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Fair T, Lonergan P. The oocyte: the key player in the success of assisted reproduction technologies. Reprod Fertil Dev 2023; 36:133-148. [PMID: 38064189 DOI: 10.1071/rd23164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The ovulation of a mature oocyte at metaphase II of meiosis, with optimal potential to undergo fertilisation by a sperm cell, complete meiosis and sustain the switch to mitotic division, and support early embryo development, involves a protracted and disrupted/delayed series of processes. Many of these are targeted for exploitation in vivo , or recapitulation in vitro , by the livestock industry. Reproductive technologies, including AI, multiple ovulation embryo transfer, ovum pick-up, in vitro embryo production, and oestrus and ovulation synchronisation, offer practitioners and producers the opportunity to produce offspring from genetically valuable dams in much greater numbers than they would normally have in their lifetime, while in vitro oocyte and follicle culture are important platforms for researchers to interrogate the physiological mechanisms driving fertility. The majority of these technologies target the ovarian follicle and the oocyte within; thus, the quality and capability of the recovered oocyte determine the success of the reproductive intervention. Molecular and microscopical technologies have grown exponentially, providing powerful platforms to interrogate the molecular mechanisms which are integral to or affected by ART. The development of the bovine oocyte from its differentiation in the ovary to ovulation is described in the light of its relevance to key aspects of individual interventions, while highlighting the historical timeline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trudee Fair
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Pat Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
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2
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Li S, Wang J, Zhang H, Ma D, Zhao M, Li N, Men Y, Zhang Y, Chu H, Lei C, Shen W, Othman OEM, Zhao Y, Min L. Transcriptome profile of goat folliculogenesis reveals the interaction of oocyte and granulosa cell in correlation with different fertility population. Sci Rep 2021; 11:15698. [PMID: 34344973 PMCID: PMC8333342 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-95215-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
To understand the molecular and genetic mechanisms related to the litter size in one species of two different populations (high litter size and low litter size), we performed RNA-seq for the oocytes and granulosa cells (GCs) at different developmental stages of follicle, and identified the interaction of genes from both sides of follicle (oocyte and GCs) and the ligand-receptor pairs from these two sides. Our data were very comprehensive to uncover the difference between these two populations regarding the folliculogenesis. First, we identified a set of potential genes in oocyte and GCs as the marker genes which can be used to determine the goat fertility capability and ovarian reserve ability. The data showed that GRHPR, GPR84, CYB5A and ERAL1 were highly expressed in oocyte while JUNB, SCN2A, MEGE8, ZEB2, EGR1and PRRC2A were highly expressed in GCs. We found more functional genes were expressed in oocytes and GCs in high fertility group (HL) than that in low fertility group (LL). We uncovered that ligand-receptor pairs in Notch signaling pathway and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily pathways played important roles in goat folliculogenesis for the different fertility population. Moreover, we discovered that the correlations of the gene expression in oocytes and GCs at different stages in the two populations HL and LL were different, too. All the data reflected the gene expression landscape in oocytes and GCs which was correlated well with the fertility capability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shen Li
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, People's Republic of China
| | - Junjie Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongfu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongxue Ma
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, People's Republic of China
| | - Minghui Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, People's Republic of China
| | - Na Li
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuhao Men
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Jining Animal Husbandry Development Center, Jining, People's Republic of China
| | - Huimin Chu
- Jining Agricultural Science Institute, Jining, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuzhao Lei
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Shen
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, People's Republic of China
| | | | - Yong Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, People's Republic of China. .,State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China.
| | - Lingjiang Min
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, People's Republic of China.
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3
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Luciano AM, Barros RG, Soares ACS, Buratini J, Lodde V, Franciosi F. Recreating the Follicular Environment: A Customized Approach for In Vitro Culture of Bovine Oocytes Based on the Origin and Differentiation State. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2273:1-15. [PMID: 33604842 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1246-0_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The mammalian ovary is a large source of oocytes organized into follicles at various stages of folliculogenesis. However, only a limited number of them can be used for in vitro embryo production (IVEP), while most have yet to complete growth and development to attain full meiotic and embryonic developmental competence. While the in vitro growth of primordial follicles in the ovarian cortex has the potential to produce mature oocytes, it is still at an experimental stage. The population of early antral follicles (EAFs), instead, may represent a reserve of oocytes close to completing the growth phase, which might be more easily exploited in vitro and could increase the number of female gametes dedicated to IVEP.Here we present in vitro culture strategies that have been developed utilizing physiological parameters to support the specific needs of oocytes at distinct stages of differentiation, in order to expand the source of female gametes for IVEP by maximizing the attainment of fertilizable oocytes. Furthermore, these culture systems provide powerful tools to dissect the molecular processes that direct the final differentiation of the mammalian oocyte.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Maria Luciano
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Rodrigo Garcia Barros
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Ana Caroline Silva Soares
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Sao Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Jose Buratini
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Sao Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil.,Biogenesi, Reproductive Medicine Centre, Monza, Italy
| | - Valentina Lodde
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Franciosi
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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4
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Oocyte Selection for In Vitro Embryo Production in Bovine Species: Noninvasive Approaches for New Challenges of Oocyte Competence. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10122196. [PMID: 33255250 PMCID: PMC7760727 DOI: 10.3390/ani10122196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The efficiency of producing embryos using in vitro technologies in cattle species remains lower when compared to mice, indicating that the proportion of female gametes that fail to develop after in vitro manipulation is considerably large. Considering that the intrinsic quality of the oocyte is one of the main factors affecting embryo production, the precise identification of noninvasive markers that predict oocyte competence is of major interest. The aim of this review was to explore the current literature on different noninvasive markers associated with oocyte quality in the bovine model. Apart from some controversial findings, the presence of cycle-related structures in ovaries, a follicle size between 6 and 10 mm, a large slightly expanded investment without dark areas, large oocyte diameter (>120 microns), dark cytoplasm, and the presence of a round and smooth first polar body have been associated with better embryonic development. In addition, the combination of oocyte and zygote selection, spindle imaging, and the anti-Stokes Raman scattering microscopy together with studies decoding molecular cues in oocyte maturation have the potential to further optimize the identification of oocytes with better developmental competence for in vitro technologies in livestock species. Abstract The efficiency of producing embryos using in vitro technologies in livestock species rarely exceeds the 30–40% threshold, indicating that the proportion of oocytes that fail to develop after in vitro fertilization and culture is considerably large. Considering that the intrinsic quality of the oocyte is one of the main factors affecting blastocyst yield, the precise identification of noninvasive cellular or molecular markers that predict oocyte competence is of major interest to research and practical applications. The aim of this review was to explore the current literature on different noninvasive markers associated with oocyte quality in the bovine model. Apart from some controversial findings, the presence of cycle-related structures in ovaries, a follicle size between 6 and 10 mm, large number of surrounding cumulus cells, slightly expanded investment without dark areas, large oocyte diameter (>120 microns), dark cytoplasm, and the presence of a round and smooth first polar body have been associated with better competence. In addition, the combination of oocyte and zygote selection via brilliant cresyl blue (BCB) test, spindle imaging, and the anti-Stokes Raman scattering microscopy together with studies decoding molecular cues in oocyte maturation have the potential to further optimize the identification of oocytes with better developmental competence for in-vitro-derived technologies in livestock species.
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Nasser G, Romysa S, Dalia Abd-El RA, Beshoy SF K, Eman Kh K, Md F, Kong IK. Cumulus-oocyte developmental competence: From morphological selection to molecular markers. JOURNAL OF GYNECOLOGICAL RESEARCH AND OBSTETRICS 2020:084-086. [DOI: 10.17352/jgro.000094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
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Effect of Oocyte Quality Assessed by Brilliant Cresyl Blue (BCB) Staining on Cumulus Cell Expansion and Sonic Hedgehog Signaling in Porcine during In Vitro Maturation. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21124423. [PMID: 32580308 PMCID: PMC7352309 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Brilliant cresyl blue (BCB) staining is used to select developmentally competent cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) for in vitro maturation (IVM). However, limited attention has been paid to what drives the higher developmental competence of BCB+ COCs. Sonic hedgehog signaling (SHH) is an important signaling pathway for ovarian follicular development and oocyte maturation. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of oocyte quality assessed by BCB staining on cumulus cell expansion, oocyte nuclear maturation, subsequent embryo development, apoptosis levels, and SHH signaling protein expression, in porcine COCs. After IVM, BCB+ COCs exhibited a significantly higher proportion of complete cumulus cell expansion and metaphase II rate in oocytes than BCB- COCs. After in vitro fertilization, the BCB+ group showed a significantly higher monospermy rate, fertilization efficiency, percentage of cleavage and blastocyst formation, with a higher total cell number and a lower apoptosis in blastocysts as compared with the BCB- group. Furthermore, significantly lower apoptosis levels and a higher expression of SHH-signaling proteins in COCs were observed, before and after IVM. In conclusion, high-quality oocytes had a greater potential to expand their surrounding cumulus cells with active SHH signaling and a lower apoptosis. This could provide COCs with a proper environment for maturation, thereby leading to a better subsequent embryo development.
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Walter J, Monthoux C, Fortes C, Grossmann J, Roschitzki B, Meili T, Riond B, Hofmann-Lehmann R, Naegeli H, Bleul U. The bovine cumulus proteome is influenced by maturation condition and maturational competence of the oocyte. Sci Rep 2020; 10:9880. [PMID: 32555221 PMCID: PMC7303117 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-66822-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes has still a negative impact on the developmental competence of oocytes. Therefore, this study analysed the cumulus proteome of individual cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) with and without maturational competence, matured under in vivo or in vitro conditions (n = 5 per group). A novel, ultrasensitive mass spectrometry (MS) based protein profiling approach, using label-free quantification, was applied. The detected cumulus proteome included 2226 quantifiable proteins and was highly influenced by the maturation condition (479 differentially expressed proteins) as well as maturational competence of the corresponding oocyte (424 differentially expressed proteins). Enrichment analysis showed an overrepresentation of the complement and coagulation cascades (CCC), ECM-receptor interaction and steroid biosynthesis in cumulus of COCs that matured successfully under in vivo conditions. Verification of the origin of CCC proteins was achieved through detection of C3 secretion into the maturation medium, with significantly increasing concentrations from 12 (48.4 ng/ml) to 24 hours (68 ng/ml: p < 0.001). In relation, concentrations in follicular fluid, reflecting the in vivo situation, were >100x higher. In summary, this study identified important pathways that are impaired in IVM cumulus, as well as potential markers of the maturational competence of oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Walter
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - C Monthoux
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - C Fortes
- Functional Genomics Centre Zurich, University and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - J Grossmann
- Functional Genomics Centre Zurich, University and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, (SIB), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - B Roschitzki
- Functional Genomics Centre Zurich, University and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - T Meili
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - B Riond
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - R Hofmann-Lehmann
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - H Naegeli
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - U Bleul
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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8
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Chromosome Missegregation in Single Human Oocytes Is Related to the Age and Gene Expression Profile. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21061934. [PMID: 32178390 PMCID: PMC7139522 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21061934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The growing trend for women to postpone childbearing has resulted in a dramatic increase in the incidence of aneuploid pregnancies. Despite the importance to human reproductive health, the events precipitating female age-related meiotic errors are poorly understood. To gain new insight into the molecular basis of age-related chromosome missegregation in human oocytes, we combined the transcriptome profiles of twenty single oocytes (derived from females divided into two groups according to age <35 and ≥35 years) with their chromosome status obtained by array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH). Furthermore, we compared the transcription profile of the single oocyte with the surrounding cumulus cells (CCs). RNA-seq data showed differences in gene expression between young and old oocytes. Dysregulated genes play a role in important biological processes such as gene transcription regulation, cytoskeleton organization, pathways related to RNA maturation and translation. The comparison of the transcription profile of the oocyte and the corresponding CCs highlighted the differential expression of genes belonging to the G protein-coupled receptor superfamily. Finally, we detected the loss of a X chromosome in two oocytes derived from women belonging to the ≥35 years age group. These aneuploidies may be caused by the detriment of REEP4, an endoplasmic reticulum protein, in women aged ≥35 years. Here we gained new insight into the complex regulatory circuit between the oocyte and the surrounding CCs and uncovered a new putative molecular basis of age-related chromosome missegregation in human oocytes.
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9
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Abstract
IVF success depends on hundreds of factors and details but the oocyte quality remains the most important and problematic issue. All antral follicles contain oocytes and all of them have that have reached their full size, can be aspirated, can mature and can be fertilized in vitro. But only a few will make it to embryo unless harvested at a very specific time/status. The conditions impacting the oocyte competence are essentially dependant on the follicular status. Growing follicles contains oocytes that have not completed their preparation, as they are still writing information (RNA), later, dominant follicles or follicles at the plateau phase, stop transcription and become candidates for development. Once in transcriptional arrest, the oocytes, if not ovulated in a short amount of time, do not always make good embryos. This window is affected by time and follicle size and looks like a bell curve. The following review further explain the physiological and molecular evidences that we have to illustrate the competence window and provides clues on how to optimize ovarian stimulation to maximise oocyte quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc-André Sirard
- Département des Sciences Animales, Faculté des sciences de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
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10
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Sanchez F, Le AH, Ho VNA, Romero S, Van Ranst H, De Vos M, Gilchrist RB, Ho TM, Vuong LN, Smitz J. Biphasic in vitro maturation (CAPA-IVM) specifically improves the developmental capacity of oocytes from small antral follicles. J Assist Reprod Genet 2019; 36:2135-2144. [PMID: 31399916 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-019-01551-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the effectiveness of a biphasic IVM culture strategy at improving IVM outcomes in oocytes from small follicles (< 6 mm) compared with routine Standard IVM in patients with polycystic ovaries. METHODS This prospective pilot study was performed in 40 women with polycystic ovaries whose oocytes were randomized to two IVM culture methods. Patients received a total stimulation dose of 450 IU rFSH. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) from follicles < 6 mm and ≥ 6 mm were retrieved and cultured separately in either a prematuration medium with c-type natriuretic peptide followed by IVM (CAPA-IVM), or STD-IVM. Primary outcomes were maturation rate, embryo quality, and the number of vitrified day 3 embryos per patient. RESULTS Use of the CAPA-IVM system led to a significant improvement in oocyte maturation (p < 0.05), to a doubling in percentage of good and top-quality day 3 embryos per COC, and to an increased number of vitrified day 3 embryos (p < 0.001), compared to STD IVM. Oocytes from follicles < 6 mm benefited most from CAPA-IVM, showing a significant increase in the amount of good and top-quality embryos compared to STD IVM. CAPA-IVM yielded significantly (p < 0.0001) less GV-arrested oocytes and larger oocyte diameters (p < 0.05) than STD IVM. CONCLUSIONS CAPA-IVM brings significant improvements in maturation and embryological outcomes, most notably to oocytes from small antral follicles (< 6 mm), which can be easily retrieved from patients with a minimal ovarian stimulation. The study demonstrates the robustness and transferability of the CAPA-IVM method across laboratories and populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flor Sanchez
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussel, Belgium.,Laboratory of Reproductive Biology and Fertility Preservation, Cayetano Heredia University (UPCH), Lima, Peru
| | - Anh H Le
- IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,HOPE Research Center, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Vu N A Ho
- IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,HOPE Research Center, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Sergio Romero
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussel, Belgium.,Laboratory of Reproductive Biology and Fertility Preservation, Cayetano Heredia University (UPCH), Lima, Peru
| | - Heidi Van Ranst
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussel, Belgium
| | - Michel De Vos
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussel, Belgium
| | - Robert B Gilchrist
- Fertility and Research Centre, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Tuong M Ho
- IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,HOPE Research Center, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Lan N Vuong
- IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,HOPE Research Center, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 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, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussel, Belgium.
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Sirard MA, Grand FX, Labrecque R, Vigneault C, Blondin P. ASAS-SSR Triennial Reproduction Symposium: The use of natural cycle's follicular dynamic to improve oocyte quality in dairy cows and heifers. J Anim Sci 2018. [PMID: 29514310 DOI: 10.1093/jas/sky050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The selection of the best dairy heifers is mainly driven by the genetic value of their parents. The phenotype analysis of cows and of the daughters of bulls has been used to identify the best genetic value for decades before being replaced by genomic selection of individuals that are not yet parents. Because it is possible to predict the future value of an individual by its genetic makeup, it becomes feasible to do it as early as the blastocyst stage and to decide which should be transferred or not. Because we know the genotype of an animal at birth, or even before, it is becoming desirable to reproduce this animal as soon as possible to reduce generation interval and improve selection speed. Nature provides constraints that can be overcome: a single oocyte per cycle and age at puberty. Indeed, it is now possible to super-stimulate the ovary at any age and to start collecting oocytes at 6 mo by trans-vaginal ultrasonography. The challenge becomes the production of good eggs and embryos capable of implanting and developing into healthy calves. Our understanding of ovarian follicular physiology has been instrumental in designing stimulation protocols that may be adjusted to any physiological context including age, and even the individual animal, to obtain a good response. Therefore, the combination of procedures developed in cows to optimize oocyte quality, for example, FSH coasting, in association with in vitro fertilization and optimal culture conditions can now result in the production of several female embryos twice a month from animals 6 to12 mo of age. The transcriptomic and epigenetic analyses of embryos produced from the same females at different ages were compared and few differences were noted in particular in relation to embryo metabolism. These embryos are as good as the ones obtained from adult animals and can be produced with sexed sperm of bulls 12 mo of age. This combination of these technical optimizations with blastocyst genotyping allows the selection of a second generation within a year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc André Sirard
- Centre de recherche en reproduction, développement et santé intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), Département des Sciences Animales, Faculté des sciences de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
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12
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Biase FH, Kimble KM. Functional signaling and gene regulatory networks between the oocyte and the surrounding cumulus cells. BMC Genomics 2018; 19:351. [PMID: 29747587 PMCID: PMC5946446 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-018-4738-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The maturation and successful acquisition of developmental competence by an oocyte, the female gamete, during folliculogenesis is highly dependent on molecular interactions with somatic cells. Most of the cellular interactions identified, thus far, are modulated by growth factors, ions or metabolites. We hypothesized that this interaction is also modulated at the transcriptional level, which leads to the formation of gene regulatory networks between the oocyte and cumulus cells. We tested this hypothesis by analyzing transcriptome data from single oocytes and the surrounding cumulus cells collected from antral follicles employing an analytical framework to determine interdependencies at the transcript level. Results We overlapped our transcriptome data with putative protein-protein interactions and identified hundreds of ligand-receptor pairs that can transduce paracrine signaling between an oocyte and cumulus cells. We determined that 499 ligand-encoding genes expressed in oocytes and cumulus cells are functionally associated with transcription regulation (FDR < 0.05). Ligand-encoding genes with specific expression in oocytes or cumulus cells were enriched for biological functions that are likely associated with the coordinated formation of transzonal projections from cumulus cells that reach the oocyte’s membrane. Thousands of gene pairs exhibit significant linear co-expression (absolute correlation > 0.85, FDR < 1.8 × 10− 5) patterns between oocytes and cumulus cells. Hundreds of co-expressing genes showed clustering patterns associated with biological functions (FDR < 0.5) necessary for a coordinated function between the oocyte and cumulus cells during folliculogenesis (i.e. regulation of transcription, translation, apoptosis, cell differentiation and transport). Conclusion Our analyses revealed a complex and functional gene regulatory circuit between the oocyte and surrounding cumulus cells. The regulatory profile of each cumulus-oocyte complex is likely associated with the oocytes’ developmental potential to derive an embryo. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-018-4738-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando H Biase
- Department of Animal Sciences, Auburn University, 559 Devall Dr, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA.
| | - Katelyn M Kimble
- Department of Animal Sciences, Auburn University, 559 Devall Dr, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
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13
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Significant Down-Regulation of "Biological Adhesion" Genes in Porcine Oocytes after IVM. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18122685. [PMID: 29232894 PMCID: PMC5751287 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18122685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Revised: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Proper maturation of the mammalian oocyte is a compound processes determining successful monospermic fertilization, however the number of fully mature porcine oocytes is still unsatisfactory. Since oocytes’ maturation and fertilization involve cellular adhesion and membranous contact, the aim was to investigate cell adhesion ontology group in porcine oocytes. The oocytes were collected from ovaries of 45 pubertal crossbred Landrace gilts and subjected to two BCB tests. After the first test, only granulosa cell-free BCB+ oocytes were directly exposed to microarray assays and RT-qPCR (“before IVM” group), or first in vitro matured and then if classified as BCB+ passed to molecular analyses (“after IVM” group). As a result, we have discovered substantial down-regulation of genes involved in adhesion processes, such as: organization of actin cytoskeleton, migration, proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, survival or angiogenesis in porcine oocytes after IVM, compared to oocytes analyzed before IVM. In conclusion, we found that biological adhesion may be recognized as the process involved in porcine oocytes’ successful IVM. Down-regulation of genes included in this ontology group in immature oocytes after IVM points to their unique function in oocyte’s achievement of fully mature stages. Thus, results indicated new molecular markers involved in porcine oocyte IVM, displaying essential roles in biological adhesion processes.
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Budna J, Rybska M, Ciesiółka S, Bryja A, Borys S, Kranc W, Wojtanowicz-Markiewicz K, Jeseta M, Sumelka E, Bukowska D, Antosik P, Brüssow KP, Bruska M, Nowicki M, Zabel M, Kempisty B. Expression of genes associated with BMP signaling pathway in porcine oocytes before and after IVM - a microarray approach. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2017; 15:43. [PMID: 28576120 PMCID: PMC5457624 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-017-0261-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2017] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The full maturational capability of mammalian oocytes is accompanied by nuclear and cytoplasmic modifications, which are associated with proliferation and differentiation of surrounding cumulus cells. These events are regulated on molecular level by the expression of target genes involved in signal transduction pathways crucial for folliculogenesis and oogenesis. Transforming growth factor beta signaling includes several molecules that are involved in the regulation of oogenesis and embryo growth, including bone morphogenetic protein (BMP). However, the BMP-related gene expression profile in oocytes at different maturational stages requires further investigation. METHODS Oocytes were isolated from pubertal crossbred Landrace gilts follicles, selected with a use of BCB staining test and analyzed before and after in vitro maturation. Gene expression profiles were examined using an Affymetrix microarray approach and validated by RT-qPCR. Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) software was used for the extraction of the genes belonging to a BMP-signaling pathway ontology group. RESULTS The assay revealed 12,258 different transcripts in porcine oocytes, among which 379 genes were down-regulated and 40 were up-regulated. The DAVID database indicated a "BMP signaling pathway" ontology group, which was significantly regulated in both groups of oocytes. We discovered five up-regulated genes in oocytes before versus after in vitro maturation (IVM): chordin-like 1 (CHRDL1), follistatin (FST), transforming growth factor-beta receptor-type III (TGFβR3), decapentaplegic homolog 4 (SMAD4), and inhibitor of DNA binding 1 (ID1). CONCLUSIONS Increased expression of CHRDL1, FST, TGFβR3, SMAD4, and ID1 transcripts before IVM suggested a subordinate role of the BMP signaling pathway in porcine oocyte maturational competence. Conversely, it is postulated that these genes are involved in early stages of folliculogenesis and oogenesis regulation in pigs, since in oocytes before IVM increased expression was observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Budna
- 0000 0001 2205 0971grid.22254.33Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Swiecickiego 6 St., 60–781 Poznan, Poland
| | - Marta Rybska
- 0000 0001 2157 4669grid.410688.3Institute of Veterinary Sciences, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wolynska 35 St, 60–637 Poznan, Poland
| | - Sylwia Ciesiółka
- 0000 0001 2205 0971grid.22254.33Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Swiecickiego 6 St., 60–781 Poznan, Poland
| | - Artur Bryja
- 0000 0001 2205 0971grid.22254.33Department of Anatomy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Swiecickiego 6 St, 60–781 Poznan, Poland
| | - Sylwia Borys
- 0000 0001 2205 0971grid.22254.33Department of Anatomy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Swiecickiego 6 St, 60–781 Poznan, Poland
| | - Wiesława Kranc
- 0000 0001 2205 0971grid.22254.33Department of Anatomy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Swiecickiego 6 St, 60–781 Poznan, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Wojtanowicz-Markiewicz
- 0000 0001 2205 0971grid.22254.33Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Swiecickiego 6 St., 60–781 Poznan, Poland
- 0000 0001 2157 4669grid.410688.3Institute of Veterinary Sciences, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wolynska 35 St, 60–637 Poznan, Poland
| | - Michal Jeseta
- 0000 0004 0609 2751grid.412554.3Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital and Masaryk University, Obilnitrh 11, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ewa Sumelka
- 0000 0001 2205 0971grid.22254.33Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Swiecickiego 6 St., 60–781 Poznan, Poland
| | - Dorota Bukowska
- 0000 0001 2157 4669grid.410688.3Institute of Veterinary Sciences, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wolynska 35 St, 60–637 Poznan, Poland
| | - Paweł Antosik
- 0000 0001 2157 4669grid.410688.3Institute of Veterinary Sciences, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wolynska 35 St, 60–637 Poznan, Poland
| | - Klaus P. Brüssow
- 0000 0001 2205 0971grid.22254.33Department of Anatomy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Swiecickiego 6 St, 60–781 Poznan, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Bruska
- 0000 0001 2205 0971grid.22254.33Department of Anatomy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Swiecickiego 6 St, 60–781 Poznan, Poland
| | - Michał Nowicki
- 0000 0001 2205 0971grid.22254.33Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Swiecickiego 6 St., 60–781 Poznan, Poland
| | - Maciej Zabel
- 0000 0001 2205 0971grid.22254.33Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Swiecickiego 6 St., 60–781 Poznan, Poland
| | - Bartosz Kempisty
- 0000 0001 2205 0971grid.22254.33Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Swiecickiego 6 St., 60–781 Poznan, Poland
- 0000 0001 2205 0971grid.22254.33Department of Anatomy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Swiecickiego 6 St, 60–781 Poznan, Poland
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Accumulation of Chromatin Remodelling Enzyme and Histone Transcripts in Bovine Oocytes. Results Probl Cell Differ 2017; 63:223-255. [PMID: 28779321 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-60855-6_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
During growth, the oocyte accumulates mRNAs that will be required in the later stages of oogenesis and early embryogenesis until the activation of the embryonic genome. Each of these developmental stages is controlled by multiple regulatory mechanisms that ensure proper protein production. Thus mRNAs are stabilized, stored, recruited, polyadenylated, translated and/or degraded over a period of several days. As a consequence, understanding the biological significance of changes in the abundance of transcripts during oocyte growth and differentiation is rather complex. Nevertheless the availability of transcriptomic platforms applicable to scarce samples such as oocytes has generated large amounts of data that depict the transcriptome of oocytes under different conditions. Despite several technical constrains related to protein determination in oocytes that still limit the possibility to verify certain hypothesis, it is now possible to use mRNA levels to start building plausible scenarios. To start deciphering the changes in the level of specific mRNAs involved in chromatin remodelling, we have performed a meta-analysis of existing microarray datasets from germinal vesicle (GV) stage bovine oocytes during the final stages of oocyte differentiation. We then analysed the expression profiles of histone and histone-remodelling enzyme mRNAs and correlated these with the major histone modifications known to occur at the same period, based on data available in the literature. We believe that this approach could reveal the function of specific enzymes in the oocyte. In turn, this information will be useful in future studies, which final ambitious goal is to decipher the 'oocyte-specific histone code'.
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