which are applied to all-male monosex offspring breeding. This manipulation has been significant in sexually dimorphic cultured species. In addition, several significantly expressed transcripts are enriched and the effects of crucial signal pathways are focused through the comparative transcriptomic analysis in Mr-Masc gene knockdown. The significantly differentially expressed epidermal growth factor, upregulated low-density lipoprotein receptor, flotillin, and sex-lethal unigenes, downregulated heat shock proteins and forkhead box homologs are focused. The finding offers an innovative perspective on Masc proteins' evolution and physiological function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Yu Luo
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315100, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuai-Qi Shen
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315100, People’s Republic of China
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hai-Jing Xu
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315100, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jin-Shu Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wen-Ming Ma
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315100, People’s Republic of China
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Coxir SA, Costa GMJ, Santos CFD, Alvarenga RDLLS, Lacerda SMDSN. From in vivo to in vitro: exploring the key molecular and cellular aspects of human female gametogenesis. Hum Cell 2023:10.1007/s13577-023-00921-7. [PMID: 37237248 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-023-00921-7] [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: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Human oogenesis is a highly complex and not yet fully understood process due to ethical and technological barriers that limit studies in the field. In this context, replicating female gametogenesis in vitro would not only provide a solution for some infertility problems, but also be an excellent study model to better understand the biological mechanisms that determine the formation of the female germline. In this review, we explore the main cellular and molecular aspects involved in human oogenesis and folliculogenesis in vivo, from the specification of primordial germ cells (PGCs) to the formation of the mature oocyte. We also sought to describe the important bidirectional relationship between the germ cell and the follicular somatic cells. Finally, we address the main advances and different methodologies used in the search for obtaining cells of the female germline in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Abreu Coxir
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Mattos Jardim Costa
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Camilla Fernandes Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil
| | | | - Samyra Maria Dos Santos Nassif Lacerda
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil.
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40
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Chen J, Liu K, Liu W, Yeung WSB. The involvement of let-7 in hCG-induced progesterone synthesis via regulating p27 Kip1 and p21 Cip1 expression. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2023:111970. [PMID: 37230221 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.111970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Progesterone is essential in females to maintain a regular menstrual cycle and pregnancy. The luteinizing hormone (LH) surge induces the luteinization of granulosa cells and thecal cells to form the corpus luteum, which is responsible for progesterone synthesis. However, the specific mechanism of how hCG, the analog of LH, regulates progesterone synthesis has yet to be fully discovered. In this study, we found that progesterone level was increased in adult wild-type pregnant mice 2 and 7 days post-coitum, along with a decrease in let-7 expression compared with the estrus stage. Besides, the let-7 expression was negatively correlated with progesterone level in post-delivery day 23 wild-type female mice after being injected with PMSG and hCG. Then, using let-7 transgenic mice and a human granulosa cell line, we found that overexpression of let-7 antagonized progesterone level via targeting p27Kip1 and p21Cip1 and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) expression, which is a rate-limiting enzyme in progesterone synthesis. Furthermore, hCG suppressed let-7 expression by stimulating the MAPK pathway. This study elucidated the role of microRNA let-7 in regulating hCG-induced progesterone production and provided new insights into its role in clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Kai Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 999077, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kui Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Kai Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 999077, Hong Kong, China
| | - Weimin Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Kai Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 999077, Hong Kong, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518053, China.
| | - William Shu-Biu Yeung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Kai Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 999077, Hong Kong, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518053, China.
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41
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Jiang Y, He Y, Pan X, Wang P, Yuan X, Ma B. Advances in Oocyte Maturation In Vivo and In Vitro in Mammals. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9059. [PMID: 37240406 PMCID: PMC10219173 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24109059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The quality and maturation of an oocyte not only play decisive roles in fertilization and embryo success, but also have long-term impacts on the later growth and development of the fetus. Female fertility declines with age, reflecting a decline in oocyte quantity. However, the meiosis of oocytes involves a complex and orderly regulatory process whose mechanisms have not yet been fully elucidated. This review therefore mainly focuses on the regulation mechanism of oocyte maturation, including folliculogenesis, oogenesis, and the interactions between granulosa cells and oocytes, plus in vitro technology and nuclear/cytoplasm maturation in oocytes. Additionally, we have reviewed advances made in the single-cell mRNA sequencing technology related to oocyte maturation in order to improve our understanding of the mechanism of oocyte maturation and to provide a theoretical basis for subsequent research into oocyte maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Jiang
- School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6149, Australia
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518120, China
| | - Yingting He
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Xiangchun Pan
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Penghao Wang
- School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6149, Australia
| | - Xiaolong Yuan
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Bin Ma
- School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6149, Australia
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Himpe J, Lammerant S, Van den Bergh L, Lapeire L, De Roo C. The Impact of Systemic Oncological Treatments on the Fertility of Adolescents and Young Adults-A Systematic Review. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13051209. [PMID: 37240854 DOI: 10.3390/life13051209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over the past decades, advancements in oncological treatments have led to major improvements in survival. Particularly for adolescents and young adults (AYAs), fertility is an important concern in cancer survivorship. The purpose of the review is to provide physicians with a practical overview of the current knowledge about the impact of systemic oncological treatments on the fertility of female and male AYAs. METHODS A systematic review was performed based on relevant articles obtained from 4 databases up until 31 December 2022. RESULTS The mechanisms of gonadotoxicity and the concurrent risk is described for the following categories: chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy. For the category "chemotherapy", the specific effects and risks are listed for the different classes and individual chemotherapeutics. In the category "targeted therapy", a distinction was made between tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and monoclonal antibodies. Information concerning immunotherapy is scarce. CONCLUSIONS The effects of chemotherapy on fertility are well investigated, but even in this category, results can be conflicting. Insufficient data are available on the fertility effects of targeted therapy and immunotherapy to draw definitive conclusions. More research is needed for these therapies and their evolving role in treating cancers in AYAs. It would be useful to include fertility endpoints in clinical trials that evaluate new and existing oncological treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Himpe
- Department of Medical Oncology, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sander Lammerant
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lore Van den Bergh
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lore Lapeire
- Department of Medical Oncology, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- AYA Research Centre and Hub (ARCH), Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Chloë De Roo
- AYA Research Centre and Hub (ARCH), Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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43
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Liu C, Zuo W, Yan G, Wang S, Sun S, Li S, Tang X, Li Y, Cai C, Wang H, Liu W, Fang J, Zhang Y, Zhou J, Zhen X, Feng T, Hu Y, Wang Z, Li C, Bian Q, Sun H, Ding L. Granulosa cell mevalonate pathway abnormalities contribute to oocyte meiotic defects and aneuploidy. NATURE AGING 2023:10.1038/s43587-023-00419-9. [PMID: 37188792 DOI: 10.1038/s43587-023-00419-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
With aging, abnormalities during oocyte meiosis become more prevalent. However, the mechanisms of aging-related oocyte aneuploidy are not fully understood. Here we performed Hi-C and SMART-seq of oocytes from young and old mice and reveal decreases in chromosome condensation and disrupted meiosis-associated gene expression in metaphase I oocytes from aged mice. Further transcriptomic analysis showed that meiotic maturation in young oocytes was correlated with robust increases in mevalonate (MVA) pathway gene expression in oocyte-surrounding granulosa cells (GCs), which was largely downregulated in aged GCs. Inhibition of MVA metabolism in GCs by statins resulted in marked meiotic defects and aneuploidy in young cumulus-oocyte complexes. Correspondingly, supplementation with the MVA isoprenoid geranylgeraniol ameliorated oocyte meiotic defects and aneuploidy in aged mice. Mechanically, we showed that geranylgeraniol activated LHR/EGF signaling in aged GCs and enhanced the meiosis-associated gene expression in oocytes. Collectively, we demonstrate that the MVA pathway in GCs is a critical regulator of meiotic maturation and euploidy in oocytes, and age-associated MVA pathway abnormalities contribute to oocyte meiotic defects and aneuploidy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanming Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wu Zuo
- Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guijun Yan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shanshan Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Simin Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shiyuan Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinyi Tang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yifan Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Changjun Cai
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Haiquan Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center of the Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenwen Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Junshun Fang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jidong Zhou
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xin Zhen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tianxiang Feng
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center of the Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yali Hu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhenbo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chaojun Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center of the Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and China International Joint Research Center on Environment and Human Health, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Qian Bian
- Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Haixiang Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and China International Joint Research Center on Environment and Human Health, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Lijun Ding
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Analytic Chemistry for Life Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
- Clinical Center for Stem Cell Research, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.
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Ju J, Pan Z, Zhang K, Ji Y, Liu J, Sun S. Mcrs1 regulates G2/M transition and spindle assembly during mouse oocyte meiosis. EMBO Rep 2023; 24:e56273. [PMID: 36951681 PMCID: PMC10157313 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202256273] [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: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Microspherule protein 1 (Mcrs1) is a component of the nonspecific lethal (NSL) complex and the chromatin remodeling INO80 complex, which participates in transcriptional regulation during mitosis. Here, we investigate the roles of Mcrs1 during female meiosis in mice. We demonstrate that Mcrs1 is a novel regulator of the meiotic G2/M transition and spindle assembly in mouse oocytes. Mcrs1 is present in the nucleus and associates with spindle poles and chromosomes of oocytes during meiosis I. Depletion of Mcrs1 alters HDAC2-mediated H4K16ac, H3K4me2, and H3K9me2 levels in nonsurrounded nucleolus (NSN)-type oocytes, and reduces CDK1 activity and cyclin B1 accumulation, leading to G2/M transition delay. Furthermore, Mcrs1 depletion results in abnormal spindle assembly due to reduced Aurora kinase (Aurka and Aurkc) and Kif2A activities, suggesting that Mcrs1 also plays a transcription-independent role in regulation of metaphase I oocytes. Taken together, our results demonstrate that the transcription factor Mcrs1 has important roles in cell cycle regulation and spindle assembly in mouse oocyte meiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia‐Qian Ju
- College of Animal Science and TechnologyNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Zhen‐Nan Pan
- College of Animal Science and TechnologyNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Kun‐Huan Zhang
- College of Animal Science and TechnologyNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Yi‐Ming Ji
- College of Animal Science and TechnologyNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Jing‐Cai Liu
- College of Animal Science and TechnologyNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Shao‐Chen Sun
- College of Animal Science and TechnologyNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
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Costa CB, Fair T, Seneda MM. Review: Environment of the ovulatory follicle: modifications and use of biotechnologies to enhance oocyte competence and increase fertility in cattle. Animal 2023; 17 Suppl 1:100866. [PMID: 37567670 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.100866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The oocyte is the basis of life, supporting development from a fertilized cell to an independent multicellular organism. The oocyte's competence to drive the first cell cycles postfertilization are critical to embryonic survival and subsequent successful pregnancy. Coupled with the complex processes of follicle assembly, activation, differentiation, growth, and terminal maturation, oocyte developmental competence is gradually acquired during oocyte growth and meiotic maturation. Most reproduction management technologies and interventions are centered around these highly coordinated processes, targeting the ovarian follicle and the oocyte within. Thus, our objective was to highlight key aspects of oocyte and follicle development in cattle, and to discuss recent advances in oocyte and follicle-centered reproductive biotechnologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Bortoliero Costa
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Sciences and Languages, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Campus Assis, São Paulo, Brazil; Graduate Program in Pharmacology and Biotechnology, Institute of Biosciences, UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Trudee Fair
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Marcelo M Seneda
- State University of Londrina (UEL), Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Londrina, PR, Brazil.
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Jin J, Ren P, Li X, Zhang Y, Yang W, Ma Y, Lai M, Yu C, Zhang S, Zhang YL. Ovulatory signal-triggered chromatin remodeling in ovarian granulosa cells by HDAC2 phosphorylation activation-mediated histone deacetylation. Epigenetics Chromatin 2023; 16:11. [PMID: 37076890 PMCID: PMC10116676 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-023-00485-8] [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: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epigenetic reprogramming is involved in luteinizing hormone (LH)-induced ovulation; however, the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. RESULTS We here observed a rapid histone deacetylation process between two waves of active transcription mediated by the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and the LH congener human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), respectively. Analysis of the genome-wide H3K27Ac distribution in hCG-treated granulosa cells revealed that a rapid wave of genome-wide histone deacetylation remodels the chromatin, followed by the establishment of specific histone acetylation for ovulation. HDAC2 phosphorylation activation coincides with histone deacetylation in mouse preovulatory follicles. When HDAC2 was silenced or inhibited, histone acetylation was retained, leading to reduced gene transcription, retarded cumulus expansion, and ovulation defect. HDAC2 phosphorylation was associated with CK2α nuclear translocation, and inhibition of CK2α attenuated HDAC2 phosphorylation, retarded H3K27 deacetylation, and inactivated the ERK1/2 signaling cascade. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that the ovulatory signal erases histone acetylation through activation of CK2α-mediated HDAC2 phosphorylation in granulosa cells, which is an essential prerequisite for subsequent successful ovulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiamin Jin
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Peipei Ren
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Yinyi Zhang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Weijie Yang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Yerong Ma
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Mengru Lai
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Chao Yu
- College of Life Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Songying Zhang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
| | - Yin-Li Zhang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
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Krajnik K, Mietkiewska K, Skowronska A, Kordowitzki P, Skowronski MT. Oogenesis in Women: From Molecular Regulatory Pathways and Maternal Age to Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076837. [PMID: 37047809 PMCID: PMC10095116 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
It is a well-known fact that the reproductive organs in women, especially oocytes, are exposed to numerous regulatory pathways and environmental stimuli. The maternal age is one cornerstone that influences the process of oocyte fertilization. More precisely, the longer a given oocyte is in the waiting-line to be ovulated from menarche to menopause, the longer the duration from oogenesis to fertilization, and therefore, the lower the chances of success to form a viable embryo. The age of menarche in girls ranges from 10 to 16 years, and the age of menopause in women ranges from approximately 45 to 55 years. Researchers are paying attention to the regulatory pathways that are impacting the oocyte at the very beginning during oogenesis in fetal life to discover genes and proteins that could be crucial for the oocyte’s lifespan. Due to the general trend in industrialized countries in the last three decades, women are giving birth to their first child in their thirties. Therefore, maternal age has become an important factor impacting oocytes developmental competence, since the higher a woman’s age, the higher the chances of miscarriage due to several causes, such as aneuploidy. Meiotic failures during oogenesis, such as, for instance, chromosome segregation failures or chromosomal non-disjunction, are influencing the latter-mentioned aging-related phenomenon too. These errors early in life of women can lead to sub- or infertility. It cannot be neglected that oogenesis is a precisely orchestrated process, during which the oogonia and primary oocytes are formed, and RNA synthesis takes place. These RNAs are crucial for oocyte growth and maturation. In this review, we intend to describe the relevance of regulatory pathways during the oogenesis in women. Furthermore, we focus on molecular pathways of oocyte developmental competence with regard to maternal effects during embryogenesis. On the background of transcriptional mechanisms that enable the transition from a silenced oocyte to a transcriptionally active embryo, we will briefly discuss the potential of induced pluripotent stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kornelia Krajnik
- Department of Basic and Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Torun, Poland
| | - Klaudia Mietkiewska
- Department of Basic and Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Torun, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Skowronska
- Department of Human Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Pawel Kordowitzki
- Department of Basic and Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Torun, Poland
| | - Mariusz T. Skowronski
- Department of Basic and Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Torun, Poland
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Conte JG, Tellechea ML, Park B, Ballerini MG, Jaita G, Peluffo MC. Interaction between epidermal growth factor receptor and C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 in the ovulatory cascade. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1161813. [PMID: 37082622 PMCID: PMC10110862 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1161813] [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: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway is one of the main pathways responsible for propagating the luteinizing hormone (LH) signal throughout the cumulus cells and the oocyte. Recently, we have proposed the C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) and its main ligand (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, MCP1) as novel mediators of the ovulatory cascade. Our previous results demonstrate that the gonadotropins (GNT), amphiregulin (AREG), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) stimulation of periovulatory gene mRNA levels occurs, at least in part, through the CCR2/MCP1 pathway, proposing the CCR2 receptor as a novel mediator of the ovulatory cascade in a feline model. For that purpose, feline cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were cultured in the presence or absence of an EGFR inhibitor, recombinant chemokine MCP1, and gonadotropins [as an inducer of cumulus-oocyte expansion (C-OE), and oocyte maturation] to further assess the mRNA expression of periovulatory key genes, C-OE, oocyte nuclear maturation, and steroid hormone production. We observed that MCP1 was able to revert the inhibition of AREG mRNA expression by an EGFR inhibitor within the feline COC. In accordance, the confocal analysis showed that the GNT-stimulated hyaluronic acid (HA) synthesis, blocked by the EGFR inhibitor, was recovered by the addition of recombinant MCP1 in the C-OE culture media. Also, MCP1 was able to revert the inhibition of progesterone (P4) production by EGFR inhibitor in the C-OE culture media. Regarding oocyte nuclear maturation, recombinant MCP1 could also revert the inhibition triggered by the EGFR inhibitor, leading to a recovery in the percentage of metaphase II (MII)-stage oocytes. In conclusion, our results confirm the chemokine receptor CCR2 as a novel intermediate in the ovulatory cascade and demonstrate that the EGFR/AREG and the CCR2/MCP1 signaling pathways play critical roles in regulating feline C-OE and oocyte nuclear maturation, with CCR2/MCP1 signaling pathway being downstream EGFR/AREG pathway within the ovulatory cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. G. Conte
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas “Dr. César Bergadá” (CEDIE), CONICET—FEI—División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Facultad de Medicina CONICET- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M. L. Tellechea
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas “Dr. César Bergadá” (CEDIE), CONICET—FEI—División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - B. Park
- Biostatistics Shared Resource, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - M. G. Ballerini
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas “Dr. César Bergadá” (CEDIE), CONICET—FEI—División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - G. Jaita
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Facultad de Medicina CONICET- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, Facultad de Medicina-Universidad de Buenos Aires Buenos, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M. C. Peluffo
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas “Dr. César Bergadá” (CEDIE), CONICET—FEI—División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Peserico A, Di Berardino C, Capacchietti G, Camerano Spelta Rapini C, Liverani L, Boccaccini AR, Russo V, Mauro A, Barboni B. IVM Advances for Early Antral Follicle-Enclosed Oocytes Coupling Reproductive Tissue Engineering to Inductive Influences of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin and Ovarian Surface Epithelium Coculture. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076626. [PMID: 37047595 PMCID: PMC10095509 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In vitro maturation (IVM) is not a routine assisted reproductive technology (ART) for oocytes collected from early antral (EA) follicles, a large source of potentially available gametes. Despite substantial improvements in IVM in the past decade, the outcomes remain low for EA-derived oocytes due to their reduced developmental competences. To optimize IVM for ovine EA-derived oocytes, a three-dimensional (3D) scaffold-mediated follicle-enclosed oocytes (FEO) system was compared with a validated cumulus-oocyte complex (COC) protocol. Gonadotropin stimulation (eCG and/or hCG) and/or somatic cell coculture (ovarian vs. extraovarian-cell source) were supplied to both systems. The maturation rate and parthenogenetic activation were significantly improved by combining hCG stimulation with ovarian surface epithelium (OSE) cells coculture exclusively on the FEO system. Based on the data, the paracrine factors released specifically from OSE enhanced the hCG-triggering of oocyte maturation mechanisms by acting through the mural compartment (positive effect on FEO and not on COC) by stimulating the EGFR signaling. Overall, the FEO system performed on a developed reproductive scaffold proved feasible and reliable in promoting a synergic cytoplasmatic and nuclear maturation, offering a novel cultural strategy to widen the availability of mature gametes for ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Peserico
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Chiara Di Berardino
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Giulia Capacchietti
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Chiara Camerano Spelta Rapini
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Liliana Liverani
- Institute of Biomaterials, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- DGS S.p.A., 00142 Rome, Italy
| | - Aldo Roberto Boccaccini
- Institute of Biomaterials, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Valentina Russo
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Annunziata Mauro
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Barbara Barboni
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
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50
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All that glitters is not gold: a stereological study of human donor oocytes. ZYGOTE 2023; 31:253-265. [PMID: 36938666 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199423000114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2023]
Abstract
Here we report a quantitative analysis of human metaphase II (MII) oocytes from a 22-year-old oocyte donor, retrieved after ovarian-controlled hyperstimulation. Five surplus donor oocytes were processed for transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and a stereological analysis was used to quantify the distribution of organelles, using the point-counting technique with an adequate stereological grid. Comparisons between means of the relative volumes (Vv) occupied by organelles in the three oocyte regions, cortex (C), subcortex (SC) and inner cytoplasm (IC), followed the Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U-test with Bonferroni correction. Life cell imaging and TEM analysis confirmed donor oocyte nuclear maturity. Results showed that the most abundant organelles were smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) elements (26.8%) and mitochondria (5.49%). Significant differences between oocyte regions were found for lysosomes (P = 0.003), cortical vesicles (P = 0.002) and large SER vesicles (P = 0.009). These results were quantitatively compared with previous results using prophase I (GV) and metaphase I (MI) immature oocytes. In donor MII oocytes there was a normal presence of cortical vesicles, SER tubules, SER small, medium and large vesicles, lysosomes and mitochondria. However, donor MII oocytes displayed signs of cytoplasmic immaturity, namely the presence of dictyosomes, present in GV oocytes and rare in MI oocytes, of SER very large vesicles, characteristic of GV oocytes, and the rarity of SER tubular aggregates. Results therefore indicate that the criterion of nuclear maturity used for donor oocyte selection does not always correspond to cytoplasmic maturity, which can partially explain implantation failures with the use of donor oocytes.
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