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Asimaki K, Vazakidou P, van Tol HTA, van Duursen MBM, Gadella BM. Ketoconazole blocks progesterone production without affecting other parameters of cumulus-oocyte complex maturation. Reprod Toxicol 2024:108637. [PMID: 38876429 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Ketoconazole (KTZ) is widely used as a fungicide, but it is also known to target steroid hormone formation which may affect female reproductive health. Our study aims to investigate the effects of KTZ on in vitro matured bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs), as a model for female reproductive toxicity. Cumulus cells of in vitro maturing COCs produce progesterone and pregnenolone, but exposure to 10-6M KTZ effectively blocked the synthesis of these hormones. Exposure to lower concentrations of KTZ (i.e. 10-7M and 10-8M) had no such effect on steroidogenesis compared to the 0.1% v/v DMSO vehicle control. Classical parameters of in vitro COC maturation, such as oocyte nuclear maturation to the metaphase II stage and expansion of the cumulus investment, were not affected by any KTZ concentration tested. Apoptosis and necrosis levels were also not altered in cumulus cells or oocytes exposed to KTZ. Moreover, oocytes exposed to KTZ during maturation showed normal cleavage and early embryo development up to day 8 post fertilization; albeit a statistically significant decrease was observed in day 8 blastocysts produced from oocytes exposed to the lowest concentration of 10-8M KTZ. When unexposed mature oocytes were fertilized, followed by embryo culture for 8 days under KTZ exposure, no adverse effects in embryo cleavage and blastocyst formation were observed. In conclusion, KTZ has no major impact on in vitro bovine oocyte maturation and blastocyst formation in our study, even at concentrations blocking steroidogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Asimaki
- Division of Farm Animal Health, Department Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, Section Environment and Health, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - P Vazakidou
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, Section Environment and Health, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - H T A van Tol
- Division of Farm Animal Health, Department Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - M B M van Duursen
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, Section Environment and Health, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - B M Gadella
- Division of Farm Animal Health, Department Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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Kunitomi C, Romero M, Daldello EM, Schindler K, Conti M. Multiple intersecting pathways are involved in CPEB1 phosphorylation and regulation of translation during mouse oocyte meiosis. Development 2024; 151:dev202712. [PMID: 38785133 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202712] [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: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
The RNA-binding protein cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding 1 (CPEB1) plays a fundamental role in regulating mRNA translation in oocytes. However, the specifics of how and which protein kinase cascades modulate CPEB1 activity are still controversial. Using genetic and pharmacological tools, and detailed time courses, we have re-evaluated the relationship between CPEB1 phosphorylation and translation activation during mouse oocyte maturation. We show that both the CDK1/MAPK and AURKA/PLK1 pathways converge on CPEB1 phosphorylation during prometaphase of meiosis I. Only inactivation of the CDK1/MAPK pathway disrupts translation, whereas inactivation of either pathway alone leads to CPEB1 stabilization. However, CPEB1 stabilization induced by inactivation of the AURKA/PLK1 pathway does not affect translation, indicating that destabilization and/or degradation is not linked to translational activation. The accumulation of endogenous CCNB1 protein closely recapitulates the translation data that use an exogenous template. These findings support the overarching hypothesis that the activation of translation during prometaphase in mouse oocytes relies on a CDK1/MAPK-dependent CPEB1 phosphorylation, and that translational activation precedes CPEB1 destabilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chisato Kunitomi
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Mayra Romero
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Enrico Maria Daldello
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Laboratoire de Biologie du Développement - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, LBD - IBPS, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Karen Schindler
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Marco Conti
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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3
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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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Boumerdassi Y, Labrosse J, Hammami F, Dahoun M, Bouyer J, O'Neill L, Sarandi S, Peigné M, Cedrin I, Grynberg M, Sifer C. Impact of oxygen tension during in vitro maturation: a sibling-oocyte prospective double-blinded study. Fertil Steril 2024; 121:615-621. [PMID: 38103883 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.12.014] [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: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether oxygen (O2) tension (20% vs. 5%) has an impact on oocyte maturation rates and morphology during in vitro maturation (IVM). DESIGN A prospective, observational, monocentric, sibling-oocyte study. SETTING University Hospital. PATIENTS A total of 143 patients who underwent IVM for fertility preservation purposes from November 2016 to April 2021 were analyzed. Patients were included when ≥2 cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were retrieved. The cohort of COCs obtained for each patient was randomly split into two groups: group 20% O2 and group 5% O2. INTERVENTION Cumulus-oocyte complexes were incubated for 48 hours either under 5% O2 or 20% O2. After 24 and 48 hours of culture, every oocyte was assessed for maturity and morphology, to estimate oocyte quality. Morphology was evaluated considering six parameters (shape, size, ooplasm, perivitelline space, zona pellucida, and polar body characteristics), giving a total oocyte score ranging from -6 to +6. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Maturation rates and total oocyte scores were compared using paired-sample analysis between group 20% O2 and group 5% O2. RESULTS Patient median age was 31.4 [28.1-35.2] years-old. The mean serum antimüllerian hormone levels and antral follicle count were 3.2 ± 2.3 ng/mL and 27.2 ± 16.0 follicles, respectively. A mean of 10.7 COCs per cycle were retrieved, leading to 6.1 ± 2.4 metaphase II oocytes vitrified (total maturation rate = 57.3%; 991 metaphase II oocytes/1,728 COCs). A total of 864 COCs were included in each group. Oocyte maturation rates were not different between the two groups (group 20% O2: 56.82% vs. group 5% O2: 57.87%, respectively). Regarding oocyte morphology, the mean total oocyte score was significantly higher in group 5% O2 compared with group 20% O2 (3.44 ± 1.26 vs. 3.16 ± 1.32, P=.014). CONCLUSION As culture under low O2 tension (5% O2) improves oocyte morphology IVM, our results suggest that culture under hypoxia should be standardized. Additional studies are warranted to assess the impact of O2 tension on oocyte maturation and the benefit of IVM under low O2 tension for embryo culture after utilization of frozen material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmine Boumerdassi
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Hôpital Jean Verdier, Bondy, France; Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Villetaneuse, France
| | - Julie Labrosse
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Fertility Preservation, Hôpital Jean Verdier, Bondy, France
| | - Fatma Hammami
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Hôpital Jean Verdier, Bondy, France
| | - Mehdi Dahoun
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Hôpital Jean Verdier, Bondy, France
| | - Jean Bouyer
- Centre for Research in Epidemiology and Population Health, Université Paris Saclay, France
| | - Louis O'Neill
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Hôpital Jean Verdier, Bondy, France
| | - Solmaz Sarandi
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Hôpital Jean Verdier, Bondy, France
| | - Maeliss Peigné
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Fertility Preservation, Hôpital Jean Verdier, Bondy, France
| | - Isabelle Cedrin
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Fertility Preservation, Hôpital Jean Verdier, Bondy, France
| | - Michael Grynberg
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Fertility Preservation, Hôpital Jean Verdier, Bondy, France; Department of Reproductive Medicine and Fertility Preservation, Hôpital Antoine Béclère, Clamart, France; Université Paris Saclay, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France; Université Paris-Diderot, Paris, France
| | - Christophe Sifer
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Hôpital Jean Verdier, Bondy, France; Équipe RHuMA, UMR-BREED, UFR Simone Veil Santé, Montigny le Bretonneux, France.
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5
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Bartková AR, Němcová L, Kinterová V, Radová D, Strejček F, Toralová T, Laurinčík J, Procházka R. Meiotic and developmental competence of growing pig oocytes derived from small antral follicles is enhanced in culture medium containing FGF2, LIF, and IGF1 (FLI medium). J Ovarian Res 2024; 17:54. [PMID: 38431654 PMCID: PMC10908066 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-024-01360-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oocytes of large animal species isolated from small ovarian follicles (< 2 mm) are less competent to support early embryonic development after in vitro maturation and fertilization than their counterparts isolated from medium-sized and preovulatory follicles. This study aimed to assess the effect of a new maturation medium containing FGF2, LIF, and IGF1 (FLI medium) on the meiotic and developmental competence of pig cumulus-oocytes complexes (COCs) derived from the small and medium-sized follicles. METHODS The growing oocytes were isolated from 1 to 2 (small follicle; SF) and the fully-grown ones from 3 to 6 (large follicle; LF) mm follicles and matured in a control M199 medium with gonadotropins and EGF and the FLI medium enriched by the triplet of growth factors. The matured oocytes were parthenogenetically activated and cultured to the blastocyst stage. Chromatin configuration before and during the culture and MAP kinase activity were assessed in the oocytes. Finally, the expression of cumulus cell genes previously identified as markers of oocyte quality was assessed. RESULTS The maturation and blastocyst rates of oocytes gained from LF were significantly higher than that from SF in the control medium. In contrast, similar proportions of oocytes from LF and SF completed meiosis and developed to blastocysts when cultured in FLI. Most of the oocytes freshly isolated from SF possessed germinal vesicles with fine filaments of chromatin (GV0) or chromatin surrounding the nucleolus (GVI; 30%); the oocytes from LF were mainly in GVI (or GVII) exhibiting a few small lumps of chromatin beneath the nuclear membrane. When cultured in the FLI medium for 16 h, an acceleration of the course of maturation in oocytes both from SF and LF compared to the control medium was observed and a remarkable synchrony in the course of chromatin remodeling was noticed in oocytes from SF and LF. CONCLUSIONS This work demonstrates that the enrichment of culture medium by FGF2, LIF, and IGF1 can enhance the meiotic and developmental competence of not only fully-grown, but also growing pig oocytes and significantly thus expanding the number of oocytes available for various assisted reproductive technology applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Rosenbaum Bartková
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Institute of Animal Physiology, Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Liběchov, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Informatics, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Nitra, Slovak Republic
| | - Lucie Němcová
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Institute of Animal Physiology, Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Liběchov, Czech Republic.
| | - Veronika Kinterová
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Institute of Animal Physiology, Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Liběchov, Czech Republic
| | | | - František Strejček
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Informatics, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Nitra, Slovak Republic
| | - Tereza Toralová
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Institute of Animal Physiology, Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Liběchov, Czech Republic
| | - Jozef Laurinčík
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Informatics, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Nitra, Slovak Republic
| | - Radek Procházka
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Institute of Animal Physiology, Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Liběchov, Czech Republic
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Qasim NH, Zhumagaliuly A, Khozhamkul R, Rahim F. The role of zygotic genome activation in genetic-related reproductive medicine: Technological perspective, religious and bioethical concerns, challenges and benefits. J Genet Eng Biotechnol 2024; 22:100340. [PMID: 38494256 PMCID: PMC10980863 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgeb.2023.100340] [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: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Zygotic Genome Activation (ZGA) is a crucial developmental milestone in early embryogenesis, marking the transition from maternal to embryonic control of development. This process, which varies in timing across species, involves the activation of the embryonic genome, paving the way for subsequent cell differentiation and organismal development. Recent advances in genomics and reproductive medicine have highlighted the potential of ZGA in the realm of genetic screening, providing a window into the genetic integrity of the developing embryo at its earliest stages. The intersection of ZGA and genetic screening primarily emerges in the context of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and preimplantation genetic screening (PGS). These techniques, often employed during assisted reproductive technologies, aim to detect potential genetic abnormalities or chromosomal imbalances before embryo implantation. Given that ZGA represents the onset of embryonic gene expression, understanding its intricacies can significantly enhance the accuracy and predictive power of these screening processes. With the advent of next-generation sequencing and other high-throughput genomic techniques, detailed mapping of the transcriptomic changes during ZGA has become feasible. Such advancements have deepened our insights into the dynamics of early embryonic development and the onset of genetic disorders. As our knowledge in this realm expands, it promises to revolutionize our capabilities in detecting, understanding, and potentially rectifying genetic anomalies at the earliest stages of human life, thereby optimizing reproductive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nameer Hashim Qasim
- Cihan University Sulaimaniya Research Center (CUSRC), Cihan University - Sulaimaniya, Kurdistan Region 46001, Iraq
| | - Abzal Zhumagaliuly
- Department of Public Health, Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Kazakhstan.
| | - Rabiga Khozhamkul
- Department of Biostatistics and Basics of Research, Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Kazakhstan; Department of Health Policy and Public Health, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Kazakhstan
| | - Fakher Rahim
- Cihan University Sulaimaniya Research Center (CUSRC), Cihan University - Sulaimaniya, Kurdistan Region 46001, Iraq; College of Health Sciences, Cihan University-Sulaimaniya, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.
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7
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Conti M, Kunitomi C. A genome-wide perspective of the maternal mRNA translation program during oocyte development. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2024; 154:88-98. [PMID: 36894378 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2023.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulations control gene expression in most cells. However, critical transitions during the development of the female gamete relies exclusively on regulation of mRNA translation in the absence of de novo mRNA synthesis. Specific temporal patterns of maternal mRNA translation are essential for the oocyte progression through meiosis, for generation of a haploid gamete ready for fertilization and for embryo development. In this review, we will discuss how mRNAs are translated during oocyte growth and maturation using mostly a genome-wide perspective. This broad view on how translation is regulated reveals multiple divergent translational control mechanisms required to coordinate protein synthesis with progression through the meiotic cell cycle and with development of a totipotent zygote.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Conti
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
| | - Chisato Kunitomi
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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8
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Sun S, Defosse T, Boyd A, Sop J, Verderose F, Surray D, Aziz M, Howland M, Wu S, Changela N, Jang J, Schindler K, Xing J, McKim KS. Whole transcriptome screening for novel genes involved in meiosis and fertility in Drosophila melanogaster. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3602. [PMID: 38351116 PMCID: PMC10864285 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53346-z] [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: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Reproductive success requires the development of viable oocytes and the accurate segregation of chromosomes during meiosis. Failure to segregate chromosomes properly can lead to infertility, miscarriages, or developmental disorders. A variety of factors contribute to accurate chromosome segregation and oocyte development, such as spindle assembly and sister chromatid cohesion. However, many proteins required for meiosis remain unknown. In this study, we aimed to develop a screening pipeline for identifying novel meiotic and fertility genes using the genome of Drosophila melanogaster. To accomplish this goal, genes upregulated within meiotically active tissues were identified. More than 240 genes with no known function were silenced using RNA interference (RNAi) and the effects on meiosis and fertility were assessed. We identified 94 genes that when silenced caused infertility and/or high levels of chromosomal nondisjunction. The vast majority of these genes have human and mouse homologs that are also poorly studied. Through this screening process, we identified novel genes that are crucial for meiosis and oocyte development but have not been extensively studied in human or model organisms. Understanding the function of these genes will be an important step towards the understanding of their biological significance during reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Sun
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Tyler Defosse
- Waksman Institute, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 190 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Ayla Boyd
- Waksman Institute, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 190 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Joel Sop
- Waksman Institute, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 190 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Faith Verderose
- Waksman Institute, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 190 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Diya Surray
- Waksman Institute, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 190 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Mark Aziz
- Waksman Institute, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 190 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Margaret Howland
- Waksman Institute, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 190 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Siwen Wu
- Waksman Institute, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 190 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Neha Changela
- Waksman Institute, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 190 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Janet Jang
- Waksman Institute, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 190 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Karen Schindler
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
- Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 145 Bevier Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Jinchuan Xing
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA.
- Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 145 Bevier Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA.
| | - Kim S McKim
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA.
- Waksman Institute, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 190 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA.
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9
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Wang X, Leung FS, Bush JO, Conti M. Alternative cleavage and polyadenylation of the Ccnb1 mRNA defines accumulation of cyclin protein during the meiotic cell cycle. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:1258-1271. [PMID: 38048302 PMCID: PMC10853788 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad1151] [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: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Progression through the mitotic and meiotic cell cycle is driven by fluctuations in the levels of cyclins, the regulatory subunits controlling the localization and activity of CDK1 kinases. Cyclin levels are regulated through a precise balance of synthesis and degradation. Here we demonstrate that the synthesis of Cyclin B1 during the oocyte meiotic cell cycle is defined by the selective translation of mRNA variants generated through alternative cleavage and polyadenylation (APA). Using gene editing in mice, we introduced mutations into the proximal and distal polyadenylation elements of the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of the Ccnb1 mRNA. Through in vivo loss-of-function experiments, we demonstrate that the translation of mRNA with a short 3' UTR specifies Cyclin B1 protein levels that set the timing of meiotic re-entry. In contrast, translation directed by a long 3' UTR is necessary to direct Cyclin B1 protein accumulation during the MI/MII transition. These findings establish that the progression through the cell cycle is dependent on the selective translation of multiple mRNA variants generated by APA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotian Wang
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- USA Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Fang-Shiuan Leung
- USA Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Program in Craniofacial Biology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Jeffrey O Bush
- USA Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Program in Craniofacial Biology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Marco Conti
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- USA Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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10
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Kunitomi C, Romero M, Daldello EM, Schindler K, Conti M. Multiple intersecting pathways are involved in the phosphorylation of CPEB1 to activate translation during mouse oocyte meiosis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.17.575938. [PMID: 38293116 PMCID: PMC10827138 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.17.575938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
The RNA-binding protein cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding 1 (CPEB1) plays a fundamental role in the regulation of mRNA translation in oocytes. However, the nature of protein kinase cascades modulating the activity of CPEB1 is still a matter of controversy. Using genetic and pharmacological tools and detailed time courses, here we have reevaluated the relationship between CPEB1 phosphorylation and the activation of translation during mouse oocyte maturation. We show that both the CDK1/MAPK and AURKA/PLK1 pathways converge on the phosphorylation of CPEB1 during prometaphase. Only inactivation of the CDK1/MAPK pathway disrupts translation, while inactivation of either pathway leads to CPEB1 stabilization. However, stabilization of CPEB1 induced by inactivation of the AURKA/PLK1 does not affect translation, indicating that destabilization/degradation can be dissociated from translational activation. The accumulation of the endogenous CCNB1 protein closely recapitulates the translation data. These findings support the overarching hypothesis that the activation of translation in prometaphase in mouse oocytes relies on a CDK1-dependent CPEB1 phosphorylation, and this translational activation precedes CPEB1 destabilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chisato Kunitomi
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Mayra Romero
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey
| | - Enrico Maria Daldello
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Laboratoire de Biologie du Développement - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, LBD - IBPS, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Karen Schindler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey
| | - Marco Conti
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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11
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Bresnahan DR, Catandi GD, Peters SO, Maclellan LJ, Broeckling CD, Carnevale EM. Maturation and culture affect the metabolomic profile of oocytes and follicular cells in young and old mares. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 11:1280998. [PMID: 38283993 PMCID: PMC10811030 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1280998] [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: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Oocytes and follicular somatic cells within the ovarian follicle are altered during maturation and after exposure to culture in vitro. In the present study, we used a nontargeted metabolomics approach to assess changes in oocytes, cumulus cells, and granulosa cells from dominant, follicular-phase follicles in young and old mares. Methods: Samples were collected at three stages associated with oocyte maturation: (1) GV, germinal vesicle stage, prior to the induction of follicle/oocyte maturation in vivo; (2) MI, metaphase I, maturing, collected 24 h after induction of maturation in vivo; and (3) MIIC, metaphase II, mature with collection 24 h after induction of maturation in vivo plus 18 h of culture in vitro. Samples were analyzed using gas and liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry only when all three stages of a specific cell type were obtained from the same mare. Results and Discussion: Significant differences in metabolite abundance were most often associated with MIIC, with some of the differences appearing to be linked to the final stage of maturation and others to exposure to culture medium. While differences occurred for many metabolite groups, some of the most notable were detected for energy and lipid metabolism and amino acid abundance. The study demonstrated that metabolomics has potential to aid in optimizing culture methods and evaluating cell culture additives to support differences in COCs associated with maternal factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- D R Bresnahan
- Department of Animal Sciences, Berry College, Mount Berry, GA, United States
| | - G D Catandi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - S O Peters
- Department of Animal Sciences, Berry College, Mount Berry, GA, United States
| | - L J Maclellan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - C D Broeckling
- Proteomic and Metabolomics Core Facility, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - E M Carnevale
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
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12
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Ahuja K, Batra V, Kumar R, Datta TK. Transient suppression of Wnt signaling in poor-quality buffalo oocytes improves their developmental competence. Front Vet Sci 2024; 10:1324647. [PMID: 38274663 PMCID: PMC10808588 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1324647] [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: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction One of the most evolutionary conserved communication systems, the Wnt signaling pathway is a major gene regulatory pathway that affects the developmental competence of oocytes and regulates most embryonic developmental processes. The present study was undertaken to modulate the canonical Wnt (Wingless/integration) signaling pathway in the poor-quality (colorless cytoplasm after Brilliant Cresyl Blue staining, BCB-) buffalo cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) to improve their in vitro maturation (IVM) and embryo production (IVEP) rates. Methods The expression of key Wnt pathway genes was initially assessed in the good (blue cytoplasm after Brilliant Cresyl Blue staining, BCB+) and poor quality (BCB-) buffalo COCs to establish a differential activity of the Wnt pathway. The BCB- COCs were supplemented with the Wnt pathway inhibitor, Dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK1) and later subjected to IVM and IVEP along with the BCB+ and BCB- controls. The cumulus expansion index (CEI), rate of nuclear maturation (mean percentage of oocytes in the MII stage) and embryo production, and the expression of developmentally important genes were evaluated to assess the effect of Wnt pathway inhibition on the development competence of these poor-quality oocytes. Results The Wnt pathway genes exhibited a significantly higher expression (p < 0.05) in the poor-quality BCB- oocytes compared to the good-quality BCB+ oocytes during the early maturation stages. The supplementation of BCB- COCs with 100 ng/mL DKK1 effectively inhibited the expression of the key mediators of the Wnt pathway (β-catenin and dishevelled homolog 1, DVL1). DKK1 supplemented BCB- COCs exhibited significantly improved cytoplasmic and nuclear maturation indices, development rates and significantly elevated expression (p < 0.05) of genes implicated in germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) and embryonic genome activation (EGA) vis-à-vis BCB- control COCs. Conclusion These data indicate that inhibition of the Wnt pathway during the initial course of oocyte maturation can improve the development competence of poor-quality buffalo oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kriti Ahuja
- Animal Genomics Lab, Animal Biotechnology Centre, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Vipul Batra
- Animal Genomics Lab, Animal Biotechnology Centre, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
- Lifespan and Population Health, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Rakesh Kumar
- Animal Genomics Lab, Animal Biotechnology Centre, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Tirtha Kumar Datta
- Animal Genomics Lab, Animal Biotechnology Centre, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
- ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Hisar, India
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Song Y, Zhang N, Zhang Y, Wang J, Lv Q, Zhang J. Single-Cell Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Development-Specific Networks at Distinct Synchronized Antral Follicle Sizes in Sheep Oocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:910. [PMID: 38255985 PMCID: PMC10815039 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020910] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of the ovarian antral follicle is a complex, highly regulated process. Oocytes orchestrate and coordinate the development of mammalian ovarian follicles, and the rate of follicular development is governed by a developmental program intrinsic to the oocyte. Characterizing oocyte signatures during this dynamic process is critical for understanding oocyte maturation and follicular development. Although the transcriptional signature of sheep oocytes matured in vitro and preovulatory oocytes have been previously described, the transcriptional changes of oocytes in antral follicles have not. Here, we used single-cell transcriptomics (SmartSeq2) to characterize sheep oocytes from small, medium, and large antral follicles. We characterized the transcriptomic landscape of sheep oocytes during antral follicle development, identifying unique features in the transcriptional atlas, stage-specific molecular signatures, oocyte-secreted factors, and transcription factor networks. Notably, we identified the specific expression of 222 genes in the LO, 8 and 6 genes that were stage-specific in the MO and SO, respectively. We also elucidated signaling pathways in each antral follicle size that may reflect oocyte quality and in vitro maturation competency. Additionally, we discovered key biological processes that drive the transition from small to large antral follicles, revealing hub genes involved in follicle recruitment and selection. Thus, our work provides a comprehensive characterization of the single-oocyte transcriptome, filling a gap in the mapping of the molecular landscape of sheep oogenesis. We also provide key insights into the transcriptional regulation of the critical sizes of antral follicular development, which is essential for understanding how the oocyte orchestrates follicular development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Jiaxin Zhang
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Sheep & Goat Genetics Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China; (Y.S.)
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Cimadomo D, Cobo A, Galliano D, Fiorentino G, Marconetto A, Zuccotti M, Rienzi L. Oocyte vitrification for fertility preservation is an evolving practice requiring a new mindset: societal, technical, clinical, and basic science-driven evolutions. Fertil Steril 2024:S0015-0282(24)00004-9. [PMID: 38185200 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2024.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Infertility is a condition with profound social implications. Indeed, it is not surprising that evolutions in both medicine and society affect the way in vitro fertilization is practiced. The keywords in modern medicine are the four principles, which implicitly involve a constant update of our knowledge and our technologies to fulfill the "prediction" and "personalization" tasks, and a continuous reshaping of our mindset in view of all relevant societal changes to fulfill the "prevention" and "participation" tasks. A worldwide aging population whose life priorities are changing requires that we invest in fertility education, spreading actionable information to allow women and men to make meaningful reproductive choices. Fertility preservation for both medical and nonmedical reasons is still very much overlooked in many countries worldwide, demanding a comprehensive update of our approach, starting from academia and in vitro fertilization laboratories, passing through medical offices, and reaching out to social media. Reproduction medicine should evolve from being a clinical practice to treat a condition to being a holistic approach to guarantee patients' reproductive health and well-being. Oocyte vitrification for fertility preservation is the perfect use case for this transition. This tool is acquiring a new identity to comply with novel indications and social needs, persisting technical challenges, brand-new clinical technologies, and novel revolutions coming from academia. This "views and reviews" piece aims at outlining the advancement of oocyte vitrification from all these tightly connected perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danilo Cimadomo
- Clinica Valle Giulia, IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, Genera, Rome, Italy
| | - Ana Cobo
- IVI, IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Giulia Fiorentino
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Anabella Marconetto
- University Institute of Reproductive Medicine, National University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Maurizio Zuccotti
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Laura Rienzi
- Clinica Valle Giulia, IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, Genera, Rome, Italy; Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy.
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15
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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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Zhang W, Zhang R, Wu L, Zhu C, Zhang C, Xu C, Zhao S, Liu X, Guo T, Lu Y, Gao Z, Yu X, Li L, Chen ZJ, Qin Y, Jiao X. NLRP14 deficiency causes female infertility with oocyte maturation defects and early embryonic arrest by impairing cytoplasmic UHRF1 abundance. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113531. [PMID: 38060382 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113531] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Oocyte maturation is vital to attain full competence required for fertilization and embryogenesis. NLRP14 is preferentially expressed in mammalian oocytes and early embryos. Yet, the role and molecular mechanism of NLRP14 in oocyte maturation and early embryogenesis are poorly understood, and whether NLRP14 deficiency accounts for human infertility is unknown. Here, we found that maternal loss of Nlrp14 resulted in sterility with oocyte maturation defects and early embryonic arrest (EEA). Nlrp14 ablation compromised oocyte competence due to impaired cytoplasmic and nuclear maturation. Importantly, we revealed that NLRP14 maintained cytoplasmic UHRF1 abundance by protecting it from proteasome-dependent degradation and anchoring it from nuclear translocation in the oocyte. Furthermore, we identified compound heterozygous NLRP14 variants in women affected by infertility with EEA, which interrupted the NLRP14-UHRF1 interaction and decreased UHRF1 levels. Our data demonstrate NLRP14 as a cytoplasm-specific regulator of UHRF1 during oocyte maturation, providing insights into genetic diagnosis for female infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenzhe Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Rongrong Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Ling Wu
- The Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Chendi Zhu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Chuanxin Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Chengpeng Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Beijing Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Shidou Zhao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Xinchen Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Ting Guo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Yueshuang Lu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Zheng Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510150, China
| | - Xiao Yu
- Key Laboratory Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education and Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Lei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Beijing Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Yingying Qin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
| | - Xue Jiao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Suzhou Research Institute, Shandong University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China.
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Ducreux B, Ferreux L, Patrat C, Fauque P. Overview of Gene Expression Dynamics during Human Oogenesis/Folliculogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:33. [PMID: 38203203 PMCID: PMC10778858 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The oocyte transcriptome follows a tightly controlled dynamic that leads the oocyte to grow and mature. This succession of distinct transcriptional states determines embryonic development prior to embryonic genome activation. However, these oocyte maternal mRNA regulatory events have yet to be decoded in humans. We reanalyzed human single-oocyte RNA-seq datasets previously published in the literature to decrypt the transcriptomic reshuffles ensuring that the oocyte is fully competent. We applied trajectory analysis (pseudotime) and a meta-analysis and uncovered the fundamental transcriptomic requirements of the oocyte at any moment of oogenesis until reaching the metaphase II stage (MII). We identified a bunch of genes showing significant variation in expression from primordial-to-antral follicle oocyte development and characterized their temporal regulation and their biological relevance. We also revealed the selective regulation of specific transcripts during the germinal vesicle-to-MII transition. Transcripts associated with energy production and mitochondrial functions were extensively downregulated, while those associated with cytoplasmic translation, histone modification, meiotic processes, and RNA processes were conserved. From the genes identified in this study, some appeared as sensitive to environmental factors such as maternal age, polycystic ovary syndrome, cryoconservation, and in vitro maturation. In the future, the atlas of transcriptomic changes described in this study will enable more precise identification of the transcripts responsible for follicular growth and oocyte maturation failures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bastien Ducreux
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté-Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD) INSERM UMR1231, 2 Rue Angélique Ducoudray, F-21000 Dijon, France;
| | - Lucile Ferreux
- Faculty of Medicine, Inserm 1016, Université de Paris Cité, F-75014 Paris, France; (L.F.); (C.P.)
- Department of Reproductive Biology-CECOS, Aphp.Centre-Université Paris Cité, Cochin, F-75014 Paris, France
| | - Catherine Patrat
- Faculty of Medicine, Inserm 1016, Université de Paris Cité, F-75014 Paris, France; (L.F.); (C.P.)
- Department of Reproductive Biology-CECOS, Aphp.Centre-Université Paris Cité, Cochin, F-75014 Paris, France
| | - Patricia Fauque
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté-Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD) INSERM UMR1231, 2 Rue Angélique Ducoudray, F-21000 Dijon, France;
- Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction-CECOS, CHU Dijon Bourgogne, 14 Rue Gaffarel, F-21000 Dijon, France
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18
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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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19
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Khunmanee S, Yoo J, Lee JR, Lee J, Park H. Thiol-yne click crosslink hyaluronic acid/chitosan hydrogel for three-dimensional in vitro follicle development. Mater Today Bio 2023; 23:100867. [PMID: 38179228 PMCID: PMC10765241 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
There is a great deal of potential for in vitro follicle growth to provide an alternative approach to fertility preservation. This strategy reduces the possibility of cancer cells re-exposure after transplantation, and it does not require hormone stimulation. Adopting a three-dimensional (3D) culture method helps preserve the architecture of the follicle and promotes the maturity of oocytes. In order to maintain follicle morphology, enhance the quality of mature oocytes, and facilitate meiotic spindle assembly, the current work aimed to develop the 3D in vitro preantral mouse follicle culture method. Thiolated chitosan-co-thiolated hyaluronic (CSHS) hydrogel was designed to evaluate the effects of biomaterials on ovarian follicle development. Isolated follicles from mouse ovaries were randomly divided into alginate (Alg) as a 3D control, thiolated hyaluronic acid (HASH), and CSHS groups. Single follicle was encapsulated in each hydrogel, and performed for 10 days and subsequently ovulated to retrieve mature oocytes on day 11. CSHS hydrogel promoted follicle survival and oocyte viability with maintained spherical morphology of follicle. Matured oocytes with normal appearance of meiotic spindle and chromosome alignment were higher in the CSHS group compared with those in the Alg and HASH groups. Furthermore, CSHS increased expression level of folliculogenesis genes (TGFβ-1, GDF-9) and endocrine-related genes (LHCGR, and FSHR). With various experimental setups and clinical applications, this platform could be applied as an alternative method to in vitro follicle culture with different experimental designs and clinical applications in the long-term period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sureerat Khunmanee
- Department of Integrative Engineering, Chung-Ang University, 221 Heukseok-Dong, Dongjak-Gu, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Jungyoung Yoo
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Eulji University, Gyeonggi-do, 13135, Republic of Korea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13620, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Ryeol Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13620, Republic of Korea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaewang Lee
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Eulji University, Gyeonggi-do, 13135, Republic of Korea
| | - Hansoo Park
- Department of Integrative Engineering, Chung-Ang University, 221 Heukseok-Dong, Dongjak-Gu, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea
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20
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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: 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: 08/28/2023] [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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21
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Viñals Gonzalez X, Thrasivoulou C, Naja RP, Seshadri S, Serhal P, Gupta SS. Integrating imaging-based classification and transcriptomics for quality assessment of human oocytes according to their reproductive efficiency. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:2545-2556. [PMID: 37610606 PMCID: PMC10643756 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02911-y] [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: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Utilising non-invasive imaging parameters to assess human oocyte fertilisation, development and implantation; and their influence on transcriptomic profiles. METHODS A ranking tool was designed using imaging data from 957 metaphase II stage oocytes retrieved from 102 patients undergoing ART. Hoffman modulation contrast microscopy was conducted with an Olympus IX53 microscope. Images were acquired prior to ICSI and processed using ImageJ for optical density and grey-level co-occurrence matrices texture analysis. Single-cell RNA sequencing of twenty-three mature oocytes classified according to their competence was performed. RESULT(S) Overall fertilisation, blastulation and implantation rates were 73.0%, 62.6% and 50.8%, respectively. Three different algorithms were produced using binary logistic regression methods based on "optimal" quartiles, resulting in an accuracy of prediction of 76.6%, 67% and 80.7% for fertilisation, blastulation and implantation. Optical density, gradient, inverse difference moment (homogeneity) and entropy (structural complexity) were the parameters with highest predictive properties. The ranking tool showed high sensitivity (68.9-90.8%) but with limited specificity (26.5-62.5%) for outcome prediction. Furthermore, five differentially expressed genes were identified when comparing "good" versus "poor" competent oocytes. CONCLUSION(S) Imaging properties can be used as a tool to assess differences in the ooplasm and predict laboratory and clinical outcomes. Transcriptomic analysis suggested that oocytes with lower competence may have compromised cell cycle either by non-reparable DNA damage or insufficient ooplasmic maturation. Further development of algorithms based on image parameters is encouraged, with an increased balanced cohort and validated prospectively in multicentric studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Viñals Gonzalez
- Preimplantation Genetics Group, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, 84-86 Chenies Mews, Bloomsbury, London, WC1E 6HU, UK.
| | - Christopher Thrasivoulou
- Research Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, Rockefeller Building, London, WC1E 6DE, UK
| | - Roy Pascal Naja
- Preimplantation Genetics Group, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, 84-86 Chenies Mews, Bloomsbury, London, WC1E 6HU, UK
| | - Srividya Seshadri
- The Centre for Reproductive and Genetic Health, 230-232 Great Portland St, Fitzrovia, W1W 5QS, London, UK
| | - Paul Serhal
- The Centre for Reproductive and Genetic Health, 230-232 Great Portland St, Fitzrovia, W1W 5QS, London, UK
| | - Sioban Sen Gupta
- Preimplantation Genetics Group, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, 84-86 Chenies Mews, Bloomsbury, London, WC1E 6HU, UK
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22
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Asama H, Kamibayashi D, Hashizume A, Michikura Y, Otsuki J. Focusing on the accumulation of chromatin/chromosomes around nucleoli and optimizing the timing of ICSI to facilitate the rescue in vitro maturation of denuded GV stage oocytes. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:2557-2564. [PMID: 37725177 PMCID: PMC10643760 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02921-w] [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: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to achieve the methodological improvement of rescue IVM by predicting germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) and optimizing the timing of ICSI. METHODS Time lapse analysis was performed retrospectively to evaluated the relationship between the presence of AC around the nucleoli and GVBD. To find the optimal timing of ICSI, the time from the initiation of the first polar body extrusion to ICSI were measured, and the rates of fertilization at each point were calculated. RESULTS The GVBD rate of GV stage oocytes with AC around the nucleoli was significantly higher than that of GV stage oocytes without AC. The GV stage oocytes required more time for nuclear maturation after polar body extrusion than MI oocytes, with GV stage oocytes taking 400-600 min from polar body extrusion to the optimal timing of ICSI, while the MI stage oocytes took 200-400 min. The GV stage oocytes resulted in the birth of healthy babies with the appropriate timing of ICSI. CONCLUSION It was found that GV stage oocytes with AC around nucleoli can initiate GVBD and reach the MII stage with a high rate, and that GV stage oocytes required more time than MI stage oocytes to reach the optimal timing of ICSI. Considering these factors, ART laboratories may employ immature GV stage oocytes in routine ART procedures rather than discarding them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayato Asama
- Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, 1-1-1 Tsushimanaka, Kita, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan
- Kanazawa Tamago Clinic, 327-1 Nakachou, Moroemachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-0016, Japan
| | - Daigaku Kamibayashi
- Kanazawa Tamago Clinic, 327-1 Nakachou, Moroemachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-0016, Japan
| | - Atsuko Hashizume
- Kanazawa Tamago Clinic, 327-1 Nakachou, Moroemachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-0016, Japan
| | - Yasuhito Michikura
- Kanazawa Tamago Clinic, 327-1 Nakachou, Moroemachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-0016, Japan
| | - Junko Otsuki
- Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, 1-1-1 Tsushimanaka, Kita, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan.
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Center, Okayama University, 1-1-1 Tsushimanaka, Kita, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan.
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23
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Dipali SS, Suebthawinkul C, Burdette JE, Pavone ME, Duncan FE. Human follicular fluid elicits select dose- and age-dependent effects on mouse oocytes and cumulus-oocyte complexes in a heterologous in vitro maturation assay. Mol Hum Reprod 2023; 29:gaad039. [PMID: 37950499 PMCID: PMC10674105 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaad039] [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: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Follicular fluid (FF) is a primary microenvironment of the oocyte within an antral follicle. Although several studies have defined the composition of human FF in normal physiology and determined how it is altered in disease states, the direct impacts of human FF on the oocyte are not well understood. The difficulty of obtaining suitable numbers of human oocytes for research makes addressing such a question challenging. Therefore, we used a heterologous model in which we cultured mouse oocytes in human FF. To determine whether FF has dose-dependent effects on gamete quality, we performed in vitro maturation of denuded oocytes from reproductively young mice (6-12 weeks) in 10%, 50%, or 100% FF from participants of mid-reproductive age (32-36 years). FF impacted meiotic competence in a dose-dependent manner, with concentrations >10% inhibiting meiotic progression and resulting in spindle and chromosome alignment defects. We previously demonstrated that human FF acquires a fibro-inflammatory cytokine signature with age. Thus, to determine whether exposure to an aging FF microenvironment contributes to the age-dependent decrease in gamete quality, we matured denuded oocytes and cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) in FF from reproductively young (28-30 years) and old (40-42 years) participants. FF decreased meiotic progression of COCs, but not oocytes, from reproductively young and old (9-12 months) mice in an age-dependent manner. Moreover, FF had modest age-dependent impacts on mitochondrial aggregation in denuded oocytes and cumulus layer expansion dynamics in COCs, which may influence fertilization or early embryo development. Overall, these findings demonstrate that acute human FF exposure can impact select markers of mouse oocyte quality in both dose- and age-dependent manners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shweta S Dipali
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Chanakarn Suebthawinkul
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Joanna E Burdette
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mary Ellen Pavone
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Francesca E Duncan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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24
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Wu D, Dean J. Reduced female fertility due to sequestration of RNA Pol II by pervasive transcription in exosome RNase-depleted oocytes. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113247. [PMID: 37831603 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Perturbing the transcriptome of mammalian oocytes results in meiotic failure. We previously reported that RNA-exosome-associated RNase, EXOSC10, degrades unwanted protein-coding RNA and processes ribosomal RNA to ensure proper oocyte maturation. Here, we establish oocyte-specific knockout mice of another RNA-exosome-associated RNase, DIS3. Mutant females (Dis3cKO) exhibit significantly reduced fertility because oocytes arrest after the growth phase. Single-oocyte RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and CUT&Tag analyses show that DIS3 degrades intergenic RNA and mediates transcription silencing that is essential for chromatin condensation and resumption of meiosis. Dis3cKO oocytes exhibit elevated H3K27me3 in a pre-defined manner due to insufficient demethylation. During oocyte growth, EXOSC10 functions with DIS3 to degrade intergenic RNA. Double-knockout oocytes have earlier growth defects and more accumulated transcripts. We conclude that RNA exosomes synergistically degrade unwanted RNA and mediate transcription termination to ensure transcriptome integrity during oocyte development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Wu
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Jurrien Dean
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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25
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Tutt DAR, Guven-Ates G, Kwong WY, Simmons R, Sang F, Silvestri G, Canedo-Ribeiro C, Handyside AH, Labrecque R, Sirard MA, Emes RD, Griffin DK, Sinclair KD. Developmental, cytogenetic and epigenetic consequences of removing complex proteins and adding melatonin during in vitro maturation of bovine oocytes. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1280847. [PMID: 38027209 PMCID: PMC10647927 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1280847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In vitro maturation (IVM) of germinal vesicle intact oocytes prior to in vitro fertilization (IVF) is practiced widely in animals. In human assisted reproduction it is generally reserved for fertility preservation or where ovarian stimulation is contraindicated. Standard practice incorporates complex proteins (CP), in the form of serum and/or albumin, into IVM media to mimic the ovarian follicle environment. However, the undefined nature of CP, together with batch variation and ethical concerns regarding their origin, necessitate the development of more defined formulations. A known component of follicular fluid, melatonin, has multifaceted roles including that of a metabolic regulator and antioxidant. In certain circumstances it can enhance oocyte maturation. At this stage in development, the germinal-vesicle intact oocyte is prone to aneuploidy and epigenetic dysregulation. Objectives To determine the developmental, cytogenetic and epigenetic consequences of removing CP and including melatonin during bovine IVM. Materials and methods The study comprised a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement comparing (i) the inclusion or exclusion of CP, and (ii) the addition (100 nM) or omission of melatonin, during IVM. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were retrieved from stimulated cycles. Following IVM and IVF, putative zygotes were cultured to Day 8 in standard media. RNAseq was performed on isolated cumulus cells, cytogenetic analyses (SNP-based algorithms) on isolated trophectoderm cells, and DNA methylation analysis (reduced representation bisulfite sequencing) on isolated cells of the inner-cell mass. Results Removal of CP during IVM led to modest reductions in blastocyst development, whilst added melatonin was beneficial in the presence but detrimental in the absence of CP. The composition of IVM media did not affect the nature or incidence of chromosomal abnormalities but cumulus-cell transcript expression indicated altered metabolism (primarily lipid) in COCs. These effects preceded the establishment of distinct metabolic and epigenetic signatures several days later in expanded and hatching blastocysts. Conclusions These findings highlight the importance of lipid, particularly sterol, metabolism by the COC during IVM. They lay the foundation for future studies that seek to develop chemically defined systems of IVM for the generation of transferrable embryos that are both cytogenetically and epigenetically normal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desmond A. R. Tutt
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, United Kingdom
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, United Kingdom
| | - Gizem Guven-Ates
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, United Kingdom
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, United Kingdom
| | - Wing Yee Kwong
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, United Kingdom
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, United Kingdom
| | - Rob Simmons
- Paragon Veterinary Group, Carlisle, United Kingdom
| | - Fei Sang
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Alan H. Handyside
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
| | | | - Marc-André Sirard
- CRDSI, Département des Sciences Animales, Faculté des sciences de l’agriculture et de l’alimentation, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Richard D. Emes
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, United Kingdom
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, United Kingdom
| | - Darren K. Griffin
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin D. Sinclair
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, United Kingdom
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, United Kingdom
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26
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Akin N, Ates G, von Mengden L, Herta AC, Meriggioli C, Billooye K, Stocker WA, Ghesquiere B, Harrison CA, Cools W, Klamt F, Massie A, Smitz J, Anckaert E. Effects of lactate, super-GDF9, and low oxygen tension during bi-phasic in vitro maturation on the bioenergetic profiles of mouse cumulus-oocyte complex†. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:432-449. [PMID: 37531262 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad085] [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: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In vitro maturation (IVM) is an alternative assisted reproductive technology with reduced hormone-related side effects and treatment burden compared to conventional IVF. Capacitation (CAPA)-IVM is a bi-phasic IVM system with improved clinical outcomes compared to standard monophasic IVM. Yet, CAPA-IVM efficiency compared to conventional IVF is still suboptimal in terms of producing utilizable blastocysts. Previously, we have shown that CAPA-IVM leads to a precocious increase in cumulus cell (CC) glycolytic activity during cytoplasmic maturation. In the current study, considering the fundamental importance of CCs for oocyte maturation and cumulus-oocyte complex (COC) microenvironment, we further analyzed the bioenergetic profiles of maturing CAPA-IVM COCs. Through a multi-step approach, we (i) explored mitochondrial function of the in vivo and CAPA-IVM matured COCs through real-time metabolic analysis with Seahorse analyzer, and to improve COC metabolism (ii) supplemented the culture media with lactate and/or super-GDF9 (an engineered form of growth differentiation factor 9) and (iii) reduced culture oxygen tension. Our results indicated that the pre-IVM step is delicate and prone to culture-related disruptions. Lactate and/or super-GDF9 supplementations failed to eliminate pre-IVM-induced stress on COC glucose metabolism and mitochondrial respiration. However, when performing pre-IVM culture under 5% oxygen tension, CAPA-IVM COCs showed similar bioenergetic profiles compared to in vivo matured counterparts. This is the first study providing real-time metabolic analysis of the COCs from a bi-phasic IVM system. The currently used analytical approach provides the quantitative measures and the rational basis to further improve IVM culture requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazli Akin
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Gamze Ates
- Laboratory of Neuro-Aging and Viro-Immunotherapy, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lucia von Mengden
- Laboratory of Cellular Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, ICBS, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Cecilia Meriggioli
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Katy Billooye
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - William A Stocker
- Department of Physiology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Brecht Ghesquiere
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Craig A Harrison
- Department of Physiology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Wilfried Cools
- Support for Quantitative and Qualitative Research (SQUARE) Core Facility, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Fabio Klamt
- Laboratory of Cellular Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, ICBS, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Ann Massie
- Laboratory of Neuro-Aging and Viro-Immunotherapy, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Johan Smitz
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ellen Anckaert
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
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Zhou Z, Fan H, Shi R, Zeng Y, Liu R, Gu H, Li Q, Sang Q, Wang L, Shi J, Chen B. A novel homozygous variant in ZFP36L2 cause female infertility due to oocyte maturation defect. Clin Genet 2023; 104:461-465. [PMID: 37211617 DOI: 10.1111/cge.14362] [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: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Normal oocyte maturation is an important requirement for the success of human reproduction, and defects in this process will lead to female infertility and repeated IVF/ICSI failures. In order to identify genetic factors that are responsible for oocyte maturation defect, we used whole exome sequencing in the affected individual with oocyte maturation defect from a consanguineous family and identified a homozygous variant c.853_861del (p.285_287del) in ZFP36L2. ZFP36L2 is a RNA-binding protein, which regulates maternal mRNA decay and oocyte maturation. In vitro studies showed that the variant caused decreased protein levels of ZFP36L2 in oocytes due to mRNA instability and might lead to the loss of its function to degrade maternal mRNAs. Previous study showed that the pathogenic variants in ZFP36L2 were associated with early embryonic arrest. In contrast, we identified a novel ZFP36L2 variant in the affected individual with oocyte maturation defect, which further broadened the mutational and phenotypic spectrum of ZFP36L2, suggesting that ZFP36L2 might be a genetic diagnostic marker for the affected individuals with oocyte maturation defect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhou Zhou
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, the Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huizhen Fan
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, the Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rong Shi
- Reproductive Center, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yang Zeng
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, the Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruyi Liu
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, the Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Gu
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, the Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiaoli Li
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, the Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Sang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, the Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, the Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Juanzi Shi
- Reproductive Center, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Biaobang Chen
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Targosz A, Myszor D, Mrugacz G. Human oocytes image classification method based on deep neural networks. Biomed Eng Online 2023; 22:92. [PMID: 37735409 PMCID: PMC10512614 DOI: 10.1186/s12938-023-01153-4] [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: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effectiveness of in vitro fertilization depends on the assessment and selection of oocytes and embryos with the highest developmental potential. One of the tasks in the ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) procedure is the classification of oocytes according to the stages of their meiotic maturity. Oocytes classification traditionally is done manually during their observation under the light microscope. The paper is part of the bigger task, the development of the system for optimal oocyte and embryos selection. In the hereby work, we present the method for the automatic classification of oocytes based on their images, that employs DNN algorithms. RESULTS For the purpose of oocyte class determination, two structures based on deep neural networks were applied. DeepLabV3Plus was responsible for the analysis of oocyte images in order to extract specific regions of oocyte images. Then extracted components were transferred to the network, inspired by the SqueezeNet architecture, for the purpose of oocyte type classification. The structure of this network was refined by a genetic algorithm in order to improve generalization abilities as well as reduce the network's FLOPs thus minimizing inference time. As a result, [Formula: see text] at the level of 0.964 was obtained at the level of the validation set and 0.957 at the level of the test set. Generated neural networks as well as code that allows running the processing pipe were made publicly available. CONCLUSIONS In this paper, the complete pipeline was proposed that is able to automatically classify human oocytes into three classes MI, MII, and PI based on the oocytes' microscopic image.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Targosz
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Medical University of Silesia, 18 Medyków St, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
- Center for Reproductive Medicine Bocian, 26 Akademicka St, 15-267 Białystok, Poland
| | - Dariusz Myszor
- Institute of Computer Sciences, Silesian University of Technology, 16 Akademicka St, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Mrugacz
- Center for Reproductive Medicine Bocian, 26 Akademicka St, 15-267 Białystok, Poland
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de la Fuente A, Scoggin C, Bradecamp E, Martin-Pelaez S, van Heule M, Troedsson M, Daels P, Meyers S, Dini P. Transcriptome Signature of Immature and In Vitro-Matured Equine Cumulus-Oocytes Complex. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13718. [PMID: 37762020 PMCID: PMC10531358 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813718] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Maturation is a critical step in the development of an oocyte, and it is during this time that the oocyte advances to metaphase II (MII) of the meiotic cycle and acquires developmental competence to be fertilized and become an embryo. However, in vitro maturation (IVM) remains one of the limiting steps in the in vitro production of embryos (IVP), with a variable percentage of oocytes reaching the MII stage and unpredictable levels of developmental competence. Understanding the dynamics of oocyte maturation is essential for the optimization of IVM culture conditions and subsequent IVP outcomes. Thus, the aim of this study was to elucidate the transcriptome dynamics of oocyte maturation by comparing transcriptomic changes during in vitro maturation in both oocytes and their surrounding cumulus cells. Cumulus-oocyte complexes were obtained from antral follicles and divided into two groups: immature and in vitro-matured (MII). RNA was extracted separately from oocytes (OC) and cumulus cells (CC), followed by library preparation and RNA sequencing. A total of 13,918 gene transcripts were identified in OC, with 538 differentially expressed genes (DEG) between immature OC and in vitro-matured OC. In CC, 13,104 genes were expressed with 871 DEG. Gene ontology (GO) analysis showed an association between the DEGs and pathways relating to nuclear maturation in OC and GTPase activity, extracellular matrix organization, and collagen trimers in CC. Additionally, the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor gene (FSHR) and luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor gene (LHCGR) showed differential expressions between CC-MII and immature CC samples. Overall, these results serve as a foundation to further investigate the biological pathways relevant to oocyte maturation in horses and pave the road to improve the IVP outcomes and the overall clinical management of equine assisted reproductive technologies (ART).
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro de la Fuente
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Charles Scoggin
- LeBlanc Reproduction Center, Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, Lexington, KY 40511, USA
| | - Etta Bradecamp
- LeBlanc Reproduction Center, Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, Lexington, KY 40511, USA
| | - Soledad Martin-Pelaez
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Machteld van Heule
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Department of Morphology, Imaging, Orthopedics, Rehabilitation and Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ghent, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Mats Troedsson
- Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
| | - Peter Daels
- Department of Morphology, Imaging, Orthopedics, Rehabilitation and Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ghent, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Stuart Meyers
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Pouya Dini
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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Liao Z, Li Y, Li C, Bian X, Sun Q. Nuclear transfer improves the developmental potential of embryos derived from cytoplasmic deficient oocytes. iScience 2023; 26:107299. [PMID: 37520712 PMCID: PMC10372837 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Embryo development after fertilization is largely determined by the oocyte quality, which is in turn dependent on the competence of both the cytoplasm and nucleus. Here, to improve the efficiency of embryo development from developmentally incompetent oocytes, we performed spindle-chromosome complex transfer (ST) between in vitro matured (IVM) and in vivo matured (IVO) oocytes of the non-human primate rhesus monkey. We observed that the blastocyst rate of embryos derived from transferring the spindle-chromosome complex (SCC) of IVM oocytes into enucleated IVO oocytes was comparable with that of embryos derived from IVO oocytes. After transferring the reconstructed embryos into the uterus of surrogate mothers, two live rhesus monkeys were obtained, indicating that the nuclei of IVM oocytes support both the pre-and post-implantation embryo development of non-human primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaodi Liao
- Institute of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology, Shanghai 201210, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yuzhuo Li
- Institute of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Chunyang Li
- Institute of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Xinyan Bian
- Institute of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Qiang Sun
- Institute of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology, Shanghai 201210, China
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Shan LY, Tian Y, Liu WX, Fan HT, Li FG, Liu WJ, Li A, Shen W, Sun QY, Liu YB, Zhou Y, Zhang T. LSM14B controls oocyte mRNA storage and stability to ensure female fertility. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:247. [PMID: 37578641 PMCID: PMC10425512 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04898-2] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Controlled mRNA storage and stability is essential for oocyte meiosis and early embryonic development. However, how to regulate mRNA storage and stability in mammalian oogenesis remains elusive. Here we showed that LSM14B, a component of membraneless compartments including P-body-like granules and mitochondria-associated ribonucleoprotein domain (MARDO) in germ cell, is indispensable for female fertility. To reveal loss of LSM14B disrupted primordial follicle assembly and caused mRNA reduction in non-growing oocytes, which was concomitant with the impaired assembly of P-body-like granules. 10× Genomics single-cell RNA-sequencing and immunostaining were performed. Meanwhile, we conducted RNA-seq analysis of GV-stage oocytes and found that Lsm14b deficiency not only impaired the maternal mRNA accumulation but also disrupted the translation in fully grown oocytes, which was closely associated with dissolution of MARDO components. Moreover, Lsm14b-deficient oocytes reassembled a pronucleus containing decondensed chromatin after extrusion of the first polar body, through compromising the activation of maturation promoting factor, while the defects were restored via WEE1/2 inhibitor. Together, our findings reveal that Lsm14b plays a pivotal role in mammalian oogenesis by specifically controlling of oocyte mRNA storage and stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ying Shan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Yu Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Wen-Xiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Hai-Tao Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Feng-Guo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Wen-Juan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Ang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China
- Fertility Preservation Lab, Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, 510317, China
| | - Wei Shen
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Qing-Yuan Sun
- Fertility Preservation Lab, Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, 510317, China
| | - Yong-Bin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China.
| | - Yang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China.
| | - Teng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China.
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Salimov D, Lisovskaya T, Otsuki J, Gzgzyan A, Bogolyubova I, Bogolyubov D. Chromatin Morphology in Human Germinal Vesicle Oocytes and Their Competence to Mature in Stimulated Cycles. Cells 2023; 12:1976. [PMID: 37566055 PMCID: PMC10416848 DOI: 10.3390/cells12151976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The search for simple morphological predictors of oocyte quality is an important task for assisted reproduction technologies (ARTs). One such predictor may be the morphology of the oocyte nucleus, called the germinal vesicle (GV), including the level of chromatin aggregation around the atypical nucleolus (ANu)-a peculiar nuclear organelle, formerly referred to as the nucleolus-like body. A prospective cohort study allowed distinguishing three classes of GV oocytes among 135 oocytes retrieved from 64 patients: with a non-surrounded ANu and rare chromatin blocks in the nucleoplasm (Class A), with a complete peri-ANu heterochromatic rim assembling all chromatin (Class C), and intermediate variants (Class B). Comparison of the chromatin state and the ability of oocytes to complete meiosis allowed us to conclude that Class B and C oocytes are more capable of resuming meiosis in vitro and completing the first meiotic division, while Class A oocytes can resume maturation but often stop their development either at metaphase I (MI arrest) or before the onset of GV breakdown (GVBD arrest). In addition, oocytes with a low chromatin condensation demonstrated a high level of aneuploidy during the resumption of meiosis. Considering that the degree of chromatin condensation/compaction can be determined in vivo under a light microscope, this characteristic of the GV can be considered a promising criterion for selecting the best-quality GV oocytes in IVM rescue programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniil Salimov
- Clinical Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Yekaterinburg 620014, Russia;
| | - Tatiana Lisovskaya
- Clinical Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Yekaterinburg 620014, Russia;
| | - Junko Otsuki
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Center, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan;
| | - Alexandre Gzgzyan
- Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology Named after D. O. Ott, St. Petersburg 199034, Russia;
| | - Irina Bogolyubova
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg 194064, Russia;
- Department of Histology and Embryology Named after Prof. A.G. Knorre, St. Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, St. Petersburg 194100, Russia
| | - Dmitry Bogolyubov
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg 194064, Russia;
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Deng D, Xie J, Tian Y, Zhu L, Liu X, Liu J, Huang G, Li J. Effects of meiotic stage-specific oocyte vitrification on mouse oocyte quality and developmental competence. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1200051. [PMID: 37455899 PMCID: PMC10338221 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1200051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Acquisition of germinal vesicle (GV) stage oocytes for fertility preservation (FP) offers several benefits over in vivo matured oocyte cryopreservation following ovarian stimulation, particularly for cancer patients necessitating immediate treatment. Two FP approaches for GV oocytes are available: vitrification before in vitro maturation (IVM) at the GV stage (GV-VI) or post-IVM at the metaphase II (MII) stage (MII-VI). The optimal method remains to be determined. Methods In this study, mouse oocytes were collected without hormonal stimulation and vitrified either at the GV stage or the MII stage following IVM; non-vitrified in vitro matured MII oocytes served as the control (CON). The oocyte quality and developmental competence were assessed to obtain a better method for immediate FP. Results No significant differences in IVM and survival rates were observed among the three groups. Nevertheless, GV-VI oocytes exhibited inferior quality, including abnormal spindle arrangement, mitochondrial dysfunction, and early apoptosis, compared to MII-VI and CON oocytes. Oocyte vitrification at the GV stage impacted maternal mRNA degradation during IVM. In addition, the GV-VI group demonstrated significantly lower embryonic developmental competence relative to the MII-VI group. RNA sequencing of 2-cell stage embryos revealed abnormal minor zygotic genome activation in the GV-VI group. Conclusion Vitrification at the GV stage compromised oocyte quality and reduced developmental competence. Consequently, compared to the GV stage, oocyte vitrification at the MII stage after IVM is more suitable for patients who require immediate FP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongmei Deng
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Juan Xie
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yin Tian
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ling Zhu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xuemei Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Junxia Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guoning Huang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jingyu Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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34
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Jiang Y, Adhikari D, Li C, Zhou X. Spatiotemporal regulation of maternal mRNAs during vertebrate oocyte meiotic maturation. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2023; 98:900-930. [PMID: 36718948 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Vertebrate oocytes face a particular challenge concerning the regulation of gene expression during meiotic maturation. Global transcription becomes quiescent in fully grown oocytes, remains halted throughout maturation and fertilization, and only resumes upon embryonic genome activation. Hence, the oocyte meiotic maturation process is largely regulated by protein synthesis from pre-existing maternal messenger RNAs (mRNAs) that are transcribed and stored during oocyte growth. Rapidly developing genome-wide techniques have greatly expanded our insights into the global translation changes and possible regulatory mechanisms during oocyte maturation. The storage, translation, and processing of maternal mRNAs are thought to be regulated by factors interacting with elements in the mRNA molecules. Additionally, posttranscriptional modifications of mRNAs, such as methylation and uridylation, have recently been demonstrated to play crucial roles in maternal mRNA destabilization. However, a comprehensive understanding of the machineries that regulate maternal mRNA fate during oocyte maturation is still lacking. In particular, how the transcripts of important cell cycle components are stabilized, recruited at the appropriate time for translation, and eliminated to modulate oocyte meiotic progression remains unclear. A better understanding of these mechanisms will provide invaluable insights for the preconditions of developmental competence acquisition, with important implications for the treatment of infertility. This review discusses how the storage, localization, translation, and processing of oocyte mRNAs are regulated, and how these contribute to oocyte maturation progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanwen Jiang
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, 5333 Xian Road, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Deepak Adhikari
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, 19 Innovation Walk, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Chunjin Li
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, 5333 Xian Road, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Xu Zhou
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, 5333 Xian Road, Changchun, 130062, China
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35
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Crozet F, Letort G, Bulteau R, Da Silva C, Eichmuller A, Tortorelli AF, Blévinal J, Belle M, Dumont J, Piolot T, Dauphin A, Coulpier F, Chédotal A, Maître JL, Verlhac MH, Clarke HJ, Terret ME. Filopodia-like protrusions of adjacent somatic cells shape the developmental potential of oocytes. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202301963. [PMID: 36944420 PMCID: PMC10029974 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202301963] [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: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The oocyte must grow and mature before fertilization, thanks to a close dialogue with the somatic cells that surround it. Part of this communication is through filopodia-like protrusions, called transzonal projections (TZPs), sent by the somatic cells to the oocyte membrane. To investigate the contribution of TZPs to oocyte quality, we impaired their structure by generating a full knockout mouse of the TZP structural component myosin-X (MYO10). Using spinning disk and super-resolution microscopy combined with a machine-learning approach to phenotype oocyte morphology, we show that the lack of Myo10 decreases TZP density during oocyte growth. Reduction in TZPs does not prevent oocyte growth but impairs oocyte-matrix integrity. Importantly, we reveal by transcriptomic analysis that gene expression is altered in TZP-deprived oocytes and that oocyte maturation and subsequent early embryonic development are partially affected, effectively reducing mouse fertility. We propose that TZPs play a role in the structural integrity of the germline-somatic complex, which is essential for regulating gene expression in the oocyte and thus its developmental potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flora Crozet
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, Paris, France
- Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR 3738, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Gaëlle Letort
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, Paris, France
- Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR 3738, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Rose Bulteau
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, Paris, France
| | - Christelle Da Silva
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, Paris, France
| | - Adrien Eichmuller
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, Paris, France
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR 3215, INSERM U934, Paris, France
| | - Anna Francesca Tortorelli
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR 3215, INSERM U934, Paris, France
| | | | - Morgane Belle
- Institut de la Vision, UMRS968/UMR7210/UM80, Paris, France
| | - Julien Dumont
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, Paris, France
| | - Tristan Piolot
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, Paris, France
| | - Aurélien Dauphin
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR 3215, INSERM U934, Paris, France
| | - Fanny Coulpier
- Genomics Core Facility, Institut de Biologie de l'ENS, Département de biologie, Ecole normale supérieure, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, Paris, France
| | - Alain Chédotal
- Institut de la Vision, UMRS968/UMR7210/UM80, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Léon Maître
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR 3215, INSERM U934, Paris, France
| | - Marie-Hélène Verlhac
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, Paris, France
| | - Hugh J Clarke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Marie-Emilie Terret
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, Paris, France
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36
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Li H, Zhao H, Yang C, Su R, Long M, Liu J, Shi L, Xue Y, Su Y. LSM14B is an Oocyte-Specific RNA-Binding Protein Indispensable for Maternal mRNA Metabolism and Oocyte Development in Mice. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2300043. [PMID: 37083226 PMCID: PMC10288277 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202300043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian oogenesis features reliance on the mRNAs produced and stored during early growth phase. These are essential for producing an oocyte competent to undergo meiotic maturation and embryogenesis later when oocytes are transcriptionally silent. The fate of maternal mRNAs hence ensures the success of oogenesis and the quality of the resulting eggs. Nevertheless, how the fate of maternal mRNAs is determined remains largely elusive. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are crucial regulators of oogenesis, yet the identity of the full complement of RBPs expressed in oocytes is unknown. Here, a global view of oocyte-expressed RBPs is presented: mRNA-interactome capture identifies 1396 RBPs in mouse oocytes. An analysis of one of these RBPs, LSM family member 14 (LSM14B), demonstrates that this RBP is specific to oocytes and associated with many networks essential for oogenesis. Deletion of Lsm14b results in female-specific infertility and a phenotype characterized by oocytes incompetent to complete meiosis and early embryogenesis. LSM14B serves as an interaction hub for proteins and mRNAs throughout oocyte development and regulates translation of a subset of its bound mRNAs. Therefore, RNP complexes tethered by LSM14B are found exclusively in oocytes and are essential for the control of maternal mRNA fate and oocyte development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Li
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental BiologySchool of Life SciencesShandong UniversityQingdao266237P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjing211126P. R. China
| | - Hailian Zhao
- Institute of BiophysicsChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101P. R. China
| | - Chunhui Yang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental BiologySchool of Life SciencesShandong UniversityQingdao266237P. R. China
| | - Ruibao Su
- Institute of BiophysicsChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101P. R. China
| | - Min Long
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental BiologySchool of Life SciencesShandong UniversityQingdao266237P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjing211126P. R. China
| | - Jinliang Liu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental BiologySchool of Life SciencesShandong UniversityQingdao266237P. R. China
| | - Lanying Shi
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental BiologySchool of Life SciencesShandong UniversityQingdao266237P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjing211126P. R. China
| | - Yuanchao Xue
- Institute of BiophysicsChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101P. R. China
| | - You‐Qiang Su
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental BiologySchool of Life SciencesShandong UniversityQingdao266237P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjing211126P. R. China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and DevelopmentFudan UniversityShanghai200433P. R. China
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37
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Speckhart SL, Oliver MA, Ealy AD. Developmental Hurdles That Can Compromise Pregnancy during the First Month of Gestation in Cattle. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1760. [PMID: 37889637 PMCID: PMC10251927 DOI: 10.3390/ani13111760] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Several key developmental events are associated with early embryonic pregnancy losses in beef and dairy cows. These developmental problems are observed at a greater frequency in pregnancies generated from in-vitro-produced bovine embryos. This review describes critical problems that arise during oocyte maturation, fertilization, early embryonic development, compaction and blastulation, embryonic cell lineage specification, elongation, gastrulation, and placentation. Additionally, discussed are potential remediation strategies, but unfortunately, corrective actions are not available for several of the problems being discussed. Further research is needed to produce bovine embryos that have a greater likelihood of surviving to term.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alan D. Ealy
- School of Animal Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (S.L.S.); (M.A.O.)
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38
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Francés-Herrero E, Lopez R, Campo H, de Miguel-Gómez L, Rodríguez-Eguren A, Faus A, Pellicer A, Cervelló I. Advances of xenogeneic ovarian extracellular matrix hydrogels for in vitro follicle development and oocyte maturation. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2023; 151:213480. [PMID: 37267748 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2023.213480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Research aimed at preserving female fertility is increasingly using bioengineering techniques to develop new platforms capable of supporting ovarian cell function in vitro and in vivo. Natural hydrogels (alginate, collagen, and fibrin) have been the most exploited approaches; however they are biologically inert and/or biochemically simple. Thus, establishing a suitable biomimetic hydrogel from decellularized ovarian cortex (OC) extracellular matrix (OvaECM) could provide a complex native biomaterial for follicle development and oocyte maturation. The objectives of this work were (i) to establish an optimal protocol to decellularize and solubilize bovine OC, (ii) to characterize the histological, molecular, ultrastructural, and proteomic properties of the resulting tissue and hydrogel, and (iii) to assess its biocompatibility and adequacy for murine in vitro follicle growth (IVFG). Sodium dodecyl sulfate was identified as the best detergent to develop bovine OvaECM hydrogels. Hydrogels added into standard media or used as plate coatings were employed for IVFG and oocyte maturation. Follicle growth, survival, hormone production, and oocyte maturation and developmental competence were evaluated. OvaECM hydrogel-supplemented media best supported follicle survival, expansion, and hormone production, while the coatings provided more mature and competent oocytes. Overall, the findings support the xenogeneic use of OvaECM hydrogels for future human female reproductive bioengineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilio Francés-Herrero
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Rosalba Lopez
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Hannes Campo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Lucía de Miguel-Gómez
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Adolfo Rodríguez-Eguren
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Amparo Faus
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Antonio Pellicer
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; IVI Roma Parioli, IVI-RMA Global, 00197 Rome, Italy
| | - Irene Cervelló
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain.
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39
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Lodde V, Luciano AM, Garcia Barros R, Giovanardi G, Sivelli G, Franciosi F. Review: The putative role of Progesterone Receptor membrane Component 1 in bovine oocyte development and competence. Animal 2023; 17 Suppl 1:100783. [PMID: 37567656 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.100783] [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: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Acquisition of developmental competence is a complex process in which many cell types cooperate to support oocyte maturation, fertilisation, and preimplantation embryonic development. In recent years, compelling evidence has shown that Progesterone Receptor Membra Component 1 (PGRMC1) is expressed in many cell types of the mammalian reproductive system where it exerts diverse functions. In the ovary, PGRMC1 affects follicular growth by controlling cell viability and proliferation of granulosa cells. PGRMC1 has also a direct role in promoting a proper completion of bovine oocyte maturation, as altering its function leads to defective chromosome segregation and polar body extrusion. Strikingly, the mechanism by which PGRMC1 controls mitotic and meiotic cell division seems to be conserved, involving an association with the spindle apparatus and the chromosomal passenger complex through Aurora kinase B. Conclusive data on a possible role of PGRMC1 in the preimplantation embryo are lacking and further research is needed to test whether the mechanisms that are set in place in mitotic cells also govern blastomere cleavage and subsequent differentiation. Finally, PGRMC1 is also expressed in oviductal cells and, as such, it might also impact fertilisation and early embryonic development, although this issue is completely unexplored. However, the study of PGRMC1 function in the mammalian reproductive system remains a complex matter, due to its pleiotropic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Lodde
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy.
| | - A M Luciano
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - R Garcia Barros
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - G Giovanardi
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - G Sivelli
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - F Franciosi
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
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40
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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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41
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Rockenbach MK, Fraga LR, Kowalski TW, Sanseverino MTV. Expression profiles of meiotic genes in male vs. female gonads and gametes: Insights into fertility issues. Front Genet 2023; 14:1125097. [PMID: 36999055 PMCID: PMC10045993 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1125097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Gametes are specialized cells that, at fertilization, give rise to a totipotent zygote capable of generating an entire organism. Female and male germ cells undergo meiosis to produce mature gametes; however, sex-specific events of oogenesis and spermatogenesis contribute to specific roles of gametes in reproductive issues. We investigate the differential gene expression (DGE) of meiosis-related genes in human female and male gonads and gametes in normal and pathological conditions. The transcriptome data for the DGE analysis was obtained through the Gene Expression Omnibus repository, comprising human ovary and testicle samples of the prenatal period and adulthood, additionally to male (non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) and teratozoospermia), and female (polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and advanced maternal age) reproductive conditions. Gene ontology terms related to meiosis were associated with 678 genes, of which 17 genes in common were differentially expressed between the testicle and ovary during the prenatal period and adulthood. Except for SERPINA5 and SOX9, the 17 meiosis-related genes were downregulated in the testicle during the prenatal period and upregulated in adulthood compared to the ovary. No differences were observed in the oocytes of PCOS patients; however, meiosis-related genes were differentially expressed according to the patient’s age and maturity of the oocyte. In NOA and teratozoospermia, 145 meiosis-related genes were differentially expressed in comparison to the control, including OOEP; despite no recognized role in male reproduction, OOEP was co-expressed with genes related to male fertility. Taking together, these results shed light on potential genes that might be relevant to comprehend human fertility disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marília Körbes Rockenbach
- Postgraduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Lucas Rosa Fraga
- Department of Morphological Sciences, Institute of Health Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Medicine: Medical Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Laboratory of Genomic Medicine, Center of Experimental Research, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Thayne Woycinck Kowalski
- Postgraduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Laboratory of Genomic Medicine, Center of Experimental Research, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Bioinformatics Core, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Medical Genetics Service, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Centro Universitário CESUCA, Cachoeirinha, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Thayne Woycinck Kowalski, ,
| | - Maria Teresa Vieira Sanseverino
- Postgraduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Medical Genetics Service, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Catolica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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42
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Regulation of germline proteostasis by HSF1 and insulin/IGF-1 signaling. Biochem Soc Trans 2023; 51:501-512. [PMID: 36892215 DOI: 10.1042/bst20220616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
Protein homeostasis (proteostasis) is essential for cellular function and organismal health and requires the concerted actions of protein synthesis, folding, transport, and turnover. In sexually reproducing organisms, the immortal germline lineage passes genetic information across generations. Accumulating evidence indicates the importance of proteome integrity for germ cells as genome stability. As gametogenesis involves very active protein synthesis and is highly energy-demanding, it has unique requirements for proteostasis regulation and is sensitive to stress and nutrient availability. The heat shock factor 1 (HSF1), a key transcriptional regulator of cellular response to cytosolic and nuclear protein misfolding has evolutionarily conserved roles in germline development. Similarly, insulin/insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) signaling, a major nutrient-sensing pathway, impacts many aspects of gametogenesis. Here, we focus on HSF1 and IIS to review insights into their roles in germline proteostasis and discuss the implications on gamete quality control during stress and aging.
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43
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Abedini A, Landry DA, Macaulay AD, Vaishnav H, Parbhakar A, Ibrahim D, Salehi R, Maranda V, Macdonald E, Vanderhyden BC. SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling subunit Smarca4/BRG1 is essential for female fertility†. Biol Reprod 2023; 108:279-291. [PMID: 36440965 PMCID: PMC9930400 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian folliculogenesis is a complex process that involves the regulation of chromatin structure for gene expression and oocyte meiotic resumption. The SWI/SNF complex is a chromatin remodeler using either Brahma-regulated gene 1 (BRG1) or BRM (encoded by Smarca4 and Smarca2, respectively) as its catalytic subunit. SMARCA4 loss of expression is associated with a rare type of ovarian cancer; however, its function during folliculogenesis remains poorly understood. In this study, we describe the phenotype of BRG1 mutant mice to better understand its role in female fertility. Although no tumor emerged from BRG1 mutant mice, conditional depletion of Brg1 in the granulosa cells (GCs) of Brg1fl/fl;Amhr2-Cre mice caused sterility, whereas conditional depletion of Brg1 in the oocytes of Brg1fl/fl;Gdf9-Cre mice resulted in subfertility. Recovery of cumulus-oocyte complexes after natural mating or superovulation showed no significant difference in the Brg1fl/fl;Amhr2-Cre mutant mice and significantly fewer oocytes in the Brg1fl/fl;Gdf9-Cre mutant mice compared with controls, which may account for the subfertility. Interestingly, the evaluation of oocyte developmental competence by in vitro culture of retrieved two-cell embryos indicated that oocytes originating from the Brg1fl/fl;Amhr2-Cre mice did not reach the blastocyst stage and had higher rates of mitotic defects, including micronuclei. Together, these results indicate that BRG1 plays an important role in female fertility by regulating granulosa and oocyte functions during follicle growth and is needed for the acquisition of oocyte developmental competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atefeh Abedini
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - David A Landry
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Angus D Macaulay
- Chronic Diseases Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Het Vaishnav
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Ashna Parbhakar
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Dalia Ibrahim
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Reza Salehi
- Chronic Diseases Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Vincent Maranda
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Macdonald
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Barbara C Vanderhyden
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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44
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Khader T, Lieman HJ, Jindal S. Better late than never-but never late is best! Fertil Steril 2023; 119:697-698. [PMID: 36736557 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.01.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tarek Khader
- Montefiore's Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Health, Hartsdale, New York; Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, Women's Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Harry J Lieman
- Montefiore's Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Health, Hartsdale, New York; Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, Women's Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Sangita Jindal
- Montefiore's Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Health, Hartsdale, New York; Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, Women's Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
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45
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Chen Y, Liu Y, Zuo X, Zhao Q, Sun M, Cui M, Zhao X, Du Y. Identification of significant imaging features for sensing oocyte viability. Microsc Res Tech 2023; 86:181-192. [PMID: 36278826 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.24248] [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: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The evaluation of oocyte viability in the laboratory is limited to the morphological assessment by naked eyes, but the realization that most normal-appearing oocytes may conceal abnormalities prompts the search for automated approaches that can detect the abnormalities imperceptible to naked eyes. In this study, we developed an image processing pipeline applicable to bright-field microscope images to quantify the causal relationship between the quantitative imaging features and the developmental potential of oocytes. We acquired 19 imaging features of approximately 700 oocytes and determined two imaging subtypes, namely viable and nonviable subtypes that correlated closely with a viability fluorescence indicator and cleavage rates. The causal relationship between these imaging features and oocyte viability was derived from a viability-oriented Bayesian network that was developed based on the Bayesian information criterion and Tabu search. Our experimental results revealed that entropy with mean Gray Level Co-Occurrence Matrix energy describing the uniformity and texture roughness of cytoplasm were salient features for the automated selection of promising oocytes that exhibited excellent developmental potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhe Chen
- Institute of Robotics and Automatic Information System, College of Artificial Intelligence, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robotics, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Institute of Intelligence Technology and Robotic Systems, Shenzhen Research Institute of Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yaowei Liu
- Institute of Robotics and Automatic Information System, College of Artificial Intelligence, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robotics, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Institute of Intelligence Technology and Robotic Systems, Shenzhen Research Institute of Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoying Zuo
- Institute of Robotics and Automatic Information System, College of Artificial Intelligence, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robotics, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Institute of Intelligence Technology and Robotic Systems, Shenzhen Research Institute of Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Qili Zhao
- Institute of Robotics and Automatic Information System, College of Artificial Intelligence, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robotics, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Institute of Intelligence Technology and Robotic Systems, Shenzhen Research Institute of Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Mingzhu Sun
- Institute of Robotics and Automatic Information System, College of Artificial Intelligence, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robotics, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Institute of Intelligence Technology and Robotic Systems, Shenzhen Research Institute of Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Maosheng Cui
- Institute of Intelligence Technology and Robotic Systems, Shenzhen Research Institute of Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Innovation Team of Pig Feeding, Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary of Tianjin, Tianjin, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Institute of Robotics and Automatic Information System, College of Artificial Intelligence, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robotics, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Institute of Intelligence Technology and Robotic Systems, Shenzhen Research Institute of Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yue Du
- Institute of Robotics and Automatic Information System, College of Artificial Intelligence, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robotics, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Institute of Intelligence Technology and Robotic Systems, Shenzhen Research Institute of Nankai University, Tianjin, China
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46
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Adel N, Abdulghaffar S, Elmahdy M, Nabil M, Ghareeb D, Maghraby H. Autophagy-related gene and protein expressions during blastocyst development. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:323-331. [PMID: 36576685 PMCID: PMC9935768 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02698-4] [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] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to examine the expression of autophagic genes and proteins during blastocyst development and differentiation. METHODS This is a prospective cohort study. Between March 2018 and November 2019, 30 females aged 30.13 ± 4.83 years underwent an intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycle at Madina Fertility Center. ICSI was used to develop and incubate 82 leftover embryos to day 5. Then, the embryos were divided into two groups based on their developmental structure: group D (n = 49) included embryos that developed into blastocysts, whereas group A (n = 33) included arrested embryos. These embryos were used to investigate the autophagic gene and protein expressions. The current study was approved by the Clinical Trial Ethical Committee of the Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, following the ethical standards of scientific research (Registration no. 0303721). RESULTS Embryos that developed into blastocysts on day 5 (group D) had significantly higher relative expression of the LC3 gene (1.11 ± 0.52) and beclin-1 gene (1.43 ± 0.34) and beclin-1 protein expression (3.8 ± 0.028) than those that did not develop into blastocysts on day 5 (group A) [0.72 ± 0.18 (P = 0.03), 0.35 ± 0.12 (P = 0.0001), and 3.14 ± 0.05, (P = 0.0001), respectively]. In contrast, mTOR and PIK3C3 protein expression was significantly higher in group A (arrested embryos) than those in group D (developed embryos) (P = 0.007 and P = 0.0001, respectively). Furthermore, the expression of the eIF4E gene was significantly lower in group D embryos (0.32 ± 0.07) than that in group A embryos (4.38 ± 1.16) (P = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS This work identifies autophagy as a well regulated process required to maintain cell allocation and differentiation during late preimplantation embryo developmental stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nehal Adel
- Madina Fertility Center, Madina Women's Hospital, 5 Ahmed Yehia Street, Smouha, Alexandria, Zezenia, 21563, Egypt.
| | - Shaymaa Abdulghaffar
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21563, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Elmahdy
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21563, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Nabil
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, New Valley University, Kharga, 72511, Egypt
| | - Doaa Ghareeb
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21563, Egypt
| | - Hassan Maghraby
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21563, Egypt
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Satouh Y, Sato K. Reorganization, specialization, and degradation of oocyte maternal components for early development. Reprod Med Biol 2023; 22:e12505. [PMID: 36726596 PMCID: PMC9884333 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Oocyte components are maternally provided, solely determine oocyte quality, and coordinately determine embryo quality with zygotic gene expression. During oocyte maturation, maternal organelles are drastically reorganized and specialized to support oocyte characteristics. A large number of maternal components are actively degraded after fertilization and gradually replaced by zygotic gene products. The molecular basis and the significance of these processes on oocyte/embryo quality are not fully understood. Methods Firstly, recent findings in organelle characteristics of other cells or oocytes from model organisms are introduced for further understanding of oocyte organelle reorganization/specialization. Secondly, recent progress in studies on maternal components degradation and their molecular mechanisms are introduced. Finally, future applications of these advancements for predicting mammalian oocyte/embryo quality are discussed. Main findings The significance of cellular surface protein degradation via endocytosis for embryonic development, and involvement of biogenesis of lipid droplets in embryonic quality, were recently reported using mammalian model organisms. Conclusion Identifying key oocyte component characteristics and understanding their dynamics may lead to new applications in oocyte/embryo quality prediction and improvement. To implement these multidimensional concepts, development of new technical approaches that allow us to address the complexity and efficient studies using model organisms are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhkoh Satouh
- Laboratory of Molecular Traffic, Institute for Molecular and Cellular RegulationGunma UniversityMaebashiJapan
| | - Ken Sato
- Laboratory of Molecular Traffic, Institute for Molecular and Cellular RegulationGunma UniversityMaebashiJapan
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Takahashi N, Franciosi F, Daldello EM, Luong XG, Althoff P, Wang X, Conti M. CPEB1-dependent disruption of the mRNA translation program in oocytes during maternal aging. Nat Commun 2023; 14:416. [PMID: 36697412 PMCID: PMC9877008 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-35994-3] [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: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The molecular causes of deteriorating oocyte quality during aging are poorly defined. Since oocyte developmental competence relies on post-transcriptional regulations, we tested whether defective mRNA translation contributes to this decline in quality. Disruption in ribosome loading on maternal transcripts is present in old oocytes. Using a candidate approach, we detect altered translation of 3'-UTR-reporters and altered poly(A) length of the endogenous mRNAs. mRNA polyadenylation depends on the cytoplasmic polyadenylation binding protein 1 (CPEB1). Cpeb1 mRNA translation and protein levels are decreased in old oocytes. This decrease causes de-repression of Ccnb1 translation in quiescent oocytes, premature CDK1 activation, and accelerated reentry into meiosis. De-repression of Ccnb1 is corrected by Cpeb1 mRNA injection in old oocytes. Oocyte-specific Cpeb1 haploinsufficiency in young oocytes recapitulates all the translation phenotypes of old oocytes. These findings demonstrate that a dysfunction in the oocyte translation program is associated with the decline in oocyte quality during aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nozomi Takahashi
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.,USA Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Federica Franciosi
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.,USA Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.,Reproductive and Developmental Biology Lab, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Enrico Maria Daldello
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.,USA Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.,Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Laboratoire de Biologie du Développement-Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, LBD-IBPS, Paris, France
| | - Xuan G Luong
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.,USA Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Peter Althoff
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.,USA Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Xiaotian Wang
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.,USA Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Marco Conti
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA. .,USA Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA. .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
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Fiorentino G, Cimadomo D, Innocenti F, Soscia D, Vaiarelli A, Ubaldi FM, Gennarelli G, Garagna S, Rienzi L, Zuccotti M. Biomechanical forces and signals operating in the ovary during folliculogenesis and their dysregulation: implications for fertility. Hum Reprod Update 2023; 29:1-23. [PMID: 35856663 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Folliculogenesis occurs in the highly dynamic environment of the ovary. Follicle cyclic recruitment, neo-angiogenesis, spatial displacement, follicle atresia and ovulation stand out as major events resulting from the interplay between mechanical forces and molecular signals. Morphological and functional changes to the growing follicle and to the surrounding tissue are required to produce oocytes capable of supporting preimplantation development to the blastocyst stage. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review will summarize the ovarian morphological and functional context that contributes to follicle recruitment, growth and ovulation, as well as to the acquisition of oocyte developmental competence. We will describe the changes occurring during folliculogenesis to the ovarian extracellular matrix (ECM) and to the vasculature, their influence on the mechanical properties of the ovarian tissue, and, in turn, their influence on the regulation of signal transduction. Also, we will outline how their dysregulation might be associated with pathologies such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis or premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). Finally, for each of these three pathologies, we will highlight therapeutic strategies attempting to correct the altered biomechanical context in order to restore fertility. SEARCH METHODS For each area discussed, a systematic bibliographical search was performed, without temporal limits, using PubMed Central, Web of Science and Scopus search engines employing the keywords extracellular matrix, mechanobiology, biomechanics, vasculature, angiogenesis or signalling pathway in combination with: ovary, oogenesis, oocyte, folliculogenesis, ovarian follicle, theca, granulosa, cumulus, follicular fluid, corpus luteum, meiosis, oocyte developmental competence, preimplantation, polycystic ovary syndrome, premature ovarian insufficiency or endometriosis. OUTCOMES Through search engines queries, we yielded a total of 37 368 papers that were further selected based on our focus on mammals and, specifically, on rodents, bovine, equine, ovine, primates and human, and also were trimmed around each specific topic of the review. After the elimination of duplicates, this selection process resulted in 628 papers, of which 287 were cited in the manuscript. Among these, 89.2% were published in the past 22 years, while the remaining 8.0%, 2.4% or 0.3% were published during the 1990s, 1980s or before, respectively. During folliculogenesis, changes occur to the ovarian ECM composition and organization that, together with vasculature modelling around the growing follicle, are aimed to sustain its recruitment and growth, and the maturation of the enclosed oocyte. These events define the scenario in which mechanical forces are key to the regulation of cascades of molecular signals. Alterations to this context determine impaired folliculogenesis and decreased oocyte developmental potential, as observed in pathological conditions which are causes of infertility, such as PCOS, endometriosis or POI. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The knowledge of these mechanisms and the rules that govern them lay a sound basis to explain how follicles recruitment and growth are modulated, and stimulate insights to develop, in clinical practice, strategies to improve follicular recruitment and oocyte competence, particularly for pathologies like PCOS, endometriosis and POI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Fiorentino
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Center for Health Technologies, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | | | - Daria Soscia
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GeneraLife IVF, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Gianluca Gennarelli
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Physiopathology of Reproduction and IVF Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, Sant'Anna Hospital, University of Torino, Turin, Italy.,Livet, GeneraLife IVF, Turin, Italy
| | - Silvia Garagna
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Center for Health Technologies, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Laura Rienzi
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GeneraLife IVF, Rome, Italy.,Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy
| | - Maurizio Zuccotti
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Center for Health Technologies, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Oliveira CS, Rosa PMDS, Camargo AJDR, Feres LF, Saraiva NZ, Oliveira LZ, Camargo LSDA. Outstanding Gir oocyte donors: How does individual factor affect in vitro embryo production efficiency? Anim Sci J 2023; 94:e13862. [PMID: 37551633 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13862] [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: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
The oocyte donor plays a pivotal role in bovine in vitro embryo production (IVP) success. The individual factor affects blastocyst/oocyte ratio and determine the existence of outstanding performing animals. The aim of this study was to assess the extent of individual factor effect to IVP efficiency, in a population of Gir oocyte donors. Extreme (high or low IVP efficiency based on blastocyst/oocyte ratio) animals were selected out of a population of 250 oocyte donors (1,734 observations) to form high (>0.48, n = 40), average (0.17-0.48, n = 168), and low (<0.17, n = 42) efficiency donor groups. Cumulus-oocyte complex indicators (total number, IVF-grade number, and IVF-grade/total ratio) were lower (p < 0.05) in high efficiency donors. The number of blastocysts per OPU was analyzed for highest performing bull, and an increase (p < 0.05) in high efficiency donors and a decrease (p < 0.05) in low efficiency donors were noticed, compared to average efficiency donors. The number of pregnancies obtained per OPU was affected (p = 0.017) by donor's efficiency (low:0.60 ± 0.09 $$ 0.60\pm 0.09 $$ , average:1.17 ± 0.07 $$ 1.17\pm 0.07 $$ , high:2.57 ± 0.26 $$ 2.57\pm 0.26 $$ ), being 4.3-fold higher in high than in low efficiency donors. We conclude that producing embryos from high efficiency blastocyst/oocyte ratio donors increases blastocyst and pregnancy numbers by OPU, being an important indicator for donor selection in IVP programs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Luiz Fernando Feres
- Jose do Rosario Vellano University (UNIFENAS), Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Leticia Zoccolaro Oliveira
- Department of Veterinary Clinics and Surgery, Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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