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Fluks M, Collier R, Walewska A, Bruce AW, Ajduk A. How great thou ART: biomechanical properties of oocytes and embryos as indicators of quality in assisted reproductive technologies. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1342905. [PMID: 38425501 PMCID: PMC10902081 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1342905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) have revolutionized infertility treatment and animal breeding, but their success largely depends on selecting high-quality oocytes for fertilization and embryos for transfer. During preimplantation development, embryos undergo complex morphogenetic processes, such as compaction and cavitation, driven by cellular forces dependent on cytoskeletal dynamics and cell-cell interactions. These processes are pivotal in dictating an embryo's capacity to implant and progress to full-term development. Hence, a comprehensive grasp of the biomechanical attributes characterizing healthy oocytes and embryos is essential for selecting those with higher developmental potential. Various noninvasive techniques have emerged as valuable tools for assessing biomechanical properties without disturbing the oocyte or embryo physiological state, including morphokinetics, analysis of cytoplasmic movement velocity, or quantification of cortical tension and elasticity using microaspiration. By shedding light on the cytoskeletal processes involved in chromosome segregation, cytokinesis, cellular trafficking, and cell adhesion, underlying oogenesis, and embryonic development, this review explores the significance of embryo biomechanics in ART and its potential implications for improving clinical IVF outcomes, offering valuable insights and research directions to enhance oocyte and embryo selection procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Fluks
- Department of Embryology, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Rebecca Collier
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Agnieszka Walewska
- Department of Embryology, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Alexander W. Bruce
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Anna Ajduk
- Department of Embryology, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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2
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Bourdais A, Dehapiot B, Halet G. MRCK activates mouse oocyte myosin II for spindle rotation and male pronucleus centration. J Cell Biol 2023; 222:e202211029. [PMID: 37651121 PMCID: PMC10470461 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202211029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Asymmetric meiotic divisions in oocytes rely on spindle positioning in close vicinity to the cortex. In metaphase II mouse oocytes, eccentric spindle positioning triggers cortical polarization, including the build-up of an actin cap surrounded by a ring of activated myosin II. While the role of the actin cap in promoting polar body formation is established, ring myosin II activation mechanisms and functions have remained elusive. Here, we show that ring myosin II activation requires myotonic dystrophy kinase-related Cdc42-binding kinase (MRCK), downstream of polarized Cdc42. MRCK inhibition resulted in spindle rotation defects during anaphase II, precluding polar body extrusion. Remarkably, disengagement of segregated chromatids from the anaphase spindle could rescue rotation. We further show that the MRCK/myosin II pathway is activated in the fertilization cone and is required for male pronucleus migration toward the center of the zygote. These findings provide novel insights into the mechanism of myosin II activation in oocytes and its role in orchestrating asymmetric division and pronucleus centration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Bourdais
- University of Rennes, CNRS - UMR 6290, Institute of Genetics and Development of Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - Benoit Dehapiot
- University of Rennes, CNRS - UMR 6290, Institute of Genetics and Development of Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - Guillaume Halet
- University of Rennes, CNRS - UMR 6290, Institute of Genetics and Development of Rennes, Rennes, France
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3
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Czajkowska K, Ajduk A. Mitochondrial activity and redox status in oocytes from old mice: The interplay between maternal and postovulatory aging. Theriogenology 2023; 204:18-30. [PMID: 37031516 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
Maternal aging has been reported to reduce oocyte quality and, in turn, lower the developmental potential of the resulting embryos. Here, we show that maternally aged oocytes display two strikingly different phenotypes: some have normal morphology, whereas others have significantly shrunk cytoplasm. The latter phenotype usually prevails in aged females. Our objective was to characterize both types of maternally aged oocytes and investigate the origins of this diversity. Importantly, our experiments indicate that shrunk maternally aged oocytes are severely compromised in terms of mitochondrial functionality as compared to their young or morphologically normal maternally aged counterparts: they display significantly decreased mitochondrial activity and lower amounts of ROS. In contrast, morphologically normal maternally aged oocytes had the same mitochondrial activity as young ones, while their ROS levels were higher. Surprisingly, the shrunk phenotype was completely absent in maternally aged oocytes that matured in vitro, suggesting that it is not caused inherently by maternal aging, but may be related to other factors, like postovulatory aging. Indeed, an additional culture of in vitro matured young and old oocytes (i.e., in vitro postovulatory aging) significantly decreased their mitochondrial activity and led to cytoplasm shrinkage. In vivo postovulatory aging had a similar effect on oocytes from both young and old females. Finally, we examined the developmental potential of oocytes obtained from aged females. Shrunk (i.e., most likely postovulatory aged) oocytes failed to become fertilized, whereas morphologically normal ones (i.e., most likely not subjected to postovulatory aging) underwent fertilization and subsequent cleavage divisions, although they achieved the 2-cell stage less frequently than morphologically normal oocytes from young females. Importantly, the quality of blastocysts as well as the live birth rate for morphologically normal oocytes from old and young females were similar. In summary, our data clearly indicate that two pools of oocytes present in oviducts of aged females differ significantly in their quality and developmental potential and that the more severely affected phenotype results most likely from a synergistic action of maternal and postovulatory aging.
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Akera T. Tubulin post-translational modifications in meiosis. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2023; 137:38-45. [PMID: 34836784 PMCID: PMC9124733 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Haploid gametes are produced from diploid parents through meiosis, a process inherent to all sexually reproducing eukaryotes. Faithful chromosome segregation in meiosis is essential for reproductive success, although it is less clear how the meiotic spindle achieves this compared to the mitotic spindle. It is becoming increasingly clear that tubulin post-translational modifications (PTMs) play critical roles in regulating microtubule functions in many biological processes, and meiosis is no exception. Here, I review recent advances in the understanding of tubulin PTMs in meiotic spindles, especially focusing on their roles in spindle integrity, oocyte aging, and non-Mendelian transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Akera
- Cell and Developmental Biology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda 20892, MD, USA.
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5
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Feitosa WB, Morris PL. Post-ovulatory aging is associated with altered patterns for small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) proteins and SUMO-specific proteases. FASEB J 2023; 37:e22816. [PMID: 36826436 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202200622r] [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: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian oocytes are ovulated arrested at metaphase of the second meiotic division. If they are not fertilized within a short period, the oocyte undergoes several progressive morphological, structural, and molecular changes during a process called oocyte aging. Herein, we focused on those functional events associated with proper cytoskeleton organization and those that correlate with spindle displacement and chromosome misalignment or scatter. Post-translational modifications by Small Ubiquitin-like Modifier (SUMO) proteins are involved in spindle organization and here we demonstrate that the SUMO pathway is involved in spindle morphology changes and chromosome movements during oocyte aging. SUMO-2/3 as well as the SUMO-specific proteases SENP-2 localization are affected by postovulatory aging in vitro. Consistent with these findings, UBC9 decreases during oocyte aging while differential ubiquitination patterns also correlate with in vitro oocyte aging. These results are consistent with postovulatory aging-related alterations in the posttranslational modifications of the spindle apparatus by SUMO and its SENP proteases. These findings are suggestive that such age-related changes in SUMOylation and the deSUMOylation of key target proteins in the spindle apparatus and kinetochore may be involved with spindle and chromosome alignment defects during mammalian oocyte postovulatory aging. Such findings may have implications for ART-related human oocyte aging in vitro regarding the activities of the SUMO pathway and fertilization success.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Patricia L Morris
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, USA.,The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, USA
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Zhuan Q, Li J, Du X, Zhang L, Meng L, Luo Y, Zhou D, Liu H, Wan P, Hou Y, Fu X. Antioxidant procyanidin B2 protects oocytes against cryoinjuries via mitochondria regulated cortical tension. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2022; 13:95. [PMID: 35971139 PMCID: PMC9380387 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-022-00742-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Irreversible cryodamage caused by oocyte vitrification limited its wild application in female fertility preservation. Antioxidants were always used to antagonist the oxidative stress caused by vitrification. However, the comprehensive mechanism underlying the protective role of antioxidants has not been studied. Procyanidin B2 (PCB2) is a potent natural antioxidant and its functions in response to vitrification are still unknown. In this study, the effects of PCB2 on vitrified-thawed oocytes and subsequent embryo development were explored, and the mechanisms underlying the protective role of PCB2 were systematically elucidated. RESULTS Vitrification induced a marked decline in oocyte quality, while PCB2 could improve oocyte viability and further development after parthenogenetic activation. A subsequent study indicated that PCB2 effectively attenuated vitrification-induced oxidative stress, rescued mitochondrial dysfunction, and improved cell viability. Moreover, PCB2 also acts as a cortical tension regulator apart from strong antioxidant properties. Increased cortical tension caused by PCB2 would maintain normal spindle morphology and promote migration, ensure correct meiosis progression and finally reduce the aneuploidy rate in vitrified oocytes. Further study reveals that ATP biosynthesis plays a crucial role in cortical tension regulation, and PCB2 effectively increased the cortical tension through the electron transfer chain pathway. Additionally, PCB2 would elevate the cortical tension in embryo cells at morula and blastocyst stages and further improve blastocyst quality. What's more, targeted metabolomics shows that PCB2 has a beneficial effect on blastocyst formation by mediating saccharides and amino acids metabolism. CONCLUSIONS Antioxidant PCB2 exhibits multi-protective roles in response to vitrification stimuli through mitochondria-mediated cortical tension regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingrui Zhuan
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Li
- grid.452458.aDepartment of Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Medical Center, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei China
| | - Xingzhu Du
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Luyao Zhang
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290State Key Laboratories of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Meng
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290State Key Laboratories of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuwen Luo
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Dan Zhou
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongyu Liu
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Pengcheng Wan
- grid.469620.f0000 0004 4678 3979State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Breeding, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Sciences, Shihhotze, China
| | - Yunpeng Hou
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290State Key Laboratories of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangwei Fu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Breeding, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Sciences, Shihhotze, China.
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7
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Zhuan Q, Li J, Zhou G, Du X, Liu H, Hou Y, Wan P, Fu X. Procyanidin B2 Protects Aged Oocytes Against Meiotic Defects Through Cortical Tension Modulation. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:795050. [PMID: 35464357 PMCID: PMC9024290 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.795050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Defects in meiotic process are the main factors responsible for the decreased developmental competence in aged oocytes. Our recent research indicated that natural antioxidant procyanidin B2 (PCB2) promoted maturation progress in oocytes from diabetic mice. However, the effect of PCB2 on aging-induced chromosome abnormalities and the underlying mechanism have not been explored. Here, we found that PCB2 recovered aging-caused developmental arrest during meiotic maturation, germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) rate was significantly higher in aged oocytes treated with PCB2 (P < 0.05). Furthermore, we discovered that cortical mechanics were altered during aging process, cortical tension-related proteins were aberrantly expressed in aged oocytes (P < 0.001). PCB2 supplementation efficaciously antagonized aging-induced decreased cortical tension (P < 0.001). Moreover, PCB2 restored spindle morphology (P < 0.01), maintained proper chromosome alignment (P < 0.05), and dramatically reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) level (P < 0.05) in aged oocytes. Collectively, our results reveal that PCB2 supplementation is a feasible approach to protect oocytes from reproductive aging, contributing to the improvement of oocytes quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingrui Zhuan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Medical Center, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Guizhen Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xingzhu Du
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongyu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yunpeng Hou
- State Key Laboratories of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Pengcheng Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Breeding, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Sciences, Shihhotze, China
| | - Xiangwei Fu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Breeding, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Sciences, Shihhotze, China
- *Correspondence: Xiangwei Fu
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8
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Du X, Li J, Zhuan Q, Zhang L, Meng L, Ren P, Huang X, Bai J, Wan P, Sun W, Hou Y, Zhu S, Fu X. Artificially Increasing Cortical Tension Improves Mouse Oocytes Development by Attenuating Meiotic Defects During Vitrification. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:876259. [PMID: 35399525 PMCID: PMC8987233 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.876259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Oocyte cryopreservation demonstrates great benefits in the conservation of animal germplasm resources and assisted reproductive technology. However, vitrification causes damages in oocytes, which would lead to the decrease of oocyte quality, and embryonic development post fertilization. Cytoskeleton plays an important role in regulating cell shape, organelle migration, cell division and mechanical signal transduction. Cortical tension is a reflection of the physiological state and contractile ability of cortical cytoskeleton. Appropriate cortical tension is prerequesite for normal oocyte meiosis. In the present study, oocyte cortical tension was examined by evaluating the levels of cortical tension-related protein pERM (Phospho-Ezrin/Radixin/Moesin) and pMRLC (Phospho-Myosin Light Chain 2). We found that the cortical tension of vitrified oocytes was decreased. Increasing cortical tension of vitrified oocytes by adding 10 μg/ml ConA during in vitro culture could significantly improve the polar body extrusion rate and embryo development. Furthermore, increasing the cortical tension could improve spindle positioning, maintain kinetochore-microtubule (KT-MT) attachment, strengthen spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) activity, and reduce the aneuploidy rate in vitrified oocytes. In conclusion, vitrification induced a remarkable decrease in cortical tension, and increasing the cortical tension could rescue the meiosis defect and improve oocyte quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingzhu Du
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Medical Center, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Qingrui Zhuan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Luyao Zhang
- State Key Laboratories of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Meng
- State Key Laboratories of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Panyu Ren
- State Key Laboratories of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohan Huang
- State Key Laboratories of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiachen Bai
- Institute of Biothermal Science and Technology, School of Medical Instrument and Food Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Pengcheng Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Breeding, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Sciences, Shihezi, China
| | - Wenquan Sun
- Institute of Biothermal Science and Technology, School of Medical Instrument and Food Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yunpeng Hou
- State Key Laboratories of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Shien Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangwei Fu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Breeding, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Sciences, Shihezi, China
- *Correspondence: Xiangwei Fu,
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Di Nisio V, Antonouli S, Damdimopoulou P, Salumets A, Cecconi S. In vivo and in vitro postovulatory aging: when time works against oocyte quality? J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:905-918. [PMID: 35312936 PMCID: PMC9050976 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02418-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammalian species an optimal fertilization window during which successful fertilization occurs. In the majority of mammals estrus marks ovulation time and coincident with mating, thereby allowing the synchronized meeting in the fallopian tubes, between freshly ejaculated sperm and freshly ovulated oocytes. Conversely, women do not show natural visual signs of ovulation such that fertilization can occur hours later involving an aged oocyte and freshly ejaculated spermatozoa. During this time, the oocyte undergoes a rapid degradation known as “postovulatory aging” (POA). POA may become particularly important in the human-assisted reproductive technologies, as the fertilization of retrieved mature oocytes can be delayed due to increased laboratory workload or because of unforeseeable circumstances, like the delayed availability of semen samples. This paper is an updated review of the consequences of POA, either in vivo or in vitro, on oocyte quality with particular attention to modifications caused by POA on oocyte nuclear, cytoplasmic, genomic, and epigenetic maturation, and embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Di Nisio
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, 14186, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Sevastiani Antonouli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Pauliina Damdimopoulou
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, 14186, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andres Salumets
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, 14186, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, 50406, Tartu, Estonia.,Competence Centre On Health Technologies, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Sandra Cecconi
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy.
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10
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Mori M, Yao T, Mishina T, Endoh H, Tanaka M, Yonezawa N, Shimamoto Y, Yonemura S, Yamagata K, Kitajima TS, Ikawa M. RanGTP and the actin cytoskeleton keep paternal and maternal chromosomes apart during fertilization. J Cell Biol 2021; 220:e202012001. [PMID: 34424312 PMCID: PMC8404465 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202012001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Zygotes require two accurate sets of parental chromosomes, one each from the mother and the father, to undergo normal embryogenesis. However, upon egg-sperm fusion in vertebrates, the zygote has three sets of chromosomes, one from the sperm and two from the egg. The zygote therefore eliminates one set of maternal chromosomes (but not the paternal chromosomes) into the polar body through meiosis, but how the paternal chromosomes are protected from maternal meiosis has been unclear. Here we report that RanGTP and F-actin dynamics prevent egg-sperm fusion in proximity to maternal chromosomes. RanGTP prevents the localization of Juno and CD9, egg membrane proteins that mediate sperm fusion, at the cell surface in proximity to maternal chromosomes. Following egg-sperm fusion, F-actin keeps paternal chromosomes away from maternal chromosomes. Disruption of these mechanisms causes the elimination of paternal chromosomes during maternal meiosis. This study reveals a novel critical mechanism that prevents aneuploidy in zygotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masashi Mori
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Laboratory for Chromosome Segregation, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Japan
| | - Tatsuma Yao
- Research and Development Center, Fuso Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd., Osaka, Japan
- Graduate School of Biology-Oriented Science and Technology, Kindai University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Tappei Mishina
- Laboratory for Chromosome Segregation, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Japan
| | - Hiromi Endoh
- Laboratory for Ultrastructural Research, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Japan
| | - Masahito Tanaka
- Physics and Cell Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics & Department of Genetics, SOKENDAI University, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Nao Yonezawa
- Graduate School of Biology-Oriented Science and Technology, Kindai University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Yuta Shimamoto
- Physics and Cell Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics & Department of Genetics, SOKENDAI University, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Shigenobu Yonemura
- Laboratory for Ultrastructural Research, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Japan
- Department of Cell Biology, Tokushima University Graduate School of Medical Science, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Kazuo Yamagata
- Graduate School of Biology-Oriented Science and Technology, Kindai University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Tomoya S. Kitajima
- Laboratory for Chromosome Segregation, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
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11
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Lee HC, Edmonds ME, Duncan FE, O'Halloran TV, Woodruff TK. Zinc exocytosis is sensitive to myosin light chain kinase inhibition in mouse and human eggs. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 26:228-239. [PMID: 32119740 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaaa017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Zinc dynamics are essential for oocyte meiotic maturation, egg activation, and preimplantation embryo development. During fertilisation and egg activation, the egg releases billions of zinc atoms (Zn2+) in an exocytotic event termed the 'zinc spark'. We hypothesised that this zinc transport and exocytosis is dependent upon the intracellular trafficking of cortical granules (CG) which requires myosin-actin-dependent motors. Treatment of mature mouse and human eggs with ML-7, a myosin light chain kinase inhibitor (MLCK), resulted in an 80% reduction in zinc spark intensity compared to untreated controls when activated with ionomycin. Moreover, CG migration towards the plasma membrane was significantly decreased in ML-7-treated eggs compared with controls when activated parthenogenetically with ionomycin. In sperm-induced fertilisation via intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), ML-7-treated mouse eggs exhibited decreased labile zinc intensity and cortical CG staining. Collectively, these data demonstrate that ML-7 treatment impairs zinc release from both murine and human eggs after activation, demonstrating that zinc exocytosis requires myosin light chain kinase activity. Further, these results provide additional support that zinc is likely stored and released from CGs. These data underscore the importance of intracellular zinc trafficking as a crucial component of egg maturation necessary for egg activation and early embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoi Chang Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Maxwell E Edmonds
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Francesca E Duncan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.,Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Thomas V O'Halloran
- Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.,Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Teresa K Woodruff
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.,Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
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12
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Artificially decreasing cortical tension generates aneuploidy in mouse oocytes. Nat Commun 2020; 11:1649. [PMID: 32245998 PMCID: PMC7125192 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-15470-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Human and mouse oocytes’ developmental potential can be predicted by their mechanical properties. Their development into blastocysts requires a specific stiffness window. In this study, we combine live-cell and computational imaging, laser ablation, and biophysical measurements to investigate how deregulation of cortex tension in the oocyte contributes to early developmental failure. We focus on extra-soft cells, the most common defect in a natural population. Using two independent tools to artificially decrease cortical tension, we show that chromosome alignment is impaired in extra-soft mouse oocytes, despite normal spindle morphogenesis and dynamics, inducing aneuploidy. The main cause is a cytoplasmic increase in myosin-II activity that could sterically hinder chromosome capture. We describe here an original mode of generation of aneuploidies that could be very common in oocytes and could contribute to the high aneuploidy rate observed during female meiosis, a leading cause of infertility and congenital disorders. The developmental potential of human and murine oocytes is predicted by their mechanical properties. Here the authors show that artificial reduction of cortex tension produces aneuploid mouse oocytes and speculate that this may contribute to the high aneuploidy rate typical of female meiosis.
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13
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Evans JP. Preventing polyspermy in mammalian eggs-Contributions of the membrane block and other mechanisms. Mol Reprod Dev 2020; 87:341-349. [PMID: 32219915 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The egg's blocks to polyspermy (fertilization of an egg by more than one sperm) were originally identified in marine and aquatic species with external fertilization, but polyspermy matters in mammalian reproduction too. Embryonic triploidy is a noteworthy event associated with pregnancy complications and loss. Polyspermy is a major cause of triploidy with up to 80% of triploid conceptuses being the result of dispermic fertilization. The mammalian female reproductive tract regulates the number of sperm that reach the site of fertilization, but mammals also utilize egg-based blocks to polyspermy. The egg-based blocks occur on the mammalian egg coat (the zona pellucida) and the egg plasma membrane, with apparent variation between different mammalian species regarding the extent to which one or both are used. The zona pellucida block to polyspermy has some similarities to the slow block in water-dwelling species, but the mammalian membrane block to polyspermy differs substantially from the fast electrical block that has been characterized in marine and aquatic species. This review discusses what is known about the incidence of polyspermy in mammals and about the mammalian membrane block to polyspermy, as well as notes some lesser-characterized potential mechanisms contributing to polyspermy prevention in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janice P Evans
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
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14
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Lai WF, Wong WT. Roles of the actin cytoskeleton in aging and age-associated diseases. Ageing Res Rev 2020; 58:101021. [PMID: 31968269 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2020.101021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The integrity of the cytoskeleton is essential to diverse cellular processes such as phagocytosis and intracellular trafficking. Disruption of the organization and dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton leads to age-associated symptoms and diseases, ranging from cancer to neurodegeneration. In addition, changes in the integrity of the actin cytoskeleton disrupt the functioning of not only somatic and stem cells but also gametes, resulting in aberrant embryonic development. Strategies to preserve the integrity and dynamics of the cytoskeleton are, therefore, potentially therapeutic to age-related disorders. The objective of this article is to revisit the current understanding of the roles played by the actin cytoskeleton in aging, and to review the opportunities and challenges for the transition of basic research into intervention development. It is hoped that, with the snapshot of evidence regarding changes in actin dynamics with advanced age, insights into future research directions can be attained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wing-Fu Lai
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen University, PR China; School of Life and Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, PR China; Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, PR China.
| | - Wing-Tak Wong
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, PR China
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15
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Pleiotropic effects of alpha-SNAP M105I mutation on oocyte biology: ultrastructural and cellular changes that adversely affect female fertility in mice. Sci Rep 2019; 9:17374. [PMID: 31758001 PMCID: PMC6874563 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-53574-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
After sperm-oocyte fusion, cortical granules (CGs) located in oocyte cortex undergo exocytosis and their content is released into the perivitelline space to avoid polyspermy. Thus, cortical granule exocytosis (CGE) is a key process for fertilization success. We have demonstrated that alpha-SNAP -and its functional partner NSF- mediate fusion of CGs with the plasma membrane in mouse oocytes. Here, we examined at cellular and ultrastructural level oocytes from hyh (hydrocephalus with hop gait) mice, which present a missense mutation in the Napa gene that results in the substitution of methionine for isoleucine at position 105 (M105I) of alpha-SNAP. Mutated alpha-SNAP was mislocalized in hyh oocytes while NSF expression increased during oocyte maturation. Staining of CGs showed that 9.8% of hyh oocytes had abnormal localization of CGs and oval shape. Functional tests showed that CGE was impaired in hyh oocytes. Interestingly, in vitro fertilization assays showed a decreased fertilization rate for hyh oocytes. Furthermore, fertilized hyh oocytes presented an increased polyspermy rate compared to wild type ones. At ultrastructural level, hyh oocytes showed small mitochondria and a striking accumulation and secretion of degradative structures. Our findings demonstrate the negative effects of alpha-SNAP M105 mutation on oocyte biology and further confirm the relevance of alpha-SNAP in female fertility.
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16
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Szpila M, Walewska A, Sabat-Pośpiech D, Strączyńska P, Ishikawa T, Milewski R, Szczepańska K, Ajduk A. Postovulatory ageing modifies sperm-induced Ca 2+ oscillations in mouse oocytes through a conditions-dependent, multi-pathway mechanism. Sci Rep 2019; 9:11859. [PMID: 31413272 PMCID: PMC6694115 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-48281-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Postovulatory ageing of mammalian oocytes occurs between their ovulation and fertilization and has been shown to decrease their developmental capabilities. Aged oocytes display numerous abnormalities, including altered Ca2+ signalling. Fertilization-induced Ca2+ oscillations are essential for activation of the embryonic development, therefore maintaining proper Ca2+ homeostasis is crucial for the oocyte quality. In the present paper, we show that the mechanism underlying age-dependent alterations in the pattern of sperm-triggered Ca2+ oscillations is more complex and multifaceted than previously believed. Using time-lapse imaging accompanied by immunostaining and molecular analyses, we found that postovulatory ageing affects the amount of Ca2+ stored in the cell, expression of Ca2+ pump SERCA2, amount of available ATP and distribution of endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria in a manner often strongly depending on ageing conditions (in vitro vs. in vivo). Importantly, those changes do not have to be caused by oxidative stress, usually linked with the ageing process, as they occur even if the amount of reactive oxygen species remains low. Instead, our results suggest that aberrations in Ca2+ signalling may be a synergistic result of ageing-related alterations of the cell cycle, cytoskeleton, and mitochondrial functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Szpila
- Department of Embryology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096, Warsaw, Poland.,Laboratory of RNA Biology and Functional Genomics, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawinskiego 5A, 02-106, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Walewska
- Department of Embryology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096, Warsaw, Poland.,Laboratory of Intracellular Ion Channels, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pasteura 3, 02-093, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dorota Sabat-Pośpiech
- Department of Embryology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096, Warsaw, Poland.,Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Crown St, Liverpool, L69 3BX, UK
| | - Patrycja Strączyńska
- Department of Embryology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096, Warsaw, Poland.,School of Medicine with the Division of Dentistry in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, pl. Traugutta 2, 41-800, Zabrze, Poland
| | - Takao Ishikawa
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Robert Milewski
- Department of Statistics and Medical Informatics, Medical University of Bialystok, Szpitalna 37, 15-295, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Szczepańska
- Department of Embryology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Ajduk
- Department of Embryology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096, Warsaw, Poland.
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17
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Abstract
Precisely controlled cell deformations are key to cell migration, division and tissue morphogenesis, and have been implicated in cell differentiation during development, as well as cancer progression. In animal cells, shape changes are primarily driven by the cellular cortex, a thin actomyosin network that lies directly underneath the plasma membrane. Myosin-generated forces create tension in the cortical network, and gradients in tension lead to cellular deformations. Recent studies have provided important insight into the molecular control of cortical tension by progressively unveiling cortex composition and organization. In this Cell Science at a Glance article and the accompanying poster, we review our current understanding of cortex composition and architecture. We then discuss how the microscopic properties of the cortex control cortical tension. While many open questions remain, it is now clear that cortical tension can be modulated through both cortex composition and organization, providing multiple levels of regulation for this key cellular property during cell and tissue morphogenesis. Summary: A summary of the composition, architecture, mechanics and function of the cellular actin cortex, which determines the shape of animal cells, and, thus, provides the foundation for cell and tissue morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyamvada Chugh
- MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK .,Institute for the Physics of Living Systems, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Ewa K Paluch
- MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK .,Institute for the Physics of Living Systems, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK.,Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK
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18
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Yanez LZ, Camarillo DB. Microfluidic analysis of oocyte and embryo biomechanical properties to improve outcomes in assisted reproductive technologies. Mol Hum Reprod 2017; 23:235-247. [PMID: 27932552 PMCID: PMC5909856 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaw071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Revised: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Measurement of oocyte and embryo biomechanical properties has recently emerged as an exciting new approach to obtain a quantitative, objective estimate of developmental potential. However, many traditional methods for probing cell mechanical properties are time consuming, labor intensive and require expensive equipment. Microfluidic technology is currently making its way into many aspects of assisted reproductive technologies (ART), and is particularly well suited to measure embryo biomechanics due to the potential for robust, automated single-cell analysis at a low cost. This review will highlight microfluidic approaches to measure oocyte and embryo mechanics along with their ability to predict developmental potential and find practical application in the clinic. Although these new devices must be extensively validated before they can be integrated into the existing clinical workflow, they could eventually be used to constantly monitor oocyte and embryo developmental progress and enable more optimal decision making in ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia Z. Yanez
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, 443 Via Ortega, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - David B. Camarillo
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, 443 Via Ortega, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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