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Konstantinidou F, Placidi M, Di Emidio G, Stuppia L, Tatone C, Gatta V, Artini PG. Maternal MicroRNA Profile Changes When LH Is Added to the Ovarian Stimulation Protocol: A Pilot Study. EPIGENOMES 2023; 7:25. [PMID: 37873810 PMCID: PMC10594432 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes7040025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
While the use of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization (IVF) is an established practice, the use of luteinizing hormone (LH) remains debatable. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, endogenous, non-coding transcripts that control a variety of cellular functions, such as gonadotrophin production and follicular development. The goal of this pilot study was to investigate whether the employment of recombinant LH (rLH) in ovarian stimulation protocols results in changes in the miRNA profiles in human oocytes. Patients were divided into two groups: seven received recombinant FSH (rFSH, 225 IU), and six received rFSH (150 IU) plus rLH (75 IU). MiRNA predesigned panels and real-time PCR technology were used to analyze the oocytes retrieved from the follicular ovarian retrieval. Among the miRNAs evaluated, a series of them evidenced upregulation or downregulation in their expression in the FSH plus LH group compared to the FSH group. Considering the results obtained from the functional and network analysis, the different maternal miRNA profiles in the two groups revealed a differential modulation of pathways involved in numerous biological functions. Overall, based on the pathways associated with most of these maternal miRNAs, the presence of LH may result in a different modulation of pathways regulating survival under the control of a Tp53-related mechanism. Interestingly, among the miRNAs differentially expressed in oocytes of the two groups, we have found miRNAs already investigated at ovarian, follicular, oocyte, and embryonic levels: hsa-miR-484, hsa-miR-222, hsa-miR-520d-5p, hsa-miRNA-17, hsa-miR-548, and hsa-miR-140. Thus, investigation into the role of these miRNAs in oocyte molecular pathways may help determine how LH affects oocyte competence and eventually leads to the clinical improvement of IVF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fani Konstantinidou
- Department of Psychological Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (F.K.)
- Unit of Molecular Genetics, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Martina Placidi
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (M.P.); (G.D.E.); (C.T.)
| | - Giovanna Di Emidio
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (M.P.); (G.D.E.); (C.T.)
| | - Liborio Stuppia
- Department of Psychological Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (F.K.)
- Unit of Molecular Genetics, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Carla Tatone
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (M.P.); (G.D.E.); (C.T.)
| | - Valentina Gatta
- Department of Psychological Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (F.K.)
- Unit of Molecular Genetics, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Paolo Giovanni Artini
- Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
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Nouri N, Shareghi-Oskoue O, Aghebati-Maleki L, Danaii S, Ahmadian Heris J, Soltani-Zangbar MS, Kamrani A, Yousefi M. Role of miRNAs interference on ovarian functions and premature ovarian failure. Cell Commun Signal 2022; 20:198. [PMID: 36564840 PMCID: PMC9783981 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-022-00992-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Premature ovarian failure is a to some extent unknown and intricate problem with diverse causes and clinical manifestations. The lack of ovarian sex hormones presumably is effective in the occurrence of ovarian failure. Our progress in this field has been very little despite undertaken scientific research endeavors; scholars still are trying to understand the explanation of this dilemmatic medical condition. In contrast, the practice of clinical medicine has made meaningful strides in providing assurance to the women with premature ovarian insufficiency that their quality of life as well as long-term health can be optimized through timely intervention. Very recently Scientists have investigated the regulating effects of small RNA molecules on steroidogenesis apoptosis, ovulation, gonadal, and corpus luteum development of ovaries. In this literature review, we tried to talk over the mechanisms of miRNAs in regulating gene expression after transcription in the ovary. Video abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narjes Nouri
- grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran ,grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran ,grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, PO Box: 516-6615573, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Olduz Shareghi-Oskoue
- grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran ,grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, PO Box: 516-6615573, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Leili Aghebati-Maleki
- grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, PO Box: 516-6615573, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Shahla Danaii
- Gynecology Department, Eastern Azerbaijan ACECR ART Center, Eastern Azerbaijan Branch of ACECR, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Javad Ahmadian Heris
- grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Pediatric Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Sadegh Soltani-Zangbar
- grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran ,grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, PO Box: 516-6615573, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amin Kamrani
- grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran ,grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, PO Box: 516-6615573, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Yousefi
- grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran ,grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, PO Box: 516-6615573, Tabriz, Iran ,grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Research Center for Integrative Medicine in Aging, Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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3
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Kopca T, Tulay P. Association of Assisted Reproductive Technology Treatments with Imprinting Disorders. Glob Med Genet 2021; 8:1-6. [PMID: 33748817 PMCID: PMC7964251 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1723085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is a broad field in infertility that encompasses different types of treatments. These revolutionary treatment methods aimed to aid infertile or subfertile couples. Treatment was expanded exponentially, as 1 to 3% of the births worldwide takes place with ART procedures. However, treatment is not flawless. Gametes and embryos are exposed to different chemicals and stress through treatment, which leads to disturbance in proper embryo development and results in prenatal and congenital anomalies. When compared with in-vivo development of gametes and preimplantation embryos in mice, in-vitro conditions during ART treatments have been suggested to disturb the gene expression levels, especially imprinted genes. Therefore, ART has been suggested to be associated with increased incidences of different imprinting disorders such as Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome, Angelman syndrome, and Silver–Russell syndrome, as proved by different case reports and studies. This literature review aims to explain the association of imprinting disorders with this revolutionary treatment procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Kopca
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Pinar Tulay
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Near East University, DESAM Institute, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Chitwood JL, Burruel VR, Halstead MM, Meyers SA, Ross PJ. Transcriptome profiling of individual rhesus macaque oocytes and preimplantation embryos. Biol Reprod 2018; 97:353-364. [PMID: 29025079 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Early mammalian embryonic transcriptomes are dynamic throughout the process of preimplantation development. Cataloging of primate transcriptomics during early development has been accomplished in humans, but global characterization of transcripts is lacking in the rhesus macaque: a key model for human reproductive processes. We report here the systematic classification of individual macaque transcriptomes using RNA-Seq technology from the germinal vesicle stage oocyte through the blastocyst stage embryo. Major differences in gene expression were found between sequential stages, with the 4- to 8-cell stages showing the highest level of differential gene expression. Analysis of putative transcription factor binding sites also revealed a striking increase in key regulatory factors in 8-cell embryos, indicating a strong likelihood of embryonic genome activation occurring at this stage. Furthermore, clustering analyses of gene co-expression throughout this period resulted in distinct groups of transcripts significantly associated to the different embryo stages assayed. The sequence data provided here along with characterizations of major regulatory transcript groups present a comprehensive atlas of polyadenylated transcripts that serves as a useful resource for comparative studies of preimplantation development in humans and other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- James L Chitwood
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Victoria R Burruel
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Michelle M Halstead
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Stuart A Meyers
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Pablo J Ross
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, California, USA
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5
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Age-Specific Gene Expression Profiles of Rhesus Monkey Ovaries Detected by Microarray Analysis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:625192. [PMID: 26421297 PMCID: PMC4571527 DOI: 10.1155/2015/625192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2015] [Accepted: 07/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The biological function of human ovaries declines with age. To identify the potential molecular changes in ovarian aging, we performed genome-wide gene expression analysis by microarray of ovaries from young, middle-aged, and old rhesus monkeys. Microarray data was validated by quantitative real-time PCR. Results showed that a total of 503 (60 upregulated, 443 downregulated) and 84 (downregulated) genes were differentially expressed in old ovaries compared to young and middle-aged groups, respectively. No difference in gene expression was found between middle-aged and young groups. Differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in cell and organelle, cellular and physiological process, binding, and catalytic activity. These genes were primarily associated with KEGG pathways of cell cycle, DNA replication and repair, oocyte meiosis and maturation, MAPK, TGF-beta, and p53 signaling pathway. Genes upregulated were involved in aging, defense response, oxidation reduction, and negative regulation of cellular process; genes downregulated have functions in reproduction, cell cycle, DNA and RNA process, macromolecular complex assembly, and positive regulation of macromolecule metabolic process. These findings show that monkey ovary undergoes substantial change in global transcription with age. Gene expression profiles are useful in understanding the mechanisms underlying ovarian aging and age-associated infertility in primates.
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Takahashi K, Sakurai N, Emura N, Hashizume T, Sawai K. Effects of downregulating GLIS1 transcript on preimplantation development and gene expression of bovine embryos. J Reprod Dev 2015; 61:369-74. [PMID: 26074126 PMCID: PMC4623141 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2015-029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Krüppel-like protein Gli-similar 1 (GLIS1) is known as a direct reprogramming factor for the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of GLIS1 in the preimplantation development of bovine embryos. GLIS1 transcripts in in vitro-matured oocytes and 1-cell to 4-cell stage embryos were detected, but they were either absent or at trace levels at the 8-cell to blastocyst stages. We attempted GLIS1 downregulation of bovine early embryos by RNA interference and evaluated developmental competency and gene transcripts, which are involved in zygotic gene activation (ZGA) in GLIS1-downregulated embryos. Injection of specific siRNA resulted in a distinct decrease in GLIS1 transcript in bovine embryos at the 4-cell stage. Although the bovine embryos injected with GLIS1-siRNA could develop to the 16-cell stage, these embryos had
difficulty in developing beyond the 32-cell stage. Gene transcripts of PDHA1 and HSPA8, which are transcribed after ZGA, showed lower level in GLIS1 downregulated embryos. It is possible that GLIS1-downregulated embryos fail to initiate ZGA. Our results indicated that GLIS1 is an important factor for the preimplantation development of bovine embryos.
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McGinnis LK, Luense LJ, Christenson LK. MicroRNA in Ovarian Biology and Disease. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2015; 5:a022962. [PMID: 25986593 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a022962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are posttranscriptional gene regulatory molecules that show regulated expression within ovarian tissue. Most research investigating miRNAs in the ovary has relied exclusively on in vitro analyses. In this review, we highlight those few studies in which investigators have illustrated an in vivo effect of miRNAs on ovarian function. We also provide a synopsis of how these small noncoding RNAs can impact ovarian disease. miRNAs have great potential as novel diagnostic biomarkers for the detection of ovarian disease and in the assisted reproductive technologies (ART) for selection of healthy viable oocytes and embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynda K McGinnis
- Department Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
| | - Lacey J Luense
- Epigenetics Program, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
| | - Lane K Christenson
- Department Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
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Burruel V, Klooster KL, Chitwood J, Ross PJ, Meyers SA. Oxidative damage to rhesus macaque spermatozoa results in mitotic arrest and transcript abundance changes in early embryos. Biol Reprod 2013; 89:72. [PMID: 23904511 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.110981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Our objective was to determine whether oxidative damage of rhesus macaque sperm induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) in vitro would affect embryo development following intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) of metaphase II (MII) oocytes. Fresh rhesus macaque spermatozoa were treated with ROS as follows: 1 mM xanthine and 0.1 U/ml xanthine oxidase (XXO) at 37°C and 5% CO₂ in air for 2.25 h. Sperm were then assessed for motility, viability, and lipid peroxidation. Motile ROS-treated and control sperm were used for ICSI of MII oocytes. Embryo culture was evaluated for 3 days for development to the eight-cell stage. Embryos were fixed and stained for signs of cytoplasmic and nuclear abnormalities. Gene expression was analyzed by RNA-Seq in two-cell embryos from control and treated groups. Exposure of sperm to XXO resulted in increased lipid peroxidation and decreased sperm motility. ICSI of MII oocytes with motile sperm induced similar rates of fertilization and cleavage between treatments. Development to four- and eight-cell stage was significantly lower for embryos generated with ROS-treated sperm than for controls. All embryos produced from ROS-treated sperm demonstrated permanent embryonic arrest and varying degrees of degeneration and nuclear fragmentation, changes that are suggestive of prolonged senescence or apoptotic cell death. RNA-Seq analysis of two-cell embryos showed changes in transcript abundance resulting from sperm treatment with ROS. Differentially expressed genes were enriched for processes associated with cytoskeletal organization, cell adhesion, and protein phosphorylation. ROS-induced damage to sperm adversely affects embryo development by contributing to mitotic arrest after ICSI of MII rhesus oocytes. Changes in transcript abundance in embryos destined for mitotic arrest is evident at the two-cell stage of development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Burruel
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California
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9
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Kakourou G, Jaroudi S, Tulay P, Heath C, Serhal P, Harper JC, Sengupta SB. Investigation of gene expression profiles before and after embryonic genome activation and assessment of functional pathways at the human metaphase II oocyte and blastocyst stage. Fertil Steril 2012; 99:803-814.e23. [PMID: 23148922 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.10.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2011] [Revised: 10/17/2012] [Accepted: 10/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the oocyte versus the blastocyst transcriptome and provide data on molecular pathways before and after embryonic genome activation. DESIGN Prospective laboratory research study. SETTING An IVF clinic and a specialist preimplantation genetics laboratory. PATIENT(S) Couples undergoing or having completed IVF treatment donating surplus oocytes or cryopreserved blastocysts after patient consent. INTERVENTION(S) Sets of pooled metaphase II (MII) oocytes or blastocysts were processed for RNA extraction, RNA amplification, and analysis with the use of the Human Genome Survey Microarrays v2.0 (Applied Biosystems). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Association of cell type and gene expression profile. RESULT(S) Totals of 1,909 and 3,122 genes were uniquely expressed in human MII oocytes and human blastocysts respectively, and 4,910 genes were differentially expressed between the two sample types. Expression levels of 560 housekeeping genes, genes involved in the microRNA processing pathway, as well as hormones and hormone receptors were also investigated. CONCLUSION(S) The lists of genes identified may be of use for understanding the processes involved in early embryo development and blastocyst implantation, and for identifying any dysregulation leading to infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Kakourou
- UCL Centre for Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
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Feng X, Zhang J, Smuga-Otto K, Tian S, Yu J, Stewart R, Thomson JA. Protein kinase C mediated extraembryonic endoderm differentiation of human embryonic stem cells. Stem Cells 2012; 30:461-70. [PMID: 22213079 DOI: 10.1002/stem.1018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Unlike mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs), which are closely related to the inner cell mass, human ESCs appear to be more closely related to the later primitive ectoderm. For example, human ESCs and primitive ectoderm share a common epithelial morphology, growth factor requirements, and the potential to differentiate to all three embryonic germ layers. However, it has previously been shown that human ESCs can also differentiate to cells expressing markers of trophoblast, an extraembryonic lineage formed before the formation of primitive ectoderm. Here, we show that phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate causes human ESCs to undergo an epithelial mesenchymal transition and to differentiate into cells expressing markers of parietal endoderm, another extraembryonic lineage. We further confirmed that this differentiation is through the activation of protein kinase C (PKC) pathway and demonstrated that a particular PKC subtype, PKC-δ, is most responsible for this transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuezhu Feng
- Genome Center of Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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Mtango NR, Sutovsky M, Vandevoort CA, Latham KE, Sutovsky P. Essential role of ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolases UCHL1 and UCHL3 in mammalian oocyte maturation. J Cell Physiol 2012; 227:2022-9. [PMID: 21751213 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.22931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolases (UCHs) comprise a family of deubiquitinating enzymes that play a role in the removal of multi-ubiquitin chains from proteins that are posttranslationally modified by ubiquitination to be targeted for proteolysis by the 26S proteasome. The UCH-enzymes also generate free monomeric ubiquitin from precursor multi-ubiquitin chains and, in some instances, may rescue ubiquitinated proteins from degradation. This study examined the roles of two oocyte-expressed UCHs, UCHL1, and UCHL3 in murine and rhesus monkey oocyte maturation. The Uchl1 and Uchl3 mRNAs were highly expressed in GV and MII oocytes, and were associated with the oocyte cortex (UCHL1) and meiotic spindle (UCHL3). Microinjection of the UCH-family enzyme inhibitor, ubiquitin-aldehyde (UBAL) to GV oocytes prevented oocyte meiotic progression beyond metaphase I in a majority of treated oocytes and caused spindle and first polar body anomalies. Injection of antibodies against UCHL3 disrupted oocyte maturation and caused meiotic anomalies, including abnormally long meiotic spindles. A selective, cell permeant inhibitor of UCHL3, 4, 5, 6, 7-tetrachloroidan-1, 3-dione also caused meiotic defects and chromosome misalignment. Cortical granule localization in the oocyte cortex was disrupted by UBAL injected after oocyte maturation. We conclude that the activity of oocyte UCHs contributes to oocyte maturation by regulating the oocyte cortex and meiotic spindle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namdori R Mtango
- The Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Abstract
The successful production of viable progeny following adult somatic cell nuclear transfer (cloning) provides exciting new opportunities for basic research for investigating early embryogenesis, for the propagation of valuable or endangered animals, for the production of genetically engineered animals, and possibly for developing therapeutically valuable stem cells. Successful cloning requires efficient reprogramming of gene expression to silence donor cell gene expression and activate an embryonic pattern of gene expression. Recent observations indicate that reprogramming may be initiated by early events that occur soon after nuclear transfer, but then continues as development progresses through cleavage and probably to gastrulation. Because reprogramming is slow and progressive, cloned embryos have dramatically altered characteristics in comparison with fertilized embryos. Events that occur early following nuclear transfer may be essential prerequisites for the later events. Additionally, the later reprogramming events may be inhibited by sub-optimum culture environments that exist because of the altered characteristics of cloned embryos. By addressing the unique requirements of cloned embryos, the entire process of reprogramming may be accelerated, thus increasing cloning efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith E Latham
- The Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, and Department of Biochemistry, Temple University School of Medicine, 3307 North Broadway, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA.
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13
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Mtango NR, VandeVoort CA, Latham KE. Ontological aspects of pluripotency and stemness gene expression pattern in the rhesus monkey. Gene Expr Patterns 2011; 11:285-98. [PMID: 21329766 DOI: 10.1016/j.gep.2011.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2010] [Revised: 02/03/2011] [Accepted: 02/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Two essential aspects of mammalian development are the progressive specialization of cells toward different lineages, and the maintenance of progenitor cells that will give rise to the differentiated components of each tissue and also contribute new cells as older cells die or become injured. The transition from totipotentiality to pluripotentiality, to multipotentiality, to monopotentiality, and then to differentiation is a continuous process during development. The ontological relationship between these different stages is not well understood. We report for the first time an ontological survey of expression of 45 putative "stemness" and "pluripotency" genes in rhesus monkey oocytes and preimplantation stage embryos, and comparison to the expression in the inner cell mass, trophoblast stem cells, and a rhesus monkey (ORMES6) embryonic stem cell line. Our results reveal that some of these genes are not highly expressed in all totipotent or pluripotent cell types. Some are predominantly maternal mRNAs present in oocytes and embryos before transcriptional activation, and diminishing before the blastocyst stage. Others are well expressed in morulae or early blastocysts, but are poorly expressed in later blastocysts or ICMs. Also, some of the genes employed to induce pluripotent stem cells from somatic cells (iPS genes) appear unlikely to play major roles as stemness or pluripotency genes in normal embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namdori R Mtango
- The Fels Institute for Cancer Research & Molecular Biology, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
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14
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Nyholt de Prada JK, Kellam LD, Patel BG, Latham KE, Vandevoort CA. Growth hormone and gene expression of in vitro-matured rhesus macaque oocytes. Mol Reprod Dev 2010; 77:353-62. [PMID: 20043319 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.21152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Growth hormone (GH) in rhesus macaque in vitro oocyte maturation (IVM) has been shown to increase cumulus expansion and development of embryos to the 9-16 cell stage in response to 100 ng/ml recombinant human GH (r-hGH) supplementation during IVM. Although developmental endpoints for metaphase II (MII) oocytes and embryos are limited in the macaque, gene expression analysis can provide a mechanism to explore GH action on IVM. In addition, gene expression analysis may allow molecular events associated with improved cytoplasmic maturation to be detected. In this study, gene expression of specific mRNAs in MII oocytes and cumulus cells that have or have not been exposed to r-hGH during IVM was compared. In addition, mRNA expression was compared between in vitro and in vivo-matured metaphase II (MII) oocytes and germinal vesicle (GV)-stage oocytes. Only 2 of 17 genes, insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) and steroidogenic acute regulator (STAR), showed increased mRNA expression in MII oocytes from the 100 ng/ml r-hGH treatment group compared with other IVM treatment groups, implicating insulin-like growth factor (IGF) and steroidogenesis pathways in the oocyte response to GH. The importance of IGF2 is notable, as expression of IGF1 was not detected in macaque GV-stage or MII oocytes or cumulus cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna K Nyholt de Prada
- California National Primate Research Center and the Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Physiology Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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15
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VandeVoort CA, Mtango NR, Lee YS, Smith GW, Latham KE. Differential effects of follistatin on nonhuman primate oocyte maturation and pre-implantation embryo development in vitro. Biol Reprod 2009; 81:1139-46. [PMID: 19641179 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.109.077198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a vital need to identify factors that enhance human and nonhuman primate in vitro embryo culture and outcome, and to identify the factors that facilitate that objective. Granulosa and cumulus cells were obtained from rhesus monkeys that had either been FSH-primed (in vitro maturation [IVM]) or FSH and hCG-primed (in vivo maturation [VVM]) and compared for the expression of mRNAs encoding follistatin (FST), inhibin, and activin receptors. The FST mRNA displayed marginally decreased expression (P = 0.05) in association with IVM in the granulosa cells. The ACVR1B mRNA was more highly expressed in cumulus cells with IVM compared with VVM. Cumulus-oocyte complexes from FSH-primed monkeys exposed to exogenous FST during the 24-h IVM period exhibited no differences in the percentage of oocytes maturing to the metaphase II stage of meiosis compared to controls. However, embryos from these oocytes had significantly decreased development to the blastocyst stage. The effect of FST on early embryo culture was determined by exposing fertilized VVM oocytes to exogenous FST from 12 to 60 h postinsemination. FST significantly improved time to first cleavage and embryo development to the blastocyst stage compared with controls. The differential effects of exogenous FST on embryo development, when administered before and after oocyte maturation, may depend on the endogenous concentration in cumulus cells and oocytes. These results reveal evolutionary conservation of a positive effect of FST on embryogenesis that may be broadly applicable to enhance in vitro embryogenesis, with potential application to human clinical outcome and livestock and conservation biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A VandeVoort
- California National Primate Research Center and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA.
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16
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Song BS, Lee SH, Kim SU, Kim JS, Park JS, Kim CH, Chang KT, Han YM, Lee KK, Lee DS, Koo DB. Nucleologenesis and embryonic genome activation are defective in interspecies cloned embryos between bovine ooplasm and rhesus monkey somatic cells. BMC DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2009; 9:44. [PMID: 19635167 PMCID: PMC2734572 DOI: 10.1186/1471-213x-9-44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2009] [Accepted: 07/28/2009] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Background Interspecies somatic cell nuclear transfer (iSCNT) has been proposed as a tool to address basic developmental questions and to improve the feasibility of cell therapy. However, the low efficiency of iSCNT embryonic development is a crucial problem when compared to in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intraspecies SCNT. Thus, we examined the effect of donor cell species on the early development of SCNT embryos after reconstruction with bovine ooplasm. Results No apparent difference in cleavage rate was found among IVF, monkey-bovine (MB)-iSCNT, and bovine-bovine (BB)-SCNT embryos. However, MB-iSCNT embryos failed to develop beyond the 8- or 16-cell stages and lacked expression of the genes involved in embryonic genome activation (EGA) at the 8-cell stage. From ultrastructural observations made during the peri-EGA period using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), we found that the nucleoli of MB-iSCNT embryos were morphologically abnormal or arrested at the primary stage of nucleologenesis. Consistent with the TEM analysis, nucleolar component proteins, such as upstream binding transcription factor, fibrillarin, nucleolin, and nucleophosmin, showed decreased expression and were structurally disorganized in MB-iSCNT embryos compared to IVF and BB-SCNT embryos, as revealed by real-time PCR and immunofluorescence confocal laser scanning microscopy, respectively. Conclusion The down-regulation of housekeeping and imprinting genes, abnormal nucleolar morphology, and aberrant patterns of nucleolar proteins during EGA resulted in developmental failure in MB-iSCNT embryos. These results provide insight into the unresolved problems of early embryonic development in iSCNT embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bong-Seok Song
- Development and Differentiation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Gwahangno, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
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17
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Guillemin Y, Lalle P, Gillet G, Guerin JF, Hamamah S, Aouacheria A. Oocytes and early embryos selectively express the survival factor BCL2L10. J Mol Med (Berl) 2009; 87:923-40. [DOI: 10.1007/s00109-009-0495-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2009] [Revised: 05/26/2009] [Accepted: 05/28/2009] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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18
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Nyholt de Prada JK, Lee YS, Latham KE, Chaffin CL, VandeVoort CA. Role for cumulus cell-produced EGF-like ligands during primate oocyte maturation in vitro. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2009; 296:E1049-58. [PMID: 19276391 PMCID: PMC2681310 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.90930.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The developmental competence of in vitro-matured (IVM) rhesus macaque cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) is deficient compared with in vivo-matured (IVM) oocytes. To improve oocyte quality and subsequent embryo development following IVM, culture conditions must be optimized. A series of experiments was undertaken to determine the role of epidermal growth factor (EGF) during IVM of rhesus macaque COCs. The addition of Tyrphostin AG-1478 (a selective inhibitor of the EGF receptor EGFR) to the IVM medium yielded fewer oocytes maturing to metaphase II of meiosis II (MII), decreased cumulus expansion, and a lower percentage of embryos that developed to the blastocyst stage compared with untreated IVM controls, indicating that EGFR activation is important for IVM maturation in the rhesus macaque. However, the addition of recombinant human EGF (r-hEGF) to the IVM medium did not enhance outcome. The expression of mRNAs encoding the EGF-like factors amphiregulin, epiregulin, and betacellulin in cumulus cells indicates that these factors produced by cumulus cells may be responsible for maximal EGFR activation during oocyte maturation, precluding any further effect of exogenous r-hEGF. Additionally, these results illustrate the potential futility of exogenous supplementation of IVM medium without prior knowledge of pathway activity.
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Mtango NR, Potireddy S, Latham KE. Expression of microRNA processing machinery genes in rhesus monkey oocytes and embryos of different developmental potentials. Mol Reprod Dev 2009; 76:255-69. [PMID: 18646051 PMCID: PMC2631102 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small RNAs that silence gene expression. In animal cells, miRNAs bind to the 3' untranslated regions of specific mRNAs and inhibit their translation. The correct regulation of mRNA expression by miRNAs is believed to be important for oocyte maturation, early development and implantation. We examined the expression of 25 mRNAs involved in the microRNA processing pathway in a nonhuman primate oocyte and embryo model. We observed that mRNAs related to miRNA splicing are downregulated during oocyte maturation while those related to miRNA processing are upregulated, indicating that there may exist a temporal difference in their activities related to transcriptional activity in germinal vesicle stage oocytes. We also observed that the vast majority of mRNAs examined were insensitive to alpha-amanitin at the 8-16 cell stage. The expression data did not reveal a major impact of embryo culture, and hormonal stimulation protocol affected only a small number of mRNAs, suggesting that the components of the pathway may be accumulated in the oocyte during oogenesis and resistant to exogenous insults. In comparison to published mouse array data, we observed species differences and similarities in the temporal expression patterns of some genes, suggesting that miRNA processing may be regulated differently. These data extend our understanding of the potential roles of miRNA during primate embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namdori R Mtango
- The Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Temple University Medical School, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, USA
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20
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Hao L, Vassena R, Wu G, Han Z, Cheng Y, Latham KE, Sapienza C. The unfolded protein response contributes to preimplantation mouse embryo death in the DDK syndrome. Biol Reprod 2009; 80:944-53. [PMID: 19129515 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.108.072546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
DDK syndrome is the polar-lethal embryonic death that occurs at the morula-blastocyst transition when female mice of the DDK strain are mated with males from many other inbred strains (so-called alien males). Embryonic death is caused by incompatibility between a DDK oocyte factor and an alien male gene, both of which map to the Om locus on mouse chromosome 11. We compared global transcription patterns of DDK x DDK embryos (high viability) and DDK x C57BL/6 embryos (low viability) at the morula stage, approximately 24 h before any morphological manifestations of DDK syndrome are observed. Of the transcripts that are differentially more abundant in the DDK x C57BL/6 embryos, many are the products of genes induced by the "unfolded protein response." We confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR that a number of genes in this pathway are upregulated in the DDK x C57BL/6 embryos. Immunostaining of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) marker BIP/GRP78 (immunoglobin-binding protein/glucose-regulated protein of 78 kDa), official symbol HSPA5, heat shock protein 5 revealed an accompanying abnormal HSPA5 accumulation and ER structure in the DDK x C57BL/6 embryos. Immunostaining for HERPUD1 (homocysteine-inducible, ER stress-inducible, ubiquitin-like domain member 1) and ATF4 (activating transcription factor 4) also revealed accumulation of these stress-response products. Our results indicate that the unfolded protein response is induced in embryos destined to die of DDK syndrome and that the embryonic death observed is associated with inability to resolve the associated ER stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanping Hao
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Temple University Medical School, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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21
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Mtango NR, Harvey AJ, Latham KE, Brenner CA. Molecular control of mitochondrial function in developing rhesus monkey oocytes and preimplantation-stage embryos. Reprod Fertil Dev 2008; 20:846-59. [PMID: 18842187 DOI: 10.1071/rd08078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2008] [Accepted: 07/21/2008] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The mitochondrion undergoes significant functional and structural changes, as well as an increase in number, during preimplantation embryonic development. The mitochondrion generates ATP and regulates a range of cellular processes, such as signal transduction and apoptosis. Therefore, mitochondria contribute to overall oocyte quality and embryo developmental competence. The present study identified, for the first time, the detailed temporal expression of mRNAs related to mitochondrial biogenesis in rhesus monkey oocytes and embryos. Persistent expression of maternally encoded mRNAs was observed, in combination with transcriptional activation and mRNA accumulation at the eight-cell stage, around the time of embryonic genome activation. The expression of these transcripts was significantly altered in oocytes and embryos with reduced developmental potential. In these embryos, most maternally encoded transcripts were precociously depleted. Embryo culture and specific culture media affected the expression of some of these transcripts, including a deficiency in the expression of key transcriptional regulators. Several genes involved in regulating mitochondrial transcription and replication are similarly affected by in vitro conditions and their downregulation may be instrumental in maintaining the mRNA profiles of mitochondrially encoded genes observed in the present study. These data support the hypothesis that the molecular control of mitochondrial biogenesis, and therefore mitochondrial function, is impaired in in vitro-cultured embryos. These results highlight the need for additional studies in human and non-human primate model species to determine how mitochondrial biogenesis can be altered by oocyte and embryo manipulation protocols and whether this affects physiological function in progeny.
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Affiliation(s)
- N R Mtango
- The Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
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22
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Lee YS, Latham KE, Vandevoort CA. Effects of in vitro maturation on gene expression in rhesus monkey oocytes. Physiol Genomics 2008; 35:145-58. [PMID: 18697858 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.90281.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In vitro oocyte maturation (IVM) holds great promise as a tool for enhancing clinical treatment of infertility, enhancing availability of nonhuman primates for development of disease models, and facilitating endangered species preservation. However, IVM outcomes have remained significantly below the success rates obtained with in vivo matured (VVM) oocytes from humans and nonhuman primates. A cDNA array-based analysis is presented, comparing the transcriptomes of VVM oocytes with IVM oocytes. We observe a small set of just 59 mRNAs that are differentially expressed between the two cell types. These mRNAs are related to cellular homeostasis, cell-cell interactions including growth factor and hormone stimulation and cell adhesion, and other functions such as mRNA stability and translation. Additionally, we observe in IVM oocytes overexpression of PLAGL1 and MEST, two maternally imprinted genes, indicating a possible interruption or loss of correct epigenetic programming. These results indicate that, under certain IVM conditions, oocytes that are molecularly highly similar to VVM oocytes can be obtained; however, the interruption of normal oocyte-somatic cell interactions during the final hours of oocyte maturation may preclude the establishment of full developmental competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young S Lee
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, USA
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23
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Lorthongpanich C, Laowtammathron C, Chan AWS, Ketudat-Cairns M, Parnpai R. Development of interspecies cloned monkey embryos reconstructed with bovine enucleated oocytes. J Reprod Dev 2008; 54:306-13. [PMID: 18591865 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.20049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was carried out to determine whether culture media reconstructed with bovine enucleated oocytes and the expression pattern of Oct-4 could support dedifferentiaton of monkey fibroblasts in interspecies cloned monkey embryos. In this study, monkey and bovine skin fibroblasts were used as donor cells for reconstruction with bovine enucleated oocytes. The reconstructed monkey interspecies somatic cell nuclear transfer (iSCNT) embryos were then cultured under six different culture conditions with modifications of the embryo culture media and normal bovine and monkey specifications. The Oct-4 expression patterns of the embryos were examined at the two-cell to blastocyst stages using immunocytochemistry. The monkey iSCNT embryos showed similar cleavage rates to those of bovine SCNT and bovine parthenogenetic activation (PA). However, the monkey iSCNT embryos were not able to develop beyond the 16-cell stage under any of the culture conditions. In monkey and bovine SCNT embryos, Oct-4 could be detected from the two-cell to blastocyst stage, and in bovine PA embryos, Oct-4 was detectable from the morula to blastocyst stage. These results suggested that bovine ooplasm could support dedifferentiation of monkey somatic cell nuclei but could not support embryo development to either the compact morula or blastocyst stage. In conclusion, we found that the culture conditions that tend to enhance monkey iSCNT embryo development and the expression pattern of Oct-4 in cloned embryos (monkey iSCNT and bovine SCNT) are different than in bovine PA embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanchao Lorthongpanich
- Embryo Technology and Stem Cell Research Center, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
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24
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Mtango NR, Latham KE. Differential Expression of Cell Cycle Genes in Rhesus Monkey Oocytes and Embryos of Different Developmental Potentials1. Biol Reprod 2008; 78:254-66. [PMID: 17914069 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.107.064931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Correct cell cycle regulation is especially challenging at the start of life. Ovulated oocytes must maintain meiotic arrest until fertilization, and then complete meiosis and initiate a series of modified cell divisions without growth. Moreover, myriad key developmental events, such as chromatin remodeling and transcriptional activation of the genome, are coordinated with each other via the cell cycle, particularly passage through the DNA synthesis phase (S Phase). We examined here the expression of more than 30 mRNAs related to cell cycle regulation in rhesus monkey oocytes and embryos and compared the expression of these mRNAs between oocytes and embryos of different developmental potentials. We find that the maternally inherited stores of cell cycle regulatory mRNAs are especially susceptible to disruption in cases of diminished oocyte and embryo quality in the rhesus monkey. In comparison to published mouse array data, we also observed striking species differences in the temporal expression patterns of many of these genes, suggesting that mechanisms of cell cycle control may differ and that the responses of oocytes and embryos to external insults may likewise differ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namdori R Mtango
- The Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, USA
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25
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Vassena R, Han Z, Gao S, Latham KE. Deficiency in recapitulation of stage-specific embryonic gene transcription in two-cell stage cloned mouse embryos. Mol Reprod Dev 2008; 74:1548-56. [PMID: 17551977 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
One possible explanation to account for the ability to clone animals by somatic cell nuclear transfer is that the donor genome is reprogrammed by the oocyte to recapitulate a normal embryonic pattern of gene expression. Mouse embryos display transient transcriptional induction of a group of genes (TIGs) at the mid two-cell stage, the first major transcriptional output of the embryonic genome, uniquely suited for evaluating whether the oocyte directs correct and efficient recapitulation of an embryo stage-specific gene expression program before any in vitro selection occurs. We analyzed the expression of eight TIGs in two-cell stage clones prepared with cumulus cell nuclei. One failed to be transcribed, and seven others were transcribed, but supported significantly reduced mRNA expression. The reduction ranged from 1.6- to 17-fold at the mid two-cell stage, and 1.5- to 13-fold for the late two-cell stage. Five genes were not expressed in the donor cells, and these displayed the most pronounced deficiencies in expression. Two genes were expressed in cumulus cell donors, and supported progressive accumulation of their mRNAs in clones during this period, albeit at reduced rates. One other gene expressed in cumulus cells was not activated in clones. Although a significant proportion of these genes is reactivated in two-cell stage clones, this recapitulation is grossly imperfect, occurs at a substantially reduced level, and even fails entirely to occur for some genes. Thus, the oocyte is incapable of efficiently directing the recapitulation of early embryonic stage-specific gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Vassena
- The Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, USA
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26
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Mtango NR, Latham KE. Ubiquitin proteasome pathway gene expression varies in rhesus monkey oocytes and embryos of different developmental potential. Physiol Genomics 2007; 31:1-14. [PMID: 17550997 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00040.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein degradation via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway (UPP) plays a key role in diverse aspects of cell physiology and development. In the early embryo, the UPP may play an important role in the transition from maternal to embryonic control of development. Disruptions in the UPP could thus compromise embryo developmental potential. Additionally, species-specific requirements may dictate diverse patterns of regulation of the UPP components. To investigate the expression of UPP components in a nonhuman primate embryo model, to compare expression between a primate and nonprimate species, and to determine whether disruption of this pathway may contribute to reduced developmental potential, we examined the expression of >50 mRNAs encoding UPP components in rhesus monkey oocytes and embryos. We compared this expression between the rhesus monkey and mouse embryo and between rhesus monkey oocytes and embryos of high, intermediate, and low developmental potential. We report here the temporal patterns of UPP gene expression in oocytes and during preimplantation development, including striking differences between the rhesus monkey and mouse. We also report significant differences in UPP gene expression correlating with oocyte and embryo developmental competence and associated with altered regulation of maternally inherited mRNAs encoding these proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namdori R Mtango
- The Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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27
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Zheng P, Vassena R, Latham KE. Effects of in vitro oocyte maturation and embryo culture on the expression of glucose transporters, glucose metabolism and insulin signaling genes in rhesus monkey oocytes and preimplantation embryos. Mol Hum Reprod 2007; 13:361-71. [PMID: 17416905 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gam014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucose plays a fundamental role during oogenesis and embryogenesis, satisfying the metabolic demands of oocytes and embryos, providing for stored energy reserves in the form of glycogen and supporting nucleotide biosynthesis via the pentose phosphate pathway. Glucose also contributes to the production of amino acids, glycosylated proteins and extracellular components. A detailed understanding of the molecular mechanisms that mediate and regulate glucose uptake and metabolism at different stages of oogenesis and preimplantation embryogenesis could greatly benefit the development of improved methods for in vitro oocyte maturation and in vitro embryo production. Although these processes have been examined in a variety of rodent and agricultural species, detailed information has not yet been described for non-human primates. In this study, we examined the expression of the genes encoding glucose transporters, glucose metabolism enzymes and potential regulators of glucose metabolism in rhesus monkey oocytes and embryos. The data reveal stage-specific regulation of expression of specific types of glucose transporters, stage-specific changes in expression of genes related to different pathways of glucose metabolism and temporal changes in the expression of mRNAs related to insulin signaling. Additionally, the data reveal significant differences in expression of some of these genes in cultured embryos as compared with flushed embryos and between oocytes and embryos obtained following different hormonal stimulation and oocyte maturation protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Zheng
- The Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Temple University Medical School, 3307 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
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28
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Latham KE. The Primate Embryo Gene Expression Resource in embryology and stem cell biology. Reprod Fertil Dev 2007; 18:807-10. [PMID: 17147927 DOI: 10.1071/rd06110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2006] [Accepted: 09/04/2006] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The analysis of temporal patterns of gene expression in embryos is an essential component of any research program seeking to understand molecular mechanisms that control development. Little is known of early regulatory mechanisms that operate in primate oocytes and preimplantation-stage embryos. Such studies have been hindered by the cost of obtaining, and limited availability of, non-human primate oocytes and embryos, and by ethical and legal constraints on studies of human embryos. Over the past 4 years we have established the Primate Embryo Gene Expression Resource (PREGER) to circumvent these limitations. A set of over 200 samples of rhesus monkey oocytes and embryos has been converted to cDNA libraries, which are, in turn, used for a variety of molecular analyses. Both the libraries and cDNA dot blots can be distributed free of charge to anyone wishing to study gene expression at these stages. This includes providing an inexpensive and rapid method for confirming and extending results of gene discovery approaches such as microarray analysis. PREGER includes an on-line resource with a database and other useful tools for embryologists. The resource is being expanded to incorporate samples from other species and from embryonic stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith E Latham
- The Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, and The Department of Biochemistry, Temple University School of Medicine, 3307 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA.
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29
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Zheng P, Vassena R, Latham K. Expression and downregulation of WNT signaling pathway genes in rhesus monkey oocytes and embryos. Mol Reprod Dev 2007; 73:667-77. [PMID: 16511889 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian WNT genes encode secreted glycoproteins that are conserved homologues of the Drosophila Wingless gene, which plays a crucial role in Drosophila development. Recently, WNT pathway signaling has been implicated in ovarian development, oogenesis, and early development. We sought to evaluate whether these genes may contribute to the formation of healthy human oocytes or embryos, and whether the expression of these genes could provide informative markers of human oocyte and embryo quality. To do this, we employed the primate embryo gene expression resource (PREGER; www.preger.org) to examine expression of mRNAs encoding 38 components of the WNT signaling pathway in rhesus monkey oocytes and embryos as a nonhuman primate model. We observed considerable conservation between rhesus monkey and mouse of expression of WNT, FZD, and effector gene mRNAs, and a generalized downregulation of genes encoding key components of the WNT signaling pathway during preimplantation development. Our results support a role for WNT signaling during oocyte growth or maturation, but not during preimplantation development. Additionally, we observed differences between in vitro cultured and in vivo developing blastocysts, indicating possible effects of culture on WNT signaling during the peri-implantation period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Zheng
- The Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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30
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Abstract
The study of in vitro maturation (IVM) of rhesus monkey oocytes has important implications for biomedical research and human infertility treatment. In vitro-matured rhesus monkey oocytes show much less developmental potential than IVM oocytes of other species. Since about 1980 when rhesus monkey IVM, in vitro fertilization (IVF) and in vitro embryo culture (IVC) systems were established, numerous efforts have been made to improve the developmental competence of oocytes and to understand the mechanisms regulating oocyte maturation. This review describes recent progress in this area, particularly the effects of factors such as steroid hormones, energy substrates, amino acids, ovarian follicle status, maternal age and breeding season on the developmental competence, gene expression patterns and genome integrity of rhesus IVM oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Zheng
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Building 50, Rm 3132, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892-8028, USA.
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31
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Long JE, He LQ, Cai X, Ren ZR, Huang SZ, Zeng YT. Construction and characteristics of 3-end enriched cDNA library from individual embryos of cattle. Anim Reprod Sci 2006; 96:104-15. [PMID: 16413976 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2005.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2005] [Accepted: 11/28/2005] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
To analyze stage-specific gene expression profiles of pre-implantation embryos and evaluate potential viability, techniques were adapted to generate 3-end enriched cDNA libraries from individual embryos of cattle based on RT-PCR methodology. The reproducibility of constructing a cDNA library was tested by five independent PCR experiments with specific primers for the presence of several rare genes such as DNMT1 (DNA methylation transferase 1), DNMT2, DNMT3A, Oct-4/3 (octmer-binding transcription factor), IFN-iota, IGF-2r (insulin like growth factor 2 receptor), and the housekeeping genes, H2A and beta-actin. Results indicated repeatability and that a proportion of expressed genes in the cDNA library from an individual embryo was not affected by limited PCR amplification. From the cDNA library, 134 clones were randomly selected for sequencing and showed that structure related elements accounted for 33.5% of transcripts and the energy- and metabolism-related genes were also an important component being 11.9% in the cDNA library. Approximately 14% of genes in the library were functionally unknown including greater than 5% of genes that were likely novel because there was no identity in Genbank. The frequency of structure-related genes such as beta-actin and ribosomal proteins in the cDNA library corresponded to other reports and suggested that the cDNA library constructed by RT-PCR might be proportional to the mRNA populations. The cDNA libraries constructed from different stage embryos will provide a powerful tool to explore novel genes relevant to embryogenesis, determine the profiling of stage-specific gene expression, and evaluate the potential viability of embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Er Long
- Shanghai Institute of Medical Genetics, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 24/1400 West Beijing Road, Shanghai 200040, PR China
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32
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Potireddy S, Vassena R, Patel BG, Latham KE. Analysis of polysomal mRNA populations of mouse oocytes and zygotes: dynamic changes in maternal mRNA utilization and function. Dev Biol 2006; 298:155-66. [PMID: 16860309 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2006.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2006] [Revised: 06/12/2006] [Accepted: 06/14/2006] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Transcriptional activation in mammalian embryos occurs in a stepwise manner. In mice, it begins at the late one-cell stage, followed by a minor wave of activation at the early two-cell stage, and then the major genome activation event (MGA) at the late two-cell stage. Cellular homeostasis, metabolism, cell cycle, and developmental events are orchestrated before MGA by time-dependent changes in the array of maternal transcripts being translated. Many elegant studies have documented the importance of maternal mRNA (MmRNA) and its correct recruitment for development. Many other studies have illuminated some of the molecular mechanisms regulating MmRNA utilization. However, neither the complete array of recruited mRNAs nor the regulatory mechanisms responsible for temporally different patterns of recruitment have been well characterized. We present a comprehensive analysis of changes in the maternal component of the zygotic polysomal mRNA population during the transition from oocyte to late one-cell stage embryo. We observe global transitions in the functional classes of translated MmRNAs and apparent changes in the underlying cis-regulatory mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santhi Potireddy
- The Department of Biochemistry, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
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Miyara F, Han Z, Gao S, Vassena R, Latham KE. Non-equivalence of embryonic and somatic cell nuclei affecting spindle composition in clones. Dev Biol 2006; 289:206-17. [PMID: 16310175 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2005.10.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2005] [Revised: 10/12/2005] [Accepted: 10/17/2005] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Cloning by nuclear transfer remains inefficient but is more efficient when nuclei from embryonic cells or embryonic stem cells (ECNT) are employed as compared with somatic cells (SCNT). The factors determining efficiency have not been elucidated. We find that somatic and embryonic nuclei differ in their ability to organize meiotic and mitotic spindles of normal molecular composition. Calmodulin, a component of meiotic and mitotic spindle chromosome complexes (SCCs), displays sharply reduced association with the SCC forming after SCNT but not ECNT. This defect persists in mitotic spindles at least through the second mitosis, despite abundant calmodulin expression in the cell, and correlates with slow chromosome congression. We propose that somatic cell nuclei lack factors needed to direct normal SCC formation in oocytes and early embryos. These results reveal a striking control of SCC formation by the transplanted nucleus and provide the first identified molecular correlate of donor stage-dependent restriction in nuclear potency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faical Miyara
- The Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
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Chen N, Liow SL, Abdullah RB, Embong WKW, Yip WY, Tan LG, Tong GQ, Ng SC. Developmental competence of transported in-vitro matured macaque oocytes. Reprod Biomed Online 2006; 12:50-9. [PMID: 16454934 DOI: 10.1016/s1472-6483(10)60980-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
This study examines in-vitro maturation (IVM) in a non-human primate model, Macaca fascicularis. The animals had hormonal injections and laparoscopic oocyte retrieval (OR)) at 12- and 24- h after human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG). The immature oocytes were placed in tightly capped tubes containing pre-equilibrated IVM medium and transported for 5 h in a dry portable 37 degrees C incubator without CO2 supplement. Meiotic spindle was observed at 36-38- h post-HCG by polarized microscopy in 72 and 84.5% of mature oocytes collected at 12- and 24- h post-HCG oocyte retrieval intervals respectively. However, abnormal spindle formations were detected in some IVM oocytes by confocal microscopy. The IVM oocytes were also randomly selected for (i) intracytoplasmic injection with frozen-thawed epididymal M. fascicularis spermatozoa and (ii) nuclear transfer (NT) with fresh M. fascicularis cumulus cells. Embryonic development of sperm-injected embryos was not affected by the 12- and 24- h post-HCG oocyte retrieval intervals (22.5 versus 27.9% respectively). However, embryonic development of NT embryos was significantly affected by the 12- h post-HCG oocyte retrieval interval (4.5 versus 31.7% respectively; P < 0.01). In conclusion, IVM of monkey oocytes in a dry portable incubator for 5 h did not affect the maturation rate. However, the ability of primate oocytes to develop after somatic cell nuclear transfer was affected by oocyte retrieval time post-HCG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naiqing Chen
- Embryonics International, Gleneagles Hospital, Annex Block, #01-38, 6A Napier Road, Singapore 258500, Singapore
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Vassena R, Dee Schramm R, Latham KE. Species-dependent expression patterns of DNA methyltransferase genes in mammalian oocytes and preimplantation embryos. Mol Reprod Dev 2005; 72:430-6. [PMID: 16155959 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) comprise a family of proteins involved in the establishment and maintenance of DNA methylation patterns in the mammalian genome. DNA methylation involves the transfer of the methyl group of the coenzyme S-adenosyl-L-methionine to the 5 position of cytosine residues within CpG dinucleotides. DNA methylation is implicated in the control of imprinted genes expression, X chromosome silencing, development of certain types of cancer, and embryonic development. DNA methylation is also believed to protect the genome from parasitic elements such as transposons, retrotransposons, and viruses. The aim of this study was to analyze the expression patterns of DNMT1, DNMT2, DNMT3A, DNMT3B, and DNMT3L genes in rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) oocytes and preimplantation stage embryos from fertilization to the hatched blastocyst stage, and to compare these results with the expression profiles in the mouse and other mammalian species. We describe species-dependent differences as well as similarities in expression patterns of DNMT genes among mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Vassena
- The Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, USA
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Zheng P, Patel B, McMenamin M, Moran E, Paprocki AM, Kihara M, Schramm RD, Latham KE. Effects of Follicle Size and Oocyte Maturation Conditions on Maternal Messenger RNA Regulation and Gene Expression in Rhesus Monkey Oocytes and Embryos1. Biol Reprod 2005; 72:890-7. [PMID: 15590902 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.104.035881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The relationship between alterations in gene expression and differences in developmental potential in primate oocytes and embryos was examined. Oocytes from 3 sources were used for these studies: 1) in vivo-matured oocytes from monkeys stimulated with FSH and hCG, 2) in vitro-matured oocytes from large follicles of monkeys primed with FSH, and 3) in vitro-matured oocytes from small follicles from nonstimulated (NS) monkeys. Following in vitro fertilization, embryos from these oocytes displayed high, moderate, and low developmental competence, respectively. Oocytes from NS females displayed aberrant accumulation of a number of maternal mRNAs, followed by precocious loss of many maternal mRNAs by the 2-cell stage. Embryos from NS oocytes displayed alterations in expression of key transcription factors after the 8-cell stage. Oocytes and embryos from FSH-stimulated females also displayed alterations in gene expression relative to hCG-stimulated females, but these alterations were much less severe than those observed for NS oocytes and embryos. Our data are consistent with the hypothesis that continued development and maturation of the oocyte within the ovarian follicle in vivo facilitates the production of oocytes of the highest developmental potential, and that in vitro conditions may not support this process as effectively due to differences in the extracellular milieu. These observations are relevant to understanding the role of the in vivo environment on oocyte maturation, and the potential effects of in vitro maturation on human assisted reproduction methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Zheng
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology
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Zheng P, Schramm RD, Latham KE. Developmental regulation and in vitro culture effects on expression of DNA repair and cell cycle checkpoint control genes in rhesus monkey oocytes and embryos. Biol Reprod 2005; 72:1359-69. [PMID: 15703371 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.104.039073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA repair is essential for maintaining genomic integrity, and may be required in the early embryo to correct damage inherited via the gametes, damage that arises during DNA replication, or damage that arises in response to exposure to genotoxic agents. The capacity of preimplantation stage mammalian embryos to repair damaged DNA has not been well characterized, particularly in primate embryos. In this study, we examined the expression of 48 mRNAs related to sensing different kinds of DNA damage, repairing that DNA damage, and controlling the cell cycle to provide an opportunity for DNA repair. The expression data reveal dynamic temporal changes, indicating a changing ability of the rhesus embryo to detect and repair different kinds of DNA damage. Low expression or overexpression of specific DNA repair genes may limit the ability of the embryo to respond to DNA damage at certain stages. Additionally, our data reveal that in vitro culture may lead to dysregulation of many such genes and a potentially impaired ability to repair DNA damage, thus affecting cellular viability and long-term embryo viability via effects on genome integrity. This effect of in vitro culture on nonhuman primate embryos may be relevant to assessing the potential advantages and disadvantages of prolonged in vitro culture of human embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Zheng
- The Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, USA
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Abstract
It is widely anticipated that human embryonic stem (ES) cells will serve as an experimental model for studying early development in our species, and, conversely, that studies of development in model systems, the mouse in particular, will inform our efforts to manipulate human stem cells in vitro. A comparison of primate and mouse ES cells suggests that a common underlying blueprint for the pluripotent state has undergone significant species-specific modification. As we discuss here, technical advances in the propagation and manipulation of human ES cells have improved our understanding of their growth and differentiation, providing the potential to investigate early human development and to develop new clinical therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin F Pera
- Monash Institute of Reproduction and Development, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
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Zheng P, Patel B, McMenamin M, Paprocki AM, Schramm RD, Nagl NG, Wilsker D, Wang X, Moran E, Latham KE. Expression of genes encoding chromatin regulatory factors in developing rhesus monkey oocytes and preimplantation stage embryos: possible roles in genome activation. Biol Reprod 2004; 70:1419-27. [PMID: 14724134 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.103.023796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the most critical events of preimplantation development is the successful activation of gene transcription. Both the timing and the array of genes activated must be controlled. The ability to regulate gene transcription appears to be reduced just prior to the time of the major genome activation event, and changes in chromatin structure appear essential for establishing this ability. Major molecules that modulate chromatin structure are the linker and core histones, enzymes that modify histones, and a wide variety of other factors that associate with DNA and mediate either repressive or activating changes. Among the latter are chromatin accessibility complexes, SWI/SNF complexes, and the YY1 protein and its associated factors. Detailed information about the expression and regulation of these factors in preimplantation stage embryos has not been published for any species. In order to ascertain which of these factors may participate in chromatin remodeling, genome activation, and DNA replication during early primate embryogenesis, we determined the temporal expression patterns of mRNA encoding these factors. Our data identify the predominant members of these different functional classes of factors expressed in oocytes and embryos, and reveal patterns of expression distinct from those patterns seen in somatic cells. Among each of four classes of mRNAs examined, some mRNAs were expressed predominantly in the oocyte, with these largely giving way to others expressed stage specifically in the embryo. This transition may be part of a global mechanism underlying the transition from maternal to embryonic control of development, wherein the oocyte program is silenced and an embryonic pattern of gene expression becomes established. Possible roles for these mRNAs in chromatin remodeling, genome activation, DNA replication, cell lineage determination, and nuclear reprogramming are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Zheng
- The Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, USA
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