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Pasquariello R, Pennarossa G, Arcuri S, Fernandez-Fuertes B, Lonergan P, Brevini TAL, Gandolfi F. Sperm fertilizing ability in vitro influences bovine blastocyst miRNA content. Theriogenology 2024; 222:1-9. [PMID: 38581760 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small highly conserved non-coding RNA molecules that orchestrate a wide range of biological processes through post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. During development, miRNAs play a key role in driving embryo patterning and morphogenesis in a specific and stage-dependent manner. Here, we investigated whether sperm from bulls with different fertilizing ability in vitro influence blastocyst quality and miRNA content. Results demonstrate that blastocysts obtained using sperm from high fertility sires (H group) display significantly greater cleavage and blastocyst development as well as greater transcript abundance in blastocysts for the developmental competence markers CDX2, KRT8, NANOG, OCT4, PLAC8, PTGS2, SOX17, and SOX2, compared to blastocysts generated using sperm from low fertility sires (L group). In parallel, high throughput deep sequencing and differential expression studies revealed that H blastocysts exhibit a greater miRNA content compared to L blastocysts, with hsa-miR-4755-5p and hsa-miR-548d-3p uniquely detected in the H group, and greater abundance of hsa-miR-1225-3p in the H group. Gene ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway analyses indicated that the 3 differentially expressed miRNAs identified are involved in the regulation of many biological mechanisms with a key role in aspects of early embryo development, including transcriptional regulation, cellular biosynthesis, nucleic acid metabolism, cellular differentiation, apoptosis, cytoskeleton remodeling, cell-to-cell interactions, and endocytosis. Overall, our results indicate that sperm fertilizing ability influences blastocyst developmental ability and miRNA content. In addition, we demonstrate an association between blastocyst quality and miRNA content, thus suggesting the possibility to score miRNA expression as biomarkers for improved routine embryo selection technologies to support assisted reproductive efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rolando Pasquariello
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences - Production, Landscape, Agroenergy, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
| | - Georgia Pennarossa
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology and Tissue Engineering, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Center for Stem Cell Research, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Sharon Arcuri
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology and Tissue Engineering, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Center for Stem Cell Research, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Beatriz Fernandez-Fuertes
- Animal Reproduction Department, National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Patrick Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Tiziana A L Brevini
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology and Tissue Engineering, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Center for Stem Cell Research, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Fulvio Gandolfi
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences - Production, Landscape, Agroenergy, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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Kang SM, Idrees M, Perera CD, Lee SH, Zhang M, Yu X, Jin Y, Kong IK. GDF-8 improves in vitro implantation and cryo-tolerance by stimulating the ALK5-SMAD2/3 signaling in bovine IVF embryo development. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1345669. [PMID: 38577502 PMCID: PMC10991729 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1345669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) plays a critical role in regulating trophoblast invasion and proliferation. Growth differentiation factor-8 (GDF-8) is a member of the TGF-β superfamily and is categorized as a myostatin subtype. It is primarily a secreted protein synthesized in skeletal muscle cells. It is expressed in the placenta, reproductive tissues, and cells. In this study, we investigated the role of GDF-8 in the development and hatching rate of bovine embryos. We noted a notable elevation (p < 0.05) in the development and hatching rates compared to the control embryos. Furthermore, the GDF-8 group showed a significantly improved total cell number (p < 0.05) and an increase in trophectoderm ratio inner cell mass (trophectoderm: inner cell mass) cells (p < 0.001) compared to the control group. Additionally, blastocysts treated with GDF-8 exhibited significantly higher mRNA levels of caudal-type homeobox 2 (CDX2) (p < 0.05). The trophoblast invasion area was significantly larger in the GDF-8 group than in the control group (p < 0.01). Furthermore, qRT-PCR analysis revealed significantly higher mRNA levels (p < 0.05) of matrix metalloproteinases 9 (MMP9) and follistatin-like 3(FSTL3), both of which are associated with the ALK5-SMAD2/3 signaling pathway, in the GDF-8 group than those in the control group. The mRNA expression levels of genes related to tight junctions (TJ) and adherent junctions were higher in the GDF-8 group than those in the control group (p < 0.05). After 24 h of thawing, blastocysts were analyzed using 4-kDa FITC-dextran, which revealed a higher TJ integrity in the GDF-8 group (p < 0.01). Thus, GDF-8 plays a crucial role in bovine embryonic development, in vitro implantation, and cryotolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seon-Min Kang
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), Graduate School of Applied Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea
| | - Muhammad Idrees
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), Graduate School of Applied Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea
- Division of Animal Science, Institute of Agriculture and Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea
| | - Chalani Dilshani Perera
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), Graduate School of Applied Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea
| | - Seo-Hyun Lee
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), Graduate School of Applied Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea
| | - Mingjun Zhang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xianfeng Yu
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yongxun Jin
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Il-Keun Kong
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), Graduate School of Applied Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea
- Division of Animal Science, Institute of Agriculture and Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea
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Marsico TV, de Camargo J, Valente RS, Sudano MJ. Embryo competence and cryosurvival: Molecular and cellular features. Anim Reprod 2019; 16:423-439. [PMID: 32435286 PMCID: PMC7234140 DOI: 10.21451/1984-3143-ar2019-0072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Global cattle genetic market is experiencing a change of strategy, large genetic companies, traditionally recognized in the artificial insemination field, have also begun to operate in the embryo market. Consequently, the demand for in vitro produced (IVP) embryos has grown. However, the overall efficiency of the biotechnology process remains low. Additionally, the lack of homogeneity of post-cryopreservation survival results of IVP embryos still impairing a massive dissemination of this biotechnology in the field. A great challenge for in vitro production labs is to increase the amount of embryos produced with exceptional quality after each round of in vitro fertilization. Herein, we discuss the molecular and cellular features associated with the competence and cryosurvival of IVP embryos. First, morphofunctional, cellular and molecular competence of the embryos were addressed and a relationship between embryo developmental ability and quality were established with cryosurvival and pregnancy success. Additionally, determinant factors of embryo competence and cryosurvival were discussed including the following effects: genotype, oocyte quality and follicular microenvironment, in vitro production conditions, and lipids and other determining molecules. Finally, embryo cryopreservation aspects were addressed and an embryo-focused approach to improve cryosurvival was presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thamiris V. Marsico
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, Santo André, SP, Brasil.
| | - Janine de Camargo
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Pampa, Uruguaiana, RS, Brasil.
| | - Roniele S. Valente
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, Santo André, SP, Brasil.
| | - Mateus J. Sudano
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, Santo André, SP, Brasil.
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Pampa, Uruguaiana, RS, Brasil.
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Adegoke EO, Wang X, Wang H, Wang C, Zhang H, Zhang G. Selenium (Na 2SeO 3) Upregulates Expression of Immune Genes and Blood-Testis Barrier Constituent Proteins of Bovine Sertoli Cell In Vitro. Biol Trace Elem Res 2018; 185:332-343. [PMID: 29383579 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-018-1248-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Sertoli cells were isolated from newborn calves and cultured in a medium supplemented with 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.00 mg/L of sodium selenite to study their immune stimulatory effect, influence on cell's viability, and expression of blood-testis barrier proteins (occludin, connexin-43, zonula occluden, E-cadherin) using quantitative PCR and western blot analyses. Results showed that medium supplemented with 0.50 mg/L of selenium significantly (P < 0.05) promoted cell viability, upregulated toll-like receptor gene (TLR4), anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10, TGFβ1), and expressions of blood-testis barrier proteins, and modulated expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IFN-γ). Sertoli cells grown in culture medium supplemented with 0.25 mg/L of selenium significantly upregulated TLR4, IL-4, IL-10, TGFβ1, and blood-testis barrier proteins compared to the control group. Sodium selenite supplementation at 0.75 and 1.00 mg/L levels was cytotoxic and temporarily downregulated the expression of blood-testis barrier protein within 24 h after culture; however, commencing from 72 h post culture, increased cell viability and upregulation of expression of blood-testis barrier proteins were observed. In conclusion, the results of this study showed that selenium supplementation in the culture medium up to 0.50 mg/L concentration upregulates immune genes and blood-testis barrier constituent proteins of bovine Sertoli cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- E O Adegoke
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Wang
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Han Zhang
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Guixue Zhang
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, People's Republic of China.
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5
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Van Eetvelde M, Heras S, Leroy JLMR, Van Soom A, Opsomer G. The Importance of the Periconception Period: Immediate Effects in Cattle Breeding and in Assisted Reproduction Such as Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 1014:41-68. [PMID: 28864984 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-62414-3_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In livestock breeding, the successful outcome is largely depending on the "periconception environment" which, in a narrow sense, refers to the genital tract, where gametogenesis and embryogenesis occur. During these early stages of development, gametes and embryos are known to be particularly sensitive to alterations in their microenvironment. However, as the microenvironment somehow reflects what is going on in the external world, we must widen our definition of "periconception environment" and refer to all events taking place around the time of conception, including metabolic state and health and nutrition of the dam. In modern dairy cows that have to manage an optimal reproductive performance with continued growth and high milk yield, the periconception period is particularly challenging. The metabolic priority for growth and lactation is known to generate adverse conditions hampering optimal ovarian function, oocyte maturation, and development of embryo/fetus. In addition, by using artificial reproductive technologies (ARTs), gametes and/or embryos of livestock are exposed to unnatural conditions outside the male and female genital tract. Artificial insemination, the most widely used technique, is currently yielding pregnancy rates similar to natural mating, and calves produced by AI are equally viable after natural mating. In contrast, other ART, such as multiple ovulation and embryo transfer, have been reported to induce changes in gene expression and DNA methylation patterns with potential consequences for development.Finally, the "periconceptional" environment has been shown to not only influence the successful establishment of pregnancy but also the long-term health and productivity of the offspring. Hence, the optimization of management around the time of conception might open doors to improve animal production and product quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mieke Van Eetvelde
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Sonia Heras
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - J L M R Leroy
- University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Universiteitsplein 1 D.U.010, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Geert Opsomer
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
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Changes in tri-methylation profile of lysines 4 and 27 of histone H3 in bovine blastocysts after cryopreservation. Cryobiology 2015; 71:481-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2015.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Revised: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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7
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Rajput SK, Lee K, Zhenhua G, Di L, Folger JK, Smith GW. Embryotropic actions of follistatin: paracrine and autocrine mediators of oocyte competence and embryo developmental progression. Reprod Fertil Dev 2014; 26:37-47. [PMID: 24305175 DOI: 10.1071/rd13282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite several decades since the birth of the first test tube baby and the first calf derived from an in vitro-fertilised embryo, the efficiency of assisted reproductive technologies remains less than ideal. Poor oocyte competence is a major factor limiting the efficiency of in vitro embryo production. Developmental competence obtained during oocyte growth and maturation establishes the foundation for successful fertilisation and preimplantation embryonic development. Regulation of molecular and cellular events during fertilisation and embryo development is mediated, in part, by oocyte-derived factors acquired during oocyte growth and maturation and programmed by factors of follicular somatic cell origin. The available evidence supports an important intrinsic role for oocyte-derived follistatin and JY-1 proteins in mediating embryo developmental progression after fertilisation, and suggests that the paracrine and autocrine actions of oocyte-derived growth differentiation factor 9, bone morphogenetic protein 15 and follicular somatic cell-derived members of the fibroblast growth factor family impact oocyte competence and subsequent embryo developmental progression after fertilisation. An increased understanding of the molecular mechanisms mediating oocyte competence and stage-specific developmental events during early embryogenesis is crucial for further improvements in assisted reproductive technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep K Rajput
- Laboratory of Mammalian Reproductive Biology and Genomics, Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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8
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Singh AK, Jiang Y, Gupta S. Effects of bacterial toxins on endothelial tight junction in vitro: a mechanism-based investigation. Toxicol Mech Methods 2012; 17:331-47. [PMID: 20020957 DOI: 10.1080/15376510601077029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and lipoteichoic acid (LTA), principal cell wall components of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, respectively, play a central role in altering the blood-brain barrier and facilitate bacterial infection of the host brain. Despite the significance of bacterial toxins in disease pathogenesis, mechanisms by which toxins impair the barrier are not yet known. This study, using an in vitro cell culture model, showed that LPS and LTA interacted with the endothelial cells and disrupted the tight junction between the cells that increased the barrier's permeability. Both toxins increased inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA that is indicative of an increase in intracellular NO release, disrupted architecture of the tight junction proteins, suppressed zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and occludin (OCL) and junctional adhesive molecules (JAM) mRNA levels, and increased tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1beta) mRNA levels. Anti-CD14 antibodies blocked the increase in TNFalpha and IL-1beta mRNA levels but did not affect either changes in the tight junction or iNOS, ZO-1, OCL, and JAM mRNA levels in endothelial cells and astrocytes. Although both toxins did not cross the endothelial barrier, the abluminal neurons exhibited high inflammatory activity characterized by a sequential increase in TNFalpha, IL-1beta, external receptor kinase (ERK), and RelA-p50 that induced inflammation, followed by an increase in anti-inflammatory/apoptotic factors including IL-10 and cysteine-aspartic acid protease-8 (CASPASE-8), which resolve inflammation and induce apoptosis. Anti-CD14 antibodies in luminal buffer blocked the pro- and anti-inflammatory effects of the toxins in neurons. Thus, the CD14-TLR cascade that participates in the inflammatory effects of toxins may not participate in the toxin-induced barrier disruption in vitro. Since the toxins did not cross the endothelial barrier, induction of inflammation in neurons was due to a release of proinflammatory cytokines in the abluminal fluid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashok K Singh
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus, St Paul, MN
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9
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Stinshoff H, Wilkening S, Hanstedt A, Brüning K, Wrenzycki C. Cryopreservation affects the quality of in vitro produced bovine embryos at the molecular level. Theriogenology 2011; 76:1433-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2011] [Revised: 06/06/2011] [Accepted: 06/13/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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10
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Expression of ZO-1 and occludin at mRNA and protein level during preimplantation development of the pig parthenogenetic diploids. ZYGOTE 2011; 20:147-58. [DOI: 10.1017/s0967199410000705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
SummaryExpression of mRNAs and proteins of ZO-1 and occludin was analyzed in pig oocytes and parthenogenetic diploid embryos during preimplantation development using real-time RT-PCR, western blotting and immunocytochemistry. All germinal vesicle (GV) and metaphase (M)II oocytes and preimplantation embryos expressed mRNAs and proteins of ZO-1 and occludin. mRNA levels of both ZO-1 and occludin decreased significantly from GV to MII, but increased at the 2-cell stage followed by temporal decrease during the early and late 4-cell stages. Then, both mRNAs increased after compaction. Relative concentration of zo1α− was highest in 2-cell embryos, while zo1α+ was expressed from the morula stage. Occludin expression greatly increased after the morula stage and was highest in expanded blastocysts. Western blotting analysis showed constant expression of ZO-1α− throughout preimplantation development and limited translation of ZO-1α+ from the blastocysts, and species-specific expression pattern of occludin. Immunocytochemistry analysis revealed homogeneous distribution of ZO-1 and occludin in the cytoplasm with moderately strong fluorescence in the vicinity of the contact region between blastomeres, around the nuclei in the 2-cell to late 4-cell embryos, and clear network localization along the cell-boundary region in embryos after the morula stage. Present results show that major TJ proteins, ZO-1 and occludin are expressed in oocytes and preimplantation embryos, and that ZO-1α+ is transcribed by zygotic gene activation and translated from early blastocysts with prominent increase of occludin at the blastocyst stage.
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11
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Goossens K, Tesfaye D, Rings F, Schellander K, Hölker M, Van Poucke M, Van Zeveren A, Lemahieu I, Van Soom A, Peelman LJ. Suppression of keratin 18 gene expression in bovine blastocysts by RNA interference. Reprod Fertil Dev 2010; 22:395-404. [PMID: 20047725 DOI: 10.1071/rd09080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2009] [Accepted: 07/13/2009] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The expression of the cytoskeleton protein Keratin 18 (KRT18) starts at the onset of bovine blastocyst formation. KRT18 is solely expressed in the trophectoderm and can therefore be used as a marker for trophectodermal differentiation. In the present study, the expression of KRT18 was suppressed by RNA interference to probe its functional importance in bovine blastocyst formation. Microinjection of KRT18 double-stranded RNA into the cytoplasm of zygotes resulted in reduced KRT18 mRNA (76% reduction) and protein expression at the blastocyst stage and a lower developmental competence (41% reduction in the percentage of blastocyst formation) compared with non-injected and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)-injected controls. KRT18 downregulation was associated with reduced mRNA expression of KRT8, the binding partner of KRT18, but had no effect on the expression of KRT19, CDH1 and DSP, other genes involved in intermediate filament and cytoskeleton formation. The results of the present study demonstrated that KRT18 knockdown in preimplantation embryos results in reduced blastocyst formation, but no further morphological aberrations were observed with regard to the biological function of KRT18. These observations could be due to the function of KRT18 being replaced by that of another gene, the surviving blastocysts expressing the minimum level of KRT18 required for normal blastocyst development or the possibility that further aberrations may occur later in development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Goossens
- Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Heidestraat 19, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
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12
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Eckert JJ, Fleming TP. Tight junction biogenesis during early development. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2008; 1778:717-28. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2007.09.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2007] [Revised: 09/13/2007] [Accepted: 09/17/2007] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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13
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Kwong WY, Miller DJ, Ursell E, Wild AE, Wilkins AP, Osmond C, Anthony FW, Fleming TP. Imprinted gene expression in the rat embryo-fetal axis is altered in response to periconceptional maternal low protein diet. Reproduction 2006; 132:265-77. [PMID: 16885535 DOI: 10.1530/rep.1.01038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
In our previous study, we have shown that maternal low protein diet (LPD, 9% casein vs 18% casein control) fed exclusively during the rat preimplantation period (0-4.25 day postcoitum) induced low birth weight, altered postnatal growth and hypertension in a gender-specific manner. In this study, we investigated the effect of maternal LPD restricted only to the preimplantation period (switched diet) or provided throughout gestation on fetal growth and imprinted gene expression in blastocyst and fetal stages of development. Male, but not female, blastocysts collected from LPD dams displayed a significant reduction (30%) in H19 mRNA level. A significant reduction in H19 (9.4%) and Igf2 (10.9%) mRNA was also observed in male, but not in female, fetal liver at day 20 postcoitum in response to maternal LPD restricted to the preimplantation period. No effect on the blastocyst expression of Igf2R was observed in relation to maternal diet. The reduction in H19 mRNA expression did not correlate with an observed alteration in DNA methylation at the H19 differentially methylated region in fetal liver. In contrast, maternal LPD throughout 20 days of gestation did not affect male or female H19 and Igf2 imprinted gene expression in fetal liver. Neither LPD nor switched diet treatments affected H19 and Igf2 imprinted gene expression in day 20 placenta. Our findings demonstrate that one contributor to the alteration in postnatal growth induced by periconceptional maternal LPD may derive from a gender-specific programming of imprinted gene expression originating within the preimplantation embryo itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wing Yee Kwong
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Bassett Crescent East, Southampton SO16 7PX, UK.
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Palasz AT, Rodriguez-Martinez H, Beltran-Breña P, Perez-Garnelo S, Martinez MF, Gutierrez-Adan A, De la Fuente J. Effects of hyaluronan, BSA, and serum on bovine embryo in vitro development, ultrastructure, and gene expression patterns. Mol Reprod Dev 2006; 73:1503-11. [PMID: 16902955 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Effects of hyaluronan (HA), BSA, and FCS on in vitro development, ultrastructure, and mRNA transcription of four developmentally important genes: apoptosis (Bax), oxidative stress (SOX), growth factor (IGF-II), and cell-to-cell adhesion (Ecad) were examined. Two biological origin HA, Hylartil and Hyonate and one produced by fermentation (f-HA) MAP-5 were tested. Embryos were cultured in SOF medium with 0.4% BSA or with 0.4% BSA and 10% FCS. HA was added 96 hr post insemination (pi) to half of the embryos from each culture group. Embryo development was not affected by either HA preparation, however, hatching rates were higher in Hyalartil and MAP-5 than in control and Hyonate (P < 0.05). There was no effect of HA on number of blastocysts developed in SOF + BSA. However, more blastocysts developed in SOF + BSA + f-HA than in SOF + BSA + FCS or with BSA + FCS + f-HA. HA added to SOF + BSA, increased level of expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF)-II and decreased the levels of expression of BAX, SOX, and Ecad (P < 0.05). Presence of FCS increased the levels of SOX and decreased the level of IGF-II (P < 0.05) and the addition of f-HA to SOF containing FCS showed no effect on the level of transcription of any analyzed genes. The fine structure of embryos cultured with f-HA irrespective of protein sources used was clearly improved. In summary, f-HA added 96 hr pi to SOF supplemented with BSA but not FCS improved development, molecular composition and fine structure of bovine embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- A T Palasz
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal y Conservación de Recursos Zoogenéticos, INIA, Madrid, Spain.
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Wrenzycki C, Herrmann D, Lucas-Hahn A, Korsawe K, Lemme E, Niemann H. Messenger RNA expression patterns in bovine embryos derived from in vitro procedures and their implications for development. Reprod Fertil Dev 2006; 17:23-35. [PMID: 15745629 DOI: 10.1071/rd04109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2004] [Accepted: 10/01/2004] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The preimplantation bovine embryo is initially under the control of maternal genomic information that is accumulated during oogenesis. The genetic programme of development soon becomes dependent on new transcripts derived from activation of the embryonic genome. The early steps in development, including the timing of the first cleavage, activation of the embryonic genome, compaction and blastocyst formation, can be affected by the culture media and conditions, as well as the production procedure itself. These perturbations can possibly result in a marked decrease in the quality of the resulting blastocysts and may even affect the viability of offspring born after transfer. In vitro procedures such as in vitro production and somatic nuclear transfer of bovine embryos have been shown to be correlated with significant up- or downregulation, de novo induction or silencing of genes critical for undisturbed fetal and neonatal development. These alterations are likely to be caused by epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications. Analysis of perturbed epigenetic reprogramming and of the related phenomena, such as genomic imprinting and X-chromosome inactivation, in bovine embryos is promising for understanding the underlying mechanisms of developmental abnormalities, such as large offspring syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Wrenzycki
- Institute for Animal Breeding (FAL), Department of Biotechnology, Mariensee, 31535 Neustadt, Germany.
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16
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Mastromonaco GF, Semple E, Robert C, Rho GJ, Betts DH, King WA. Different culture media requirements of IVF and nuclear transfer bovine embryos. Reprod Domest Anim 2005; 39:462-7. [PMID: 15598239 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2004.00548.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Important differences exist between in vitro fertilized (IVF) and nuclear transfer (NT) bovine embryos. Studies have shown that although in vitro development is comparable, post-implantation survival is greatly reduced in NT embryos. In this study, we compare serum and bovine serum albumin (BSA) supplementation during oocyte maturation and embryo culture of IVF and NT embryos. In experiment 1, oocytes and embryos were randomly distributed into different treatment groups consisting of synthetic oviductal fluid (SOF) medium supplemented with either serum, fatty acid-free BSA (FAF) or fraction V BSA during maturation and/or culture to assess IVF embryo development. In experiment 2, oocytes were matured in SOF + serum or SOF + FAF and reconstructed embryos were cultured in SOF + FAF to assess NT embryo development. Among the IVF treatment groups, a greater number of blastocysts were observed in the steer serum (SER) group (IVM and IVC in SOF + serum) on day 6; however, no significant differences were seen in blastocyst development from day 8 onwards. Hatching frequencies on days 8 and 9 were significantly greater in groups with serum, with the exception of FAF (IVM and IVC in SOF + FAF) on day 9. For the NT treatment groups, the presence of serum during IVM resulted in a higher proportion of MII oocytes and increased blastocyst development and hatching rates were compared with supplementation of FAF. These results indicate that both serum and FAF provide comparable embryo development for IVF but not for NT bovine embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- G F Mastromonaco
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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17
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Thomas FC, Sheth B, Eckert JJ, Bazzoni G, Dejana E, Fleming TP. Contribution of JAM-1 to epithelial differentiation and tight-junction biogenesis in the mouse preimplantation embryo. J Cell Sci 2004; 117:5599-608. [PMID: 15494378 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.01424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We have investigated the contribution of the tight junction (TJ) transmembrane protein junction-adhesion-molecule 1 (JAM-1) to trophectoderm epithelial differentiation in the mouse embryo. JAM-1-encoding mRNA is expressed early from the embryonic genome and is detectable as protein from the eight-cell stage. Immunofluorescence confocal analysis of staged embryos and synchronized cell clusters revealed JAM-1 recruitment to cell contact sites occurred predominantly during the first hour after division to the eight-cell stage, earlier than any other TJ protein analysed to date in this model and before E-cadherin adhesion and cell polarization. During embryo compaction later in the fourth cell cycle, JAM-1 localized transiently yet precisely to the apical microvillous pole, where protein kinase Cζ (PKCζ) and PKCδ are also found, indicating a role in cell surface reorganization and polarization. Subsequently, in morulae and blastocysts, JAM-1 is distributed ubiquitously at cell contact sites within the embryo but is concentrated within the trophectoderm apicolateral junctional complex, a pattern resembling that of E-cadherin and nectin-2. However, treatment of embryos with anti-JAM-1-neutralizing antibodies indicated that JAM-1 did not contribute to global embryo compaction and adhesion but rather regulated the timing of blastocoel cavity formation dependent upon establishment of the trophectoderm TJ paracellular seal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fay C Thomas
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Bassett Crescent East, Southampton, SO16 7PX, UK
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18
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Fleming TP, Kwong WY, Porter R, Ursell E, Fesenko I, Wilkins A, Miller DJ, Watkins AJ, Eckert JJ. The Embryo and Its Future1. Biol Reprod 2004; 71:1046-54. [PMID: 15215194 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.104.030957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 208] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The preimplantation mammalian embryo from different species appears sensitive to the environment in which it develops, either in vitro or in vivo, for example, in response to culture conditions or maternal diet. This sensitivity may lead to long-term alterations in the characteristics of fetal and/or postnatal growth and phenotype, which have implications for clinical health and biotechnological applications. We review the breadth of environmental influences that may affect early embryos and their responses to such conditions along epigenetic, metabolic, cellular, and physiological directions. In addition, we evaluate how embryo environmental responses may influence developmental potential and phenotype during later gestation. We conclude that a complex of different mechanisms may operate to associate early embryo environment with future health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom P Fleming
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 7PX, United Kingdom.
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19
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Wrenzycki C, Herrmann D, Lucas-Hahn A, Lemme E, Korsawe K, Niemann H. Gene expression patterns in in vitro-produced and somatic nuclear transfer-derived preimplantation bovine embryos: relationship to the large offspring syndrome? Anim Reprod Sci 2004; 82-83:593-603. [PMID: 15271482 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2004.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
A considerable proportion of the offspring born from somatic nuclear transfer (sNT)-derived and in vitro-produced (IVP) embryos, particularly in ruminants and mice, is affected by multiple abnormalities of which a high birth weight is the predominant feature; a phenomenon that has been called "large offspring syndrome (LOS)". The underlying mechanisms are largely unknown at present, but changes in epigenetic modifications occurring during preimplantation development resulting in perturbed embryonic and fetal gene expression patterns are thought to be involved in the syndrome. This review summarizes results from studies comparing mRNA expression patterns from IVP and sNT-derived embryos to those of their in vivo counterparts, which are regarded as the "gold standard". Numerous aberrations have been observed ranging from suppression of expression to de novo overexpression or more frequently to a significant up- or down-regulation of a specific gene. These observations emphasize the need for further studies during preimplantation embryo development to gain insight in the molecular, preferentially epigenetic, mechanisms regulating embryonic and fetal development. Understanding these mechanisms will help to improve biotechnologies applied to early embryos in all species including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Wrenzycki
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute for Animal Breeding, Hoeltystr. 10, Mariensee, 31535 Neustadt, Germany.
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20
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Fleming TP, Wilkins A, Mears A, Miller DJ, Thomas F, Ghassemifar MR, Fesenko I, Sheth B, Kwong WY, Eckert JJ. Society for Reproductive Biology Founders' Lecture 2003.The making of an embryo: short-term goals and long-term implications. Reprod Fertil Dev 2004. [DOI: 10.1071/rd03070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
During early development, the eutherian mammalian embryo forms a blastocyst comprising an outer trophectoderm epithelium and enclosed inner cell mass (ICM). The short-term goal of blastocyst morphogenesis, including epithelial differentiation and segregation of the ICM, is mainly regulated autonomously and comprises a combination of temporally controlled gene expression, cell polarisation, differentiative cell divisions and cell–cell interactions. This aspect of blastocyst biogenesis is reviewed, focusing, in particular, on the maturation and role of cell adhesion systems. Early embryos are also sensitive to their environment, which can affect their developmental potential in diverse ways and may lead to long-term consequences relating to fetal or postnatal growth and physiology. Some current concepts of embryo–environment interactions, which may impact on future health, are also reviewed.
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21
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Houghton FD, Humpherson PG, Hawkhead JA, Hall CJ, Leese HJ. Na+, K+, ATPase activity in the human and bovine preimplantation embryo. Dev Biol 2003; 263:360-6. [PMID: 14597208 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2003.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Blastocyst formation is associated with a marked increase in ATP production, much of which is thought to be associated with the active transport of ions across the trophectoderm mediated by the sodium pump (Na+, K+, ATPase) resulting in the vectorial transport of water into the blastocoel. In this study, the biochemical activity of the sodium pump was measured directly in single human and bovine embryo extracts by monitoring the conversion of ATP to ADP in the presence and absence of ouabain. ATP and ADP were assayed by HPLC. In both species, there was a transient, significant increase in sodium pump activity while the blastocyst was actively expanding. The oxygen consumption of single human blastocysts was measured in order to estimate the proportion of total ATP used by the Na+, K+, ATPase. The results suggest that approximately 60 and 36% of the ATP produced is used by the sodium pump during blastocoel expansion in the human and bovine blastocyst, respectively.
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22
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Van Soom A, Mateusen B, Leroy J, De Kruif A. Assessment of mammalian embryo quality: what can we learn from embryo morphology? Reprod Biomed Online 2003; 7:664-70. [PMID: 14748965 DOI: 10.1016/s1472-6483(10)62089-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Embryo morphology assessment, however imperfect it may be, is at present the most popular method for embryo selection prior to transfer, both in human and bovine assisted reproduction. A major difference between human and bovine embryos is the fact that in the latter, assessment of morphology is jeopardized by the opacity of the blastomeres, which is caused by lipid droplet accumulation. This opacity makes it difficult to assess nuclear and nucleolar morphology, aspects which can easily be evaluated in human zygotes or early cleaving embryos. However, recent research which focused on correlation between bovine embryo morphology and embryonic ultrastructure, gene expression and cryoresistance, has provided evidence that much more can be deduced from mere embryo morphology than previously thought. Morphological features such as colour of the blastomeres, the extent of compaction, timing of blastocyst formation and expansion and diameter of the embryo at hatching can be linked with embryo quality. On the other hand, cattle embryos of deviant chromosomal constitution or with aberrant genetic make-up cannot be selected against by means of the current morphological techniques. Possible solutions include the visualization of bovine pronuclei at the zygote stage by means of ultracentrifugation or multiphoton laser scanning microscopy, and adjustment of genetic analysis in order to reconstruct embryo genetic make-up starting from the biopsy material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Van Soom
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
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