1
|
Lee SH, Rinaudo PF. Metabolic regulation of preimplantation embryo development in vivo and in vitro: Molecular mechanisms and insights. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 726:150256. [PMID: 38909536 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Understanding of embryonic development has led to the clinical application of Assisted Reproductive technologies (ART), with the resulting birth of millions of children. Recent developments in metabolomics, proteomics, and transcriptomics have brought to light new insights into embryonic growth dynamics, with implications spanning reproductive medicine, stem cell research, and regenerative medicine. The review explores the key metabolic processes and molecular pathways active during preimplantation embryo development, including PI3K-Akt, mTOR, AMPK, Wnt/β-catenin, TGF-β, Notch and Jak-Stat signaling pathways. We focused on analyzing the differences occurring in vitro as opposed to in vivo development and we discussed significant physiological and clinical implications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seok Hee Lee
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Paolo F Rinaudo
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kidder BL, Ruden X, Singh A, Marben TA, Rass L, Chakravarty A, Xie Y, Puscheck EE, Awonuga AO, Harris S, Ruden DM, Rappolee DA. Novel high throughput screen reports that benzo(a)pyrene overrides mouse trophoblast stem cell multipotency, inducing SAPK activity, HAND1 and differentiated trophoblast giant cells. Placenta 2024; 152:72-85. [PMID: 38245404 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cultured mouse trophoblast stem cells (mTSC) maintain proliferation/normal stemness (NS) under FGF4, which when removed, causes normal differentiation (ND). Hypoxic, or hyperosmotic stress forces trophoblast giant cells (TGC) differentiate. Hypoxic, hyperosmotic, and genotoxic benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), which is found in tobacco smoke, force down-regulation of inhibitor of differentiation (Id)2, enabling TGC differentiation. Hypoxic and hyperosmotic stress induce TGC by SAPK-dependent HAND1 increase. Here we test whether BaP forces mTSC-to-TGC while inducing SAPK and HAND1. METHODS Hand1 and SAPK activity were assayed by immunoblot, mTSC-to-TGC growth and differentiation were assayed at Tfinal after 72hr exposure of BaP, NS, ND, Retinoic acid (RA), or sorbitol. Nuclear-stained cells were micrographed automatically by a live imager, and assayed by ImageJ/FIJI, Biotek Gen 5, AIVIA proprietary artificial intelligence (AI) software or open source, CellPose artificial intelligence/AI software. RESULTS BaP (0.05-1μM) activated SAPK and HAND1 without diminishing growth. TSC-to-TGC differentiation was assayed with increasingly accuracy for 2-4 N cycling nuclei and >4 N differentiating TGC nuclei, using ImageJ/FIJI, Gen 5, AIVIA, or CellPose AI software. The AIVIA and Cellpose AI software matches human accuracy. The lowest BaP effects on SAPK activation/HAND1 increase are >10-fold more sensitive than similar effects for mESC. RA induces 44-47% 1st lineage TGC differentiation, but the same RA dose induces only 1% 1st lineage mESC differentiation. DISCUSSION First, these pilot data suggest that mTSC can be used in high throughput screens (HTS) to predict toxicant exposures that force TGC differentiation. Second, mTSC differentiated more cells than mESC for similar stress exposures, Third, open source AI can replace human micrograph quantitation and enable a miscarriage-predicting HTS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B L Kidder
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine and Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - X Ruden
- CS Mott Center/WSU Ob/gyn Department, USA; Reproductive Stress Inc, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI, USA
| | - A Singh
- CS Mott Center/WSU Ob/gyn Department, USA; WSU CMMG, USA
| | - T A Marben
- University of Detroit, Mercy (NIH Build Fellow), USA
| | - L Rass
- Barber Foundation Fellows/WSU, USA
| | | | - Y Xie
- Western Fertility, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - E E Puscheck
- CS Mott Center/WSU Ob/gyn Department, USA; Invia Infertility, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - S Harris
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - D M Ruden
- CS Mott Center/WSU Ob/gyn Department, USA; IEHS, WSU, USA
| | - D A Rappolee
- CS Mott Center/WSU Ob/gyn Department, USA; Reproductive Stress Inc, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI, USA; Dept of Physiology, WSU, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Almeida GHDR, da Silva RS, Gibin MS, Gonzaga VHDS, dos Santos H, Igleisa RP, Fernandes LA, Fernandes IC, Nesiyama TNG, Sato F, Baesso ML, Hernandes L, Rinaldi JDC, Meirelles FV, Astolfi-Ferreira CS, Ferreira AJP, Carreira ACO. Region-Specific Decellularization of Porcine Uterine Tube Extracellular Matrix: A New Approach for Reproductive Tissue-Engineering Applications. Biomimetics (Basel) 2024; 9:382. [PMID: 39056823 PMCID: PMC11274565 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics9070382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The uterine tube extracellular matrix is a key component that regulates tubal tissue physiology, and it has a region-specific structural distribution, which is directly associated to its functions. Considering this, the application of biological matrices in culture systems is an interesting strategy to develop biomimetic tubal microenvironments and enhance their complexity. However, there are no established protocols to produce tubal biological matrices that consider the organ morphophysiology for such applications. Therefore, this study aimed to establish region-specific protocols to obtain decellularized scaffolds derived from porcine infundibulum, ampulla, and isthmus to provide suitable sources of biomaterials for tissue-engineering approaches. Porcine uterine tubes were decellularized in solutions of 0.1% SDS and 0.5% Triton X-100. The decellularization efficiency was evaluated by DAPI staining and DNA quantification. We analyzed the ECM composition and structure by optical and scanning electronic microscopy, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy. DNA and DAPI assays validated the decellularization, presenting a significative reduction in cellular content. Structural and spectroscopy analyses revealed that the produced scaffolds remained well structured and with the ECM composition preserved. YS and HEK293 cells were used to attest cytocompatibility, allowing high cell viability rates and successful interaction with the scaffolds. These results suggest that such matrices are applicable for future biotechnological approaches in the reproductive field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Henrique Doná Rodrigues Almeida
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 03828-000, Brazil; (R.S.d.S.); (L.A.F.); (I.C.F.); (A.C.O.C.)
| | - Raquel Souza da Silva
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 03828-000, Brazil; (R.S.d.S.); (L.A.F.); (I.C.F.); (A.C.O.C.)
| | - Mariana Sversut Gibin
- Department of Physics, State University of Maringá, Maringá 87020-900, Brazil; (M.S.G.); (V.H.d.S.G.); (H.d.S.); (F.S.); (M.L.B.)
| | - Victória Hellen de Souza Gonzaga
- Department of Physics, State University of Maringá, Maringá 87020-900, Brazil; (M.S.G.); (V.H.d.S.G.); (H.d.S.); (F.S.); (M.L.B.)
| | - Henrique dos Santos
- Department of Physics, State University of Maringá, Maringá 87020-900, Brazil; (M.S.G.); (V.H.d.S.G.); (H.d.S.); (F.S.); (M.L.B.)
| | - Rebeca Piatniczka Igleisa
- The Ken & Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA;
| | - Leticia Alves Fernandes
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 03828-000, Brazil; (R.S.d.S.); (L.A.F.); (I.C.F.); (A.C.O.C.)
| | - Iorrane Couto Fernandes
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 03828-000, Brazil; (R.S.d.S.); (L.A.F.); (I.C.F.); (A.C.O.C.)
| | - Thais Naomi Gonçalves Nesiyama
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil; (T.N.G.N.); (F.V.M.)
| | - Francielle Sato
- Department of Physics, State University of Maringá, Maringá 87020-900, Brazil; (M.S.G.); (V.H.d.S.G.); (H.d.S.); (F.S.); (M.L.B.)
| | - Mauro Luciano Baesso
- Department of Physics, State University of Maringá, Maringá 87020-900, Brazil; (M.S.G.); (V.H.d.S.G.); (H.d.S.); (F.S.); (M.L.B.)
| | - Luzmarina Hernandes
- Department of Morphological Sciences, State University of Maringá, Maringá 87020-900, Brazil; (L.H.); (J.d.C.R.)
| | | | - Flávio Vieira Meirelles
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil; (T.N.G.N.); (F.V.M.)
| | - Claudete S. Astolfi-Ferreira
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil; (C.S.A.-F.); (A.J.P.F.)
| | - Antonio José Piantino Ferreira
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil; (C.S.A.-F.); (A.J.P.F.)
| | - Ana Claudia Oliveira Carreira
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 03828-000, Brazil; (R.S.d.S.); (L.A.F.); (I.C.F.); (A.C.O.C.)
- Centre for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, Santo André 09040-902, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gualtieri R, De Gregorio V, Candela A, Travaglione A, Genovese V, Barbato V, Talevi R. In Vitro Culture of Mammalian Embryos: Is There Room for Improvement? Cells 2024; 13:996. [PMID: 38920627 PMCID: PMC11202082 DOI: 10.3390/cells13120996] [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: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Preimplantation embryo culture, pivotal in assisted reproductive technology (ART), has lagged in innovation compared to embryo selection advancements. This review examines the persisting gap between in vivo and in vitro embryo development, emphasizing the need for improved culture conditions. While in humans this gap is hardly estimated, animal models, particularly bovines, reveal clear disparities in developmental competence, cryotolerance, pregnancy and live birth rates between in vitro-produced (IVP) and in vivo-derived (IVD) embryos. Molecular analyses unveil distinct differences in morphology, metabolism, and genomic stability, underscoring the need for refining culture conditions for better ART outcomes. To this end, a deeper comprehension of oviduct physiology and embryo transport is crucial for grasping embryo-maternal interactions' mechanisms. Research on autocrine and paracrine factors, and extracellular vesicles in embryo-maternal tract interactions, elucidates vital communication networks for successful implantation and pregnancy. In vitro, confinement, and embryo density are key factors to boost embryo development. Advanced dynamic culture systems mimicking fluid mechanical stimulation in the oviduct, through vibration, tilting, and microfluidic methods, and the use of innovative softer substrates, hold promise for optimizing in vitro embryo development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Gualtieri
- Department of Biology, University of Naples ‘’Federico II’’, Complesso Universitario Di Monte S. Angelo, Via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy; (V.D.G.); (A.C.); (A.T.); (V.G.); (V.B.); (R.T.)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Safaefar F, Karamdel J, Veladi H, Maleki M. Design and implementation of a lab-on-a-chip for assisted reproductive technologies. BIOIMPACTS : BI 2023; 14:28902. [PMID: 39104621 PMCID: PMC11298026 DOI: 10.34172/bi.2023.28902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
Introduction The microfluidic device is highly optimized to remove oocytes from the cumulus-corona cell mass surrounding them. Additionally, it effectively captures and immobilizes the oocytes, aiding in assessing their quality and facilitating the injection of sperm into the oocyte. In this study, a novel microfluidic chip was designed and manufactured using conventional soft lithography methods. Methods This research proposes the utilization of a microfluidic chip as a substitute for the conventional manual procedures involved in oocyte denudation, trapping, and immobilization. The microfluidic chip was modeled and simulated using COMSOL Multiphysics® 5.2 software to optimize and enhance its design and performance. The microfluidic chip was fabricated using conventional injection molding techniques on a polydimethylsiloxane substrate by employing soft lithography methods. Results A hydrostatic force was applied to guide the oocyte through predetermined pathways to eliminate the cumulus cells surrounding the oocyte. The oocyte was subsequently confined within the designated trap region by utilizing hydraulic resistance along the paths and immobilized by applying vacuum force. Conclusion The application of this chip necessitates a lower level of operator expertise compared to enzymatic and mechanical techniques. Moreover, it is feasible to continuously monitor the oocyte's state throughout the procedure. There is a reduced need for cultural media compared to more standard approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Firooz Safaefar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Technical and Engineering, South Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Karamdel
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Technical and Engineering, South Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hadi Veladi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Technical and Engineering, South Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
- Microsystem Fabrication Laboratory, Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Masoud Maleki
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Technical and Engineering, South Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Biology, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz Branch, Tabriz, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Darwish T, Swaidan NT, Emara MM. Stress Factors as Possible Regulators of Pluripotent Stem Cell Survival and Differentiation. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1119. [PMID: 37627003 PMCID: PMC10452095 DOI: 10.3390/biology12081119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, extensive research efforts have been directed toward pluripotent stem cells, primarily due to their remarkable capacity for pluripotency. This unique attribute empowers these cells to undergo self-renewal and differentiate into various cell types originating from the ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm germ layers. The delicate balance and precise regulation of self-renewal and differentiation are essential for the survival and functionality of these cells. Notably, exposure to specific environmental stressors can activate numerous transcription factors, initiating a diverse array of stress response pathways. These pathways play pivotal roles in regulating gene expression and protein synthesis, ultimately aiming to preserve cell survival and maintain cellular functions. Reactive oxygen species, heat shock, hypoxia, osmotic stress, DNA damage, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and mechanical stress are among the examples of such stressors. In this review, we comprehensively discuss the impact of environmental stressors on the growth of embryonic cells. Furthermore, we provide a summary of the distinct stress response pathways triggered when pluripotent stem cells are exposed to different environmental stressors. Additionally, we highlight recent discoveries regarding the role of such stressors in the generation, differentiation, and self-renewal of induced pluripotent stem cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mohamed M. Emara
- Basic Medical Sciences Department, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, 2713 Doha, Qatar
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Jafarbeglou F, Nazari MA, Iravanimanesh S, Amanpour S, Keikha F, Rinaudo P, Azadi M. Micro-scale probing of the Rat's oviduct detects its viscoelastic property needed for creating a biologically relevant substrate for In-Vitro- Fertilization. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 176:16-24. [PMID: 35863475 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2022.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Techniques used in assisted reproductive technology such as In-Vitro- Fertilization (IVF) process, often only replicate the biomechanical environment for embryo. Despite its importance, the biomechanics of the Oviduct tissue that is usually called Fallopian Tube in Human, the natural site of fertilization, has not been replicated nor sufficiently studied. This work studies the time-independent and time-dependent biomechanics of the oviduct tissue by realizing a viscoelastic model that accurately fit on the experimental indentation data collected on the mucosal epithelial lining of the oviduct tissue of rats. Nano-scale experiments with varying indentation rates ranging from 0.3 to 8 μms were conducted using atomic force microscopy (AFM) resulting in instantaneous elastic modulus ranging from 0.86 MPa to 6.46 MPa correspondingly. This result showed strong time dependency of the mechanical properties of the oviduct. An improved viscoelastic equation based on the fractional viscoelastic model was proposed. This modified relation successfully captured all the experimental data found at different rates (R2 > 0.8). Using the proposed model, the pure elasticity of the oviduct (i.e., about 317.2 kPa) and the viscoelastic parameters were found.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fereshteh Jafarbeglou
- School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Nazari
- School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Iran; University Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, UMR 5525, Grenoble INP, TIMC, Grenoble, France.
| | - Sahba Iravanimanesh
- School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeid Amanpour
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Keikha
- Vali-e-Asr Reproductive Health Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Paolo Rinaudo
- Department of Obstetrics Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, United States
| | - Mojtaba Azadi
- School of Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, San Francisco State University, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ghorbani S, Eyni H, Norahan MH, Zarrintaj P, Urban N, Mohammadzadeh A, Mostafavi E, Sutherland DS. Advanced bioengineering of female germ cells to preserve fertility. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:1177-1204. [PMID: 35947985 PMCID: PMC10144627 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Oogenesis and folliculogenesis are considered as complex and species-specific cellular differentiation processes, which depend on the in vivo ovarian follicular environment and endocrine cues. Considerable efforts have been devoted to driving the differentiation of female primordial germ cells toward mature oocytes outside of the body. The recent experimental attempts have laid stress on offering a suitable microenvironment to assist the in vitro folliculogenesis and oogenesis. Despite developing a variety of bioengineering techniques and generating functional mature gametes through in vitro oogenesis in earlier studies, we still lack knowledge of appropriate microenvironment conditions for building biomimetic culture systems for female fertility preservation. Therefore, this review paper can provide a source for a large body of scientists developing cutting-edge in vitro culture systems for female germ cells or setting up the next generation of reproductive medicine as feasible options for female infertility treatment. The focal point of this review outlines advanced bioengineering technologies such as 3D biofabricated hydrogels/scaffolds and microfluidic systems utilized with female germlines for fertility preservation through in vitro folliculogenesis and oogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sadegh Ghorbani
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Hossein Eyni
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hadi Norahan
- School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey Unviersity, Monterrey, NL, Mexico
| | - Payam Zarrintaj
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA
| | - Nadine Urban
- Freiburg Centre for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Ebrahim Mostafavi
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Duncan S Sutherland
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Lai TH, Chen HT, Wu WB. Trophoblast Coculture Induces Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 Expression in Uterine Endometrial Epithelial Cells Through TNF-α Production: Implication of Role of FSH and ICAM-1 during Embryo Implantation. J Reprod Immunol 2022; 152:103650. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2022.103650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
10
|
Li F, Ye Y, Lei X, Zhang W. Effects of Microgravity on Early Embryonic Development and Embryonic Stem Cell Differentiation: Phenotypic Characterization and Potential Mechanisms. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:797167. [PMID: 34926474 PMCID: PMC8675004 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.797167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
With the development of science and technology, mankind’s exploration of outer space has increased tremendously. Settling in outer space or on other planets could help solve the Earth’s resource crisis, but such settlement will first face the problem of reproduction. There are considerable differences between outer space and the Earth’s environment, with the effects of gravity being one of the most significant. Studying the possible effects and underlying mechanisms of microgravity on embryonic stem cell (ESC) differentiation and embryonic development could help provide solutions to healthy living and reproduction in deep space. This article summarizes recent research progress on the effects of microgravity on ESCs and early embryonic development and proposes hypotheses regarding the potential mechanisms. In addition, we discuss the controversies and key questions in the field and indicate directions for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feng Li
- Department of Urinary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ying Ye
- Cam-Su Genomic Resource Center, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiaohua Lei
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wensheng Zhang
- Cam-Su Genomic Resource Center, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Matsuzaki S. Mechanobiology of the female reproductive system. Reprod Med Biol 2021; 20:371-401. [PMID: 34646066 PMCID: PMC8499606 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mechanobiology in the field of human female reproduction has been extremely challenging technically and ethically. METHODS The present review provides the current knowledge on mechanobiology of the female reproductive system. This review focuses on the early phases of reproduction from oocyte development to early embryonic development, with an emphasis on current progress. MAIN FINDINGS RESULTS Optimal, well-controlled mechanical cues are required for female reproductive system physiology. Many important questions remain unanswered; whether and how mechanical imbalances among the embryo, decidua, and uterine muscle contractions affect early human embryonic development, whether the biomechanical properties of oocytes/embryos are potential biomarkers for selecting high-quality oocytes/embryos, whether mechanical properties differ between the two major compartments of the ovary (cortex and medulla) in normally ovulating human ovaries, whether durotaxis is involved in several processes in addition to embryonic development. Progress in mechanobiology is dependent on development of technologies that enable precise physical measurements. CONCLUSION More studies are needed to understand the roles of forces and changes in the mechanical properties of female reproductive system physiology. Recent and future technological advancements in mechanobiology research will help us understand the role of mechanical forces in female reproductive system disorders/diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sachiko Matsuzaki
- CHU Clermont‐FerrandChirurgie GynécologiqueClermont‐FerrandFrance
- Université Clermont AuvergneInstitut Pascal, UMR6602, CNRS/UCA/SIGMAClermont‐FerrandFrance
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Sadeghzadeh Oskouei B, Zargari S, Shahabi P, Ghaffari Novin M, Pashaiasl M. Design and Microfabrication of An On-Chip Oocyte Maturation System for Reduction of Apoptosis. CELL JOURNAL 2021; 23:32-39. [PMID: 33650818 PMCID: PMC7944125 DOI: 10.22074/cellj.2021.7056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Objective In customary assisted reproductive technology (ART), oocyte culture occurs in static micro drops of Petri dishes with vast media volume; while, the in vivo condition is dynamic. In this study, we aimed to improve the maturation efficiency of mammalian oocytes by designing an optimal microchamber array to obtain the integration of oocyte trapping and maturation within a microfluidic device and evaluate the role of microfluidic culture condition in lipid peroxidation level of the culture medium, in vitro matured oocytes apoptosis, and its comparison with the conventional static system. Materials and Methods In this experimental research, immature oocytes were collected from ovaries of the Naval Medical Research Institute (NMRI) mice. Oocytes were randomly laid in static and dynamic (passive and active) in vitro maturation culture medium for 24 hours. The lipid peroxidation level in oocyte culture media was assessed by measuring the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA), and the rate of apoptosis in in vitro matured oocytes was assessed by the TUNEL assay after a-24 hour maturation period. Results The MDA concentration in both dynamic oocyte maturation media were significantly lower than the static medium (0.003 and 0.002 vs. 0.13 μmol/L, P<0.01). Moreover, the rate of apoptosis in matured oocytes after a-24 hour maturation period was significantly lower in passive dynamic and active dynamic groups compared with the static group (16%, 15% vs. 35%, P<0.01). Conclusion The dynamic culture for in vitro oocyte maturation (IVM) improves the viability of IVM oocytes in comparison with the static culture condition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Behnaz Sadeghzadeh Oskouei
- Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Siavash Zargari
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Parviz Shahabi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Marefat Ghaffari Novin
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Pashaiasl
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Hawkins J, Miao X, Cui W, Sun Y. Biophysical optimization of preimplantation embryo culture: what mechanics can offer ART. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 27:gaaa087. [PMID: 33543291 PMCID: PMC8453600 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaaa087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Owing to the rise of ART and mounting reports of epigenetic modification associated with them, an understanding of optimal embryo culture conditions and reliable indicators of embryo quality are highly sought after. There is a growing body of evidence that mechanical biomarkers can rival embryo morphology as an early indicator of developmental potential and that biomimetic mechanical cues can promote healthy development in preimplantation embryos. This review will summarize studies that investigate the role of mechanics as both indicators and promoters of mammalian preimplantation embryo development and evaluate their potential for improving future embryo culture systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jamar Hawkins
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Xiaosu Miao
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Wei Cui
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Yubing Sun
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Mo J, Yang Q, Xia L, Niu Z. Embryo location in the uterus during embryo transfer: An in vitro simulation. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0240142. [PMID: 33017457 PMCID: PMC7535041 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the location of transferred embryos under various parameters during embryo transfer in in vitro fertilization (IVF) by applying an in vitro experimental model for embryo transfer (ET). METHODS Mock ET simulations were conducted with a laboratory model of the uterine cavity. The transfer catheter was loaded with a sequence of air and liquid volumes, including development-arrested embryos donated by patients. The transfer procedure was recorded using a digital video camera. An orthogonal design, including three independent variables (uterine orientation, distance of the catheter tip to the fundus, and injection speed) and one dependent variable (final embryo position), was applied. RESULTS The uterine cavity was divided into six regions. The distribution of the transferred matter within the uterine cavity varied according to the uterine orientation. Medium speed-injected embryos were mostly found in the static region while fast- and slow-speed injected embryos were mostly found in the fundal region and the cervical-left region, respectively. The possibility of embryo separation from the air bubble increased from 11.1% in slow injection cases to 29.6% and 48.1% in medium and fast injection cases, respectively. CONCLUSION The experimental model provides a new method for investigating ET procedures. Fast injection of embryos into a retroverted uterus may be more likely to result in embryo separation from the air bubble.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinqiu Mo
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Yang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lan Xia
- Reproductive Medical Center, Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated with the Medical School of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhihong Niu
- Reproductive Medical Center, Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated with the Medical School of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Brugger BA, Guettler J, Gauster M. Go with the Flow-Trophoblasts in Flow Culture. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21134666. [PMID: 32630006 PMCID: PMC7369846 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21134666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
With establishment of uteroplacental blood flow, the perfused fetal chorionic tissue has to deal with fluid shear stress that is produced by hemodynamic forces across different trophoblast subtypes. Amongst many other cell types, trophoblasts are able to sense fluid shear stress through mechanotransduction. Failure in the adaption of trophoblasts to fluid shear stress is suggested to contribute to pregnancy disorders. Thus, in the past twenty years, a significant body of work has been devoted to human- and animal-derived trophoblast culture under microfluidic conditions, using a rather broad range of different fluid shear stress values as well as various different flow systems, ranging from commercially 2D to customized 3D flow culture systems. The great variations in the experimental setup reflect the general heterogeneity in blood flow through different segments of the uteroplacental circulation. While fluid shear stress is moderate in invaded uterine spiral arteries, it drastically declines after entrance of the maternal blood into the wide cavity of the intervillous space. Here, we provide an overview of the increasing body of evidence that substantiates an important influence of maternal blood flow on several aspects of trophoblast physiology, including cellular turnover and differentiation, trophoblast metabolism, as well as endocrine activity, and motility. Future trends in trophoblast flow culture will incorporate the physiological low oxygen conditions in human placental tissue and pulsatile blood flow in the experimental setup. Investigation of trophoblast mechanotransduction and development of mechanosome modulators will be another intriguing future direction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Martin Gauster
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +43-316-385-71896; Fax: +43-316-385-79612
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
State-of-the-art in reproductive bench science: Hurdles and new technological solutions. Theriogenology 2020; 150:34-40. [PMID: 32088039 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.01.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Infertility is a growing issue in modern society, being the fifth highest serious global disability according to the World Health Organization. To study infertility and other reproductive system complications, bench science still relies on 2D and animal studies, which regularly have been criticized due to their inability to mimic the human body. Particular challenges in 2D studies include the inability to mimic fluid dynamics, gametes modulation and their crosstalk, hormonal patterns as well as the low quality and viability of gametes and embryos. Animal models also present other drawbacks, namely the absence of menstruation, making it difficult to establish a reliable predictive model for the human system. Additionally, reproductive studies should not be limited to the fallopian tube as the sole responsible for most infertility cases, but instead the research spectrum should be widened to the whole reproductive system given the tight interconnectivity between each and every organ. In the last few decades, new in vitro technologies have been developed and applied to the study of reproductive system complications. These systems allow to create complex three-dimensional structures, which are therefore able to more closely resemble specific microenvironments and provide more realistic physical and biochemical cues. 3D (bio)printing, organoids and organs-on-chips are some of the dynamic technologies which are replacing conventionally employed static 2D culture. Herein, we provide an overview of the challenges found in conventional 2D and animal models of the reproductive system and present potential technological solutions for those same challenges.
Collapse
|
17
|
Reed ML, Said AH. Estimation of embryo transfer media viscosity and consideration of its effect on media and uterine fluid interactions. Reprod Biomed Online 2019; 39:931-939. [PMID: 31677922 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2019.07.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION What are the viscosities of media used for human embryo transfer and what is the possible effect of viscosity as it relates to interactions between transfer media and uterine fluid. DESIGN Chamber slide filling times, in seconds, were used to calculate viscosity for each commercial and in-house modified medium, with 12 or 24 replicates per medium under standard operating procedure temperature and gas equilibration conditions used for embryo transfer. Means, standard deviations and coefficients of variation were calculated, and each viscosity was estimated using a regression equation; viscosities for each medium were presented for comparative purposes. RESULTS Complete culture media (G1-Plus, G2-Plus, G-TL, 1-Step, Global Total, Global Total HEPES, and Sperm Wash Medium) had viscosity estimates of 1.65 cP, 1.77 cP, 1.68 cP, 1.29cP, 1.18 cP, 1.15 cP, and 1.20 cP, respectively. Complete transfer media (EmbryoGlue, UTM), had viscosity estimates of 3.59 cP and 1.28 cP, respectively. Global HEPES medium with 10%, 20%, 30%, and 50% synthetic serum substitute (SSS) volume per volume had viscosity estimates 1.16 cP, 1.23 cP, 1.25 cP, and 1.34 cP, respectively. For reference, water had a viscosity estimate of 1.06 cP. CONCLUSIONS A relatively narrow distribution of viscosities was observed across several transfer media despite the various commercial or in-house modifications. These data demonstrate the vast difference between viscosities of embryo transfer media and the assumed viscosity of uterine fluid (1000 cP). Contemporary embryo transfer media may be well-suited for IVF, but evaluation of all variables, e.g. media viscosity in the context of embryo transfer, adds to the knowledge base that should be available to practitioners.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael L Reed
- The Fertility Center of New Mexico, 201 Cedar Street SESuite S1-20, Albuquerque New Mexico 87106, USA.
| | - Al-Hasen Said
- The Fertility Center of New Mexico, 201 Cedar Street SESuite S1-20, Albuquerque New Mexico 87106, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Morley LC, Beech DJ, Walker JJ, Simpson NAB. Emerging concepts of shear stress in placental development and function. Mol Hum Reprod 2019; 25:329-339. [PMID: 30931481 PMCID: PMC6554190 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaz018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 03/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood flow, and the force it generates, is critical to placental development and function throughout pregnancy. This mechanical stimulation of cells by the friction generated from flow is called shear stress (SS) and is a fundamental determinant of vascular homeostasis, regulating remodelling and vasomotor tone. This review describes how SS is fundamental to the establishment and regulation of the blood flow through the uteroplacental and fetoplacental circulations. Amongst the most recent findings is that alongside the endothelium, embryonic stem cells and the villous trophoblast are mechanically sensitive. A complex balance of forces is required to enable effective establishment of the uteroplacental circulation, while protecting the embryo and placental villi. SS also generates flow-mediated vasodilatation through the release of endothelial nitric oxide, a process vital for adequate placental blood flow. The identification of SS sensors and the mechanisms governing how the force is converted into biochemical signals is a fast-paced area of research, with multiple cellular components under investigation. For example, the Piezo1 ion channel is mechanosensitive in a variety of tissues including the fetoplacental endothelium. Enhanced Piezo1 activity has been demonstrated in response to the Yoda1 agonist molecule, suggesting the possibility for developing tools to manipulate these channels. Whether such agents might progress to novel therapeutics to improve blood flow through the placenta requires further consideration and research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L C Morley
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, LIGHT Laboratories, University of Leeds, UK
| | - D J Beech
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, LIGHT Laboratories, University of Leeds, UK
| | - J J Walker
- Academic department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Level, Worsley Building, University of Leeds, UK
| | - N A B Simpson
- Academic department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Level, Worsley Building, University of Leeds, UK
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Kato Y, Matsumoto T, Kino-Oka M. Effect of liquid flow by pipetting during medium change on deformation of hiPSC aggregates. Regen Ther 2019; 12:20-26. [PMID: 31890763 PMCID: PMC6933458 DOI: 10.1016/j.reth.2019.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Maintaining the pluripotency and homogeneity of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) requires stable culture conditions with consistent medium change. In this study, we evaluated the performance of medium change by machine vs. medium change performed manually in terms of their impact on the aggregate shape of hiPSCs. Methods Aggregates of two hiPSC lines (1383D2 and Tic) were cultured, and the medium change was conducted either manually or with a machine. The populational homogeneity in aggregate shape was determined based on the projected aggregate area for size expansion as well as the circularity for spherical morphology. Results In the case of manually performed medium changes, the size of 1383D2 aggregates expanded homogeneously, maintaining its spherical morphology as culture duration increased, while spherical morphology was deformed in Tic aggregates, which had a heterogeneous population in terms of shape. In the case of medium change performed by a machine under a low flux of liquid flow, cultures of both aggregates showed homogeneous populations without deformation, although a high flux led to a heterogeneous population. The heterogeneous population observed in manually performed medium change was caused by the low stability of motion. In addition, time-lapse observation revealed that the Tic aggregates underwent tardive deformation with cellular protrusions from the aggregate surface after medium change with high flux. Histological analysis revealed a spatial heterogeneity of collagen type I inside 1383D2 aggregates, which had a shell structure with strong formation of collagen type I at the periphery of the aggregates, while Tic aggregates did not have a shell structure, suggesting that the shell structure prevented aggregate deformation. Conclusion Medium change by a machine led to a homogeneous population of aggregate shapes. Liquid flow caused tardive deformation of aggregates, but the shell structure of collagen type I in aggregates maintained its spherical shape. Mechanization of medium change leads to homogeneous shape of iPSC aggregates. Tardive change of aggregates was observed. Collagen type I distribution in aggregates induces shell structure formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuma Kato
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Takuya Matsumoto
- Institute for Innovation, Ajinomoto Co., Inc., 1-1 Suzukicho, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 210-8681, Japan
| | - Masahiro Kino-Oka
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Microfluidic Devices for Gamete Processing and Analysis, Fertilization and Embryo Culture and Characterization. Bioanalysis 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-6229-3_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
|
21
|
An oviduct-on-a-chip provides an enhanced in vitro environment for zygote genome reprogramming. Nat Commun 2018; 9:4934. [PMID: 30467383 PMCID: PMC6250703 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07119-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Worldwide over 5 million children have been conceived using assisted reproductive technology, and research has concentrated on increasing the likelihood of ongoing pregnancy. However, studies using animal models have indicated undesirable effects of in vitro embryo culture on offspring development and health. In vivo, the oviduct hosts a period in which the early embryo undergoes complete reprogramming of its (epi)genome in preparation for the reacquisition of (epi)genetic marks. We designed an oviduct-on-a-chip platform to better investigate the mechanisms related to (epi)genetic reprogramming and the degree to which they differ between in vitro and in vivo embryos. The device supports more physiological (in vivo-like) zygote genetic reprogramming than conventional IVF. This approach will be instrumental in identifying and investigating factors critical to fertilization and pre-implantation development, which could improve the quality and (epi)genetic integrity of IVF zygotes with likely relevance for early embryonic and later fetal development.
Collapse
|
22
|
Romanov AY, Silachev DN, Makarova NP, Dolgushina NV. Effect of Mechanical Microvibration on the Quality of Human Embryos during In Vitro Culturing and Outcomes of Assisted Reproduction Technologies. Bull Exp Biol Med 2018; 165:544-547. [PMID: 30121919 DOI: 10.1007/s10517-018-4211-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
We summarized the data on the role and efficiency of mechanical microvibration during embryo culturing in assisted reproduction protocols. The efficiency of culturing systems with microvibration in assisted reproduction programs and possible mechanisms of microvibration effect on the preimplantation development of human embryos are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Yu Romanov
- V. I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia.
| | - D N Silachev
- V. I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia.,A. N. Belozersky Research Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, M. V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - N P Makarova
- V. I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - N V Dolgushina
- V. I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Ruden DM, Bolnick A, Awonuga A, Abdulhasan M, Perez G, Puscheck EE, Rappolee DA. Effects of Gravity, Microgravity or Microgravity Simulation on Early Mammalian Development. Stem Cells Dev 2018; 27:1230-1236. [PMID: 29562866 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2018.0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Plant and animal life forms evolved mechanisms for sensing and responding to gravity on Earth where homeostatic needs require responses. The lack of gravity, such as in the International Space Station (ISS), causes acute, intra-generational changes in the quality of life. These include maintaining calcium levels in bone, maintaining muscle tone, and disturbances in the vestibular apparatus in the ears. These problems decrease work efficiency and quality of life of humans not only during microgravity exposures but also after return to higher gravity on Earth or destinations such as Mars or the Moon. It has been hypothesized that lack of gravity during mammalian development may cause prenatal, postnatal and transgenerational effects that conflict with the environment, especially if the developing organism and its progeny are returned, or introduced de novo, into the varied gravity environments mentioned above. Although chicken and frog pregastrulation development, and plant root development, have profound effects due to orientation of cues by gravity-sensing mechanisms and responses, mammalian development is not typically characterized as gravity-sensing. Although no effects of microgravity simulation (MGS) on mouse fertilization were observed in two reports, negative effects of MGS on early mammalian development after fertilization and before gastrulation are presented in four reports that vary with the modality of MGS. This review will analyze the positive and negative mammalian early developmental outcomes, and enzymatic and epigenetic mechanisms known to mediate developmental responses to simulated microgravity on Earth and microgravity during spaceflight experiments. We will update experimental techniques that have already been developed or need to be developed for zero gravity molecular, cellular, and developmental biology experiments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Douglas M Ruden
- 1 Department of Ob/Gyn, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, CS Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit, Michigan.,2 Institutes for Environmental Health Science, Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit, Michigan
| | - Alan Bolnick
- 1 Department of Ob/Gyn, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, CS Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit, Michigan
| | - Awoniyi Awonuga
- 1 Department of Ob/Gyn, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, CS Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit, Michigan
| | - Mohammed Abdulhasan
- 1 Department of Ob/Gyn, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, CS Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit, Michigan
| | - Gloria Perez
- 3 Reproductive Stress, Inc. , Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan
| | - Elizabeth E Puscheck
- 1 Department of Ob/Gyn, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, CS Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit, Michigan.,3 Reproductive Stress, Inc. , Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan
| | - Daniel A Rappolee
- 1 Department of Ob/Gyn, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, CS Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit, Michigan.,2 Institutes for Environmental Health Science, Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit, Michigan.,3 Reproductive Stress, Inc. , Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan.,4 Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit, Michigan.,5 Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit, Michigan.,6 Institutes for Environmental Health Science, Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit, Michigan.,7 Department of Biology, University of Windsor , Windsor, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Takahashi M, Honda T, Hatoya S, Inaba T, Kawate N, Tamada H. Efficacy of mechanical micro-vibration in the development of bovine embryos during in vitro maturation and culture. J Vet Med Sci 2018; 80:532-535. [PMID: 29415921 PMCID: PMC5880838 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.17-0607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
It is currently unclear how mechanical micro-vibration affects the in vitro culture of embryos in Japanese Black cow. In the experimental groups, immature oocytes and fertilized embryos were cultured
using the micro-vibration culture system with the vibration set for 5 sec at intervals of 60 min and frequency of 20, 40 or 80 Hz, respectively, during in vitro maturation and in vitro
development. Compared with the control group, the rate of blastocyst development significantly increased in the 40 Hz group. In addition, the number of blastocyst cells reduced significantly in the 80 Hz group. In
conclusion, the development of blastocysts in cows is facilitated by providing moderate mechanical micro-vibration to immature oocytes and embryos during the in vitro maturation and in
vitro development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Takahashi
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, 1-58 Rinku-oraikita, Izumisano, Osaka 598-8531, Japan.,Laboratory of Food Animal Medical Science, Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Iwate University, Morioka, Iwate 020-8550, Japan
| | - Tatsutoshi Honda
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, 1-58 Rinku-oraikita, Izumisano, Osaka 598-8531, Japan
| | - Shingo Hatoya
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, 1-58 Rinku-oraikita, Izumisano, Osaka 598-8531, Japan
| | - Toshio Inaba
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, 1-58 Rinku-oraikita, Izumisano, Osaka 598-8531, Japan
| | - Noritoshi Kawate
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, 1-58 Rinku-oraikita, Izumisano, Osaka 598-8531, Japan
| | - Hiromichi Tamada
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, 1-58 Rinku-oraikita, Izumisano, Osaka 598-8531, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Wheeler MB, Rubessa M. Integration of microfluidics in animal in vitro embryo production. Mol Hum Reprod 2017; 23:248-256. [PMID: 27418669 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaw048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2016] [Accepted: 07/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The in vitro production of livestock embryos is central to several areas of animal biotechnology. Further, the use of in vitro embryo manipulation is expanding as new applications emerge. ARTs find direct applications in increasing genetic quality of livestock, producing transgenic animals, cloning, artificial insemination, reducing disease transmission, preserving endangered germplasm, producing chimeric animals for disease research, and treating infertility. Whereas new techniques such as nuclear transfer and intracytoplasmic sperm injection are now commonly used, basic embryo culture procedures remain the limiting step to the development of these techniques. Research over the past 2 decades focusing on improving the culture medium has greatly improved in vitro development of embryos. However, cleavage rates and viability of these embryos is reduced compared with in vivo indicating that present in vitro systems are still not optimal. Furthermore, the methods of handling mammalian oocytes and embryos have changed little in recent decades. While pipetting techniques have served embryology well in the past, advanced handling and manipulation technologies will be required to efficiently implement and commercialize the basic biological advances made in recent years. Microfluidic systems can be used to handle gametes, mature oocytes, culture embryos, and perform other basic procedures in a microenvironment that more closely mimic in vivo conditions. The use of microfluidic technologies to fabricate microscale devices has being investigated to overcome this obstacle. In this review, we summarize the development and testing of microfabricated fluidic systems with feature sizes similar to the diameter of an embryo for in vitro production of pre-implantation mammalian embryos.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M B Wheeler
- Laboratory of Molecular Embryology, Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, 1207 West Gregory Drive, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.,Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois, 1206 West Gregory Drive, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - M Rubessa
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois, 1206 West Gregory Drive, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Protein Kinases in Pluripotency—Beyond the Usual Suspects. J Mol Biol 2017; 429:1504-1520. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2017.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2016] [Revised: 04/21/2017] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|
27
|
Ferraz MAMM, Henning HHW, Stout TAE, Vos PLAM, Gadella BM. Designing 3-Dimensional In Vitro Oviduct Culture Systems to Study Mammalian Fertilization and Embryo Production. Ann Biomed Eng 2016; 45:1731-1744. [PMID: 27844174 PMCID: PMC5489612 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-016-1760-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The oviduct was long considered a largely passive conduit for gametes and embryos. However, an increasing number of studies into oviduct physiology have demonstrated that it specifically and significantly influences gamete interaction, fertilization and early embryo development. While oviduct epithelial cell (OEC) function has been examined during maintenance in conventional tissue culture dishes, cells seeded into these two-dimensional (2-D) conditions suffer a rapid loss of differentiated OEC characteristics, such as ciliation and secretory activity. Recently, three-dimensional (3-D) cell culture systems have been developed that make use of cell inserts to create basolateral and apical medium compartments with a confluent epithelial cell layer at the interface. Using such 3-D culture systems, OECs can be triggered to redevelop typical differentiated cell properties and levels of tissue organization can be developed that are not possible in a 2-D culture. 3-D culture systems can be further refined using new micro-engineering techniques (including microfluidics and 3-D printing) which can be used to produce ‘organs-on-chips’, i.e. live 3-D cultures that bio-mimic the oviduct. In this review, concepts for designing bio-mimic 3-D oviduct cultures are presented. The increased possibilities and concomitant challenges when trying to more closely investigate oviduct physiology, gamete activation, fertilization and embryo production are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcia A M M Ferraz
- Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 104, 3584CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Heiko H W Henning
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3584CM,, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tom A E Stout
- Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 104, 3584CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3584CM,, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Peter L A M Vos
- Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 104, 3584CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bart M Gadella
- Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 104, 3584CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands. .,Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 79, 3584CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Wu YG, Lazzaroni-Tealdi E, Wang Q, Zhang L, Barad DH, Kushnir VA, Darmon SK, Albertini DF, Gleicher N. Different effectiveness of closed embryo culture system with time-lapse imaging (EmbryoScope(TM)) in comparison to standard manual embryology in good and poor prognosis patients: a prospectively randomized pilot study. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2016; 14:49. [PMID: 27553622 PMCID: PMC4995783 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-016-0181-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previously manual human embryology in many in vitro fertilization (IVF) centers is rapidly being replaced by closed embryo incubation systems with time-lapse imaging. Whether such systems perform comparably to manual embryology in different IVF patient populations has, however, never before been investigated. We, therefore, prospectively compared embryo quality following closed system culture with time-lapse photography (EmbryoScope™) and standard embryology. We performed a two-part prospectively randomized study in IVF (clinical trial # NCT92256309). Part A involved 31 infertile poor prognosis patients prospectively randomized to EmbryoScope™ and standard embryology. Part B involved embryos from 17 egg donor-recipient cycles resulting in large egg/embryo numbers, thus permitting prospectively alternative embryo assignments to EmbryoScope™ and standard embryology. We then compared pregnancy rates and embryo quality on day-3 after fertilization and embryologist time utilized per processed embryo. RESULTS Part A revealed in poor prognosis patients no differences in day-3 embryo scores, implantation and clinical pregnancy rates between EmbryoScope™ and standard embryology. The EmbryoScope™, however, more than doubled embryology staff time (P < 0.0001). In Part B, embryos grown in the EmbyoScope™ demonstrated significantly poorer day-3 quality (depending on embryo parameter between P = 0.005 and P = 0.01). Suspicion that conical culture dishes of the EmbryoScope™ (EmbryoSlide™) may be the cause was disproven when standard culture dishes demonstrated no outcome difference in standard incubation. CONCLUSIONS Though due to small patient numbers preliminary, this study raises concerns about the mostly uncontrolled introduction of closed incubation systems with time lapse imaging into routine clinical embryology. Appropriately designed and powered prospectively randomized studies appear urgently needed in well-defined patient populations before the uncontrolled utilization of these instruments further expands. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT02246309 Registered September 18, 2014.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Guang Wu
- The Center for Human Reproduction, 21 East 69th Street, New York, NY 10021 USA
| | | | - Qi Wang
- The Center for Human Reproduction, 21 East 69th Street, New York, NY 10021 USA
| | - Lin Zhang
- The Center for Human Reproduction, 21 East 69th Street, New York, NY 10021 USA
| | - David H. Barad
- The Center for Human Reproduction, 21 East 69th Street, New York, NY 10021 USA
- The Foundation for Reproductive Medicine, New York, NY 10021 USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461 USA
| | - Vitaly A. Kushnir
- The Center for Human Reproduction, 21 East 69th Street, New York, NY 10021 USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest University, Winston Salem, NC 27106 USA
| | - Sarah K. Darmon
- The Center for Human Reproduction, 21 East 69th Street, New York, NY 10021 USA
| | - David F. Albertini
- The Center for Human Reproduction, 21 East 69th Street, New York, NY 10021 USA
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, The University of Kansas School of Medicine, Wichita, KS 64109 USA
| | - Norbert Gleicher
- The Center for Human Reproduction, 21 East 69th Street, New York, NY 10021 USA
- The Foundation for Reproductive Medicine, New York, NY 10021 USA
- Stem Cell Biology and Molecular Embryology Laboratory, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065 USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Wale PL, Gardner DK. The effects of chemical and physical factors on mammalian embryo culture and their importance for the practice of assisted human reproduction. Hum Reprod Update 2015. [PMID: 26207016 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmv034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although laboratory procedures, along with culture media formulations, have improved over the past two decades, the issue remains that human IVF is performed in vitro (literally 'in glass'). METHODS Using PubMed, electronic searches were performed using keywords from a list of chemical and physical factors with no limits placed on time. Examples of keywords include oxygen, ammonium, volatile organics, temperature, pH, oil overlays and incubation volume/embryo density. Available clinical and scientific evidence surrounding physical and chemical factors have been assessed and presented here. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Development of the embryo outside the body means that it is constantly exposed to stresses that it would not experience in vivo. Sources of stress on the human embryo include identified factors such as pH and temperature shifts, exposure to atmospheric (20%) oxygen and the build-up of toxins in the media due to the static nature of culture. However, there are other sources of stress not typically considered, such as the act of pipetting itself, or the release of organic compounds from the very tissue culture ware upon which the embryo develops. Further, when more than one stress is present in the laboratory, there is evidence that negative synergies can result, culminating in significant trauma to the developing embryo. It is evident that embryos are sensitive to both chemical and physical signals within their microenvironment, and that these factors play a significant role in influencing development and events post transfer. From the viewpoint of assisted human reproduction, a major concern with chemical and physical factors lies in their adverse effects on the viability of embryos, and their long-term effects on the fetus, even as a result of a relatively brief exposure. This review presents data on the adverse effects of chemical and physical factors on mammalian embryos and the importance of identifying, and thereby minimizing, them in the practice of human IVF. Hence, optimizing the in vitro environment involves far more than improving culture media formulations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Petra L Wale
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia Melbourne IVF, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - David K Gardner
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling in mammalian oocytes and embryos: life in balance. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2015; 316:227-65. [PMID: 25805126 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2015.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian oocytes and embryos are exquisitely sensitive to a wide range of insults related to physical stress, chemical exposure, and exposures to adverse maternal nutrition or health status. Although cells manifest specific responses to various stressors, many of these stressors intersect at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), where disruptions in protein folding and production of reactive oxygen species initiate downstream signaling events. These signals modulate mRNA translation and gene transcription, leading to recovery, activation of autophagy, or with severe and prolonged stress, apoptosis. ER stress signaling has recently come to the fore as a major contributor to embryo demise. Accordingly, agents that modulate or inhibit ER stress signaling have yielded beneficial effects on embryo survival and long-term developmental potential. We review here the mechanisms of ER stress signaling, their connections to mammalian oocytes and embryos, and the promising indications that interventions in this pathway may provide new opportunities for improving mammalian reproduction and health.
Collapse
|
31
|
Yuan Y, Paczkowski M, Wheeler MB, Krisher RL. Use of a novel polydimethylsiloxane well insert to successfully mature, culture and identify single porcine oocytes and embryos. Reprod Fertil Dev 2015; 26:375-84. [PMID: 23497913 DOI: 10.1071/rd12326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2012] [Accepted: 02/10/2013] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a novel polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) well-insert system for oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM) and in vitro embryo culture (IVC) in pigs. The PDMS well inserts, consisting of multiple microwells with connecting microchannels, resulted in equivalent blastocyst development compared with standard microdrop culture for IVC. These PDMS well inserts were then evaluated for IVM or IVC in a rocking versus static environment. The rocking environment during both oocyte IVM and embryo culture had detrimental effects on oocyte and embryo development compared with a static environment. Importantly, blastocyst development of oocytes and embryos cultured in the PDMS well inserts in the static environment was equivalent to that of standard microdrops. Further analysis of transcript abundance in blastocysts produced from these different environments revealed that the PDMS well-insert system may produce more viable embryos. In conclusion, this PDMS well-insert system can successfully mature oocytes and culture embryos in an individually-identifiable manner without compromising, and perhaps enhancing, developmental potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ye Yuan
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, 1207 West Gregory Drive, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Melissa Paczkowski
- National Foundation for Fertility Research, 10290 Ridgegate Circle, Lone Tree, CO 80124, USA
| | - Matthew B Wheeler
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, 1207 West Gregory Drive, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Rebecca L Krisher
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, 1207 West Gregory Drive, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Puscheck EE, Awonuga AO, Yang Y, Jiang Z, Rappolee DA. Molecular biology of the stress response in the early embryo and its stem cells. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2015; 843:77-128. [PMID: 25956296 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-2480-6_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Stress is normal during early embryogenesis and transient, elevated stress is commonplace. Stress in the milieu of the peri-implantation embryo is a summation of maternal hormones, and other elements of the maternal milieu, that signal preparedness for development and implantation. Examples discussed here are leptin, adrenaline, cortisol, and progesterone. These hormones signal maternal nutritional status and provide energy, but also signal stress that diverts maternal and embryonic energy from an optimal embryonic developmental trajectory. These hormones communicate endocrine maternal effects and local embryonic effects although signaling mechanisms are not well understood. Other in vivo stresses affect the embryo such as local infection and inflammation, hypoxia, environmental toxins such as benzopyrene, dioxin, or metals, heat shock, and hyperosmotic stress due to dehydration or diabetes. In vitro, stresses include shear during handling, improper culture media and oxygen levels, cryopreservation, and manipulations of the embryo to introduce sperm or mitochondria. We define stress as any stimulus that slows stem cell accumulation or diminishes the ability of cells to produce normal and sufficient parenchymal products upon differentiation. Thus stress deflects downwards the normal trajectories of development, growth and differentiation. Typically stress is inversely proportional to embryonic developmental and proliferative rates, but can be proportional to induction of differentiation of stem cells in the peri-implantation embryo. When modeling stress it is most interesting to produce a 'runting model' where stress exposures slow accumulation but do not create excessive apoptosis or morbidity. Windows of stress sensitivity may occur when major new embryonic developmental programs require large amounts of energy and are exacerbated if nutritional flow decreases and removes energy from the normal developmental programs and stress responses. These windows correspond to zygotic genome activation, the large mRNA program initiated at compaction, ion pumping required for cavitation, the differentiation of the first lineages, integration with the uterine environment at implantation, rapid proliferation of stem cells, and production of certain lineages which require the highest energy and are most sensitive to mitochondrial inhibition. Stress response mechanisms insure that stem cells for the early embryo and placenta survive at lower stress exposures, and that the organism survives through compensatory and prioritized stem cell differentiation, at higher stress exposures. These servomechanisms include a small set of stress enzymes from the 500 protein kinases in the kinome; the part of the genome coding for protein kinases that hierarchically regulate the activity of other proteins and enzymes. Important protein kinases that mediate the stress response of embryos and their stem cells are SAPK, p38MAPK, AMPK, PI3K, Akt, MEK1/2, MEKK4, PKA, IRE1 and PERK. These stress enzymes have cytosolic function in cell survival at low stress exposures and nuclear function in modifying transcription factor activity at higher stress exposures. Some of the transcription factors (TFs) that are most important in the stress response are JunC, JunB, MAPKAPs, ATF4, XBP1, Oct1, Oct4, HIFs, Nrf2/KEAP, NFKB, MT1, Nfat5, HSF1/2 and potency-maintaining factors Id2, Cdx2, Eomes, Sox2, Nanog, Rex1, and Oct4. Clearly the stress enzymes have a large number of cytosolic and nuclear substrates and the TFs regulate large numbers of genes. The interaction of stress enzymes and TFs in the early embryo and its stem cells are a continuing central focus of research. In vitro regulation of TFs by stress enzymes leads to reprogramming of the stem cell when stress diminishes stem cell accumulation. Since more differentiated product is produced by fewer cells, the process compensates for fewer cells. Coupled with stress-induced compensatory differentiation of stem cells is a tendency to prioritize differentiation by increasing the first essential lineage and decreasing later lineages. These mechanisms include stress enzymes that regulate TFs and provide stress-specific, shared homeostatic cellular and organismal responses of prioritized differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth E Puscheck
- Department of Ob/Gyn, REI Division, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Swain JE. Shake, rattle and roll: bringing a little rock to the IVF laboratory to improve embryo development. J Assist Reprod Genet 2013; 31:21-4. [PMID: 24189968 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-013-0132-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2013] [Accepted: 10/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jason E Swain
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA,
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Asano Y, Matsuura K. Mouse embryo motion and embryonic development from the 2-cell to blastocyst stage using mechanical vibration systems. Reprod Fertil Dev 2013; 26:733-41. [PMID: 23697534 DOI: 10.1071/rd13039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2013] [Accepted: 05/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the effect of mechanical stimuli on mouse embryonic development from the 2-cell to blastocyst stage to evaluate physical factors affecting embryonic development. Shear stress (SS) applied to embryos using two mechanical vibration systems (MVSs) was calculated by observing microscopic images of moving embryos during mechanical vibration (MV). The MVSs did not induce any motion of the medium and the diffusion rate using MVSs was the same as that under static conditions. Three days of culture using MVS did not improve embryonic development. MVS transmitted MV power more efficiently to embryos than other systems and resulted in a significant decrease in development to the morula or blastocyst stage after 2 days. Comparison of the results of embryo culture using dynamic culture systems demonstrated that macroscopic diffusion of secreted materials contributes to improved development of mouse embryos to the blastocyst stage. These results also suggest that the threshold of SS and MV to induce negative effects for mouse embryos at stages earlier than the blastocyst may be lower than that for the blastocyst, and that mouse embryos are more sensitive to physical and chemical stimuli than human or pig embryos because of their thinner zona pellucida.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuka Asano
- Research Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| | - Koji Matsuura
- Research Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Hur YS, Park JH, Ryu EK, Park SJ, Lee JH, Lee SH, Yoon J, Yoon SH, Hur CY, Lee WD, Lim JH. Effect of micro-vibration culture system on embryo development. J Assist Reprod Genet 2013; 30:835-41. [PMID: 23657828 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-013-0007-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2013] [Accepted: 04/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Micro-vibration culture system was examined to determine the effects on mouse and human embryo development and possible improvement of clinical outcomes in poor responders. MATERIALS AND METHODS The embryonic development rates and cell numbers of blastocysts were compared between a static culture group (n = 178) and a micro-vibration culture group (n = 181) in mice. The embryonic development rates and clinical results were compared between a static culture group (n = 159 cycles) and a micro-vibration culture group (n = 166 cycles) in poor responders. A micro-vibrator was set at a frequency of 42 Hz, 5 s/60 min duration for mouse and human embryo development. RESULTS The embryonic development rate was significantly improved in the micro-vibration culture group in mice (p < 0.05). The cell numbers of mouse blastocysts were significantly higher in the micro-vibration group than in the static culture group (p < 0.05). In the poor responders, the rate of high grade embryos was not significantly improved in the micro-vibration culture group on day 3. However, the optimal embryonic development rate on day 5 was improved in the micro-vibration group, and the total pregnancy rate and implantation rate were significantly higher in the micro-vibration group than in the static culture group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Micro-vibration culture methods have a beneficial effect on embryonic development in mouse embryos. In poor responders, the embryo development rate was improved to a limited extent under the micro-vibration culture conditions, but the clinical results were significantly improved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong Soo Hur
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 200-701, Korea.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Swain JE, Lai D, Takayama S, Smith GD. Thinking big by thinking small: application of microfluidic technology to improve ART. LAB ON A CHIP 2013; 13:1213-24. [PMID: 23400523 DOI: 10.1039/c3lc41290c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) laboratories often carry a penchant to resist change while in the pursuit of maintaining consistency in laboratory conditions. However, implementation of new technology is often critical to expand scientific discoveries and to improve upon prior successes to advance the field. Microfluidic platforms represent a technology that has the potential to revolutionize the fundamental processes of IVF. While the focus of microfluidic application in IVF has centered on embryo culture, the innovative platforms carry tremendous potential to improve other procedural steps and represents a possible paradigm shift in how we handle gametes and embryos. The following review will highlight application of various microfluidic platforms in IVF for use in maturation, manipulation, culture, cryopreservation and non-invasive quality assessment; pointing out new insights gained into functions of sperm, oocytes and embryos. Platform design and function will also be discussed, focusing on limitations, advancements and future refinements that can further aid in their clinical implementation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J E Swain
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Hara T, Matsuura K, Kodama T, Sato K, Kikkawa Y, Muneto T, Tanaka J, Naruse K. A tilting embryo culture system increases the number of high-grade human blastocysts with high implantation competence. Reprod Biomed Online 2013; 26:260-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2012.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2012] [Revised: 11/21/2012] [Accepted: 11/22/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
38
|
Esteves TC, van Rossem F, Nordhoff V, Schlatt S, Boiani M, Le Gac S. A microfluidic system supports single mouse embryo culture leading to full-term development. RSC Adv 2013. [DOI: 10.1039/c3ra44453h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
|
39
|
da Rocha AM, Smith GD. Culture systems: fluid dynamic embryo culture systems (microfluidics). Methods Mol Biol 2012; 912:355-65. [PMID: 22829384 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-61779-971-6_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
The tubal/uterine lumen is a dynamic environment in which oocytes, eggs, and early embryos are submitted to different forces generated by cilia and peristaltic flow of tubal fluid. The movement of the tubal/uterine fluid, the chemical diversity, and their interaction produce a unique environment able to support embryo development and modulate gene expression. Although culture of embryos is supported in static and low complexity chemical conditions, application of fluidic dynamics in assisted reproduction technology to improve outcomes has been in development for almost a decade. Several attempts to build devices able to facilitate fertilization and embryo culture have been made, but dynamic fluidic devices are not yet available for mass scale use in clinical embryology laboratories. Indeed, such devices for embryo culture have been constructed and they are under evaluation in IRB approved studies. Fluid dynamic devices appear to enhance embryo development and they may be innovative resources for clinical and experimental embryology laboratories. This chapter reviews the principles and results of dynamic fluid systems, and the materials and methods required to produce microfunnel dynamic culture systems for use with embryos.
Collapse
|
40
|
Yaniv S, Jaffa AJ, Elad D. Modeling Embryo Transfer into a Closed Uterine Cavity. J Biomech Eng 2012; 134:111003. [DOI: 10.1115/1.4007628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Embryo transfer (ET) is the last manual intervention after extracorporeal fertilization. After the ET procedure is completed, the embryos are conveyed in the uterus for another two to four days due to spontaneous uterine peristalsis until the window time for implantation. The role of intrauterine fluid flow patterns in transporting the embryos to their implantation site during and after ET was simulated by injection of a liquid bolus into a two-dimensional liquid-filled channel with a closed fundal end via a liquid-filled catheter inserted in the channel. Numerical experiments revealed that the intrauterine fluid field and the embryos transport pattern were strongly affected by the closed fundal end. The embryos re-circulated in small loops around the vicinity where they were deposited from the catheter. The transport pattern was controlled by the uterine peristalsis factors, such as amplitude and frequency of the uterine walls motility, as well as the synchronization between the onset of catheter discharge and uterine peristalsis. The outcome of ET was also dependent on operating parameters such as placement of the catheter tip within the uterine cavity and the delivery speed of the catheter load. In conclusion, this modeling study highlighted important parameters that should be considered during ET procedures in order to increase the potential for pregnancy success.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarit Yaniv
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Ariel J. Jaffa
- Ultrasound Unit in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv 64239; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - David Elad
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Grasa P, Kaune H, Williams SA. Embryos generated from oocytes lacking complex N- and O-glycans have compromised development and implantation. Reproduction 2012; 144:455-65. [PMID: 22919046 PMCID: PMC3464042 DOI: 10.1530/rep-12-0084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Female mice generating oocytes lacking complex N- and O-glycans (double mutants (DM)) produce only one small litter before undergoing premature ovarian failure (POF) by 3 months. Here we investigate the basis of the small litter by evaluating ovulation rate and embryo development in DM (Mgat1(F/F)C1galt1(F/F):ZP3Cre) and Control (Mgat1(F/F)C1galt1(F/F)) females. Surprisingly, DM ovulation rate was normal at 6 weeks, but declined dramatically by 9 weeks. In vitro development of zygotes to blastocysts was equivalent to Controls although all embryos from DM females lacked a normal zona pellucida (ZP) and ∼30% lacked a ZP entirely. In contrast, in vivo preimplantation development resulted in less embryos recovered from DM females compared with Controls at 3.5 days post coitum (dpc) (3.2±1.3 vs 7.0±0.6). Furthermore, only 45% of mated DM females contained embryos at 3.5 dpc. Of the preimplantation embryos collected from DM females, approximately half were morulae unlike Controls where the majority were blastocysts, indicating delayed embryo development in DM females. Post-implantation development in DM females was analysed to determine whether delayed preimplantation development affected subsequent development. In DM females at 5.5 dpc, only ∼40% of embryos found at 3.5 dpc had implanted. However, at 6.5 dpc, implantation sites in DM females corresponded to embryo numbers at 3.5 dpc indicating delayed implantation. At 9.5 dpc, the number of decidua corresponded to embryo numbers 6 days earlier indicating that all implanted embryos progress to midgestation. Therefore, a lack of complex N- and O-glycans in oocytes during development impairs early embryo development and viability in vivo leading to delayed implantation and a small litter.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Grasa
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Women's Centre, Level 3, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Kolahi KS, Donjacour A, Liu X, Lin W, Simbulan RK, Bloise E, Maltepe E, Rinaudo P. Effect of substrate stiffness on early mouse embryo development. PLoS One 2012; 7:e41717. [PMID: 22860009 PMCID: PMC3409240 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0041717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2012] [Accepted: 06/25/2012] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
It is becoming increasingly clear that cells are remarkably sensitive to the biophysical cues of their microenvironment and that these cues play a significant role in influencing their behaviors. In this study, we investigated whether the early pre-implantation embryo is sensitive to mechanical cues, i.e. the elasticity of the culture environment. To test this, we have developed a new embryo culture system where the mechanical properties of the embryonic environment can be precisely defined. The contemporary standard environment for embryo culture is the polystyrene petri dish (PD), which has a stiffness (1 GPa) that is six orders of magnitude greater than the uterine epithelium (1 kPa). To approximate more closely the mechanical aspects of the in vivo uterine environment we used polydimethyl-siloxane (PDMS) or fabricated 3D type I collagen gels (1 kPa stiffness, Col-1k group). Mouse embryo development on alternate substrates was compared to that seen on the petri dish; percent development, hatching frequency, and cell number were observed. Our results indicated that embryos are sensitive to the mechanical environment on which they are cultured. Embryos cultured on Col-1k showed a significantly greater frequency of development to 2-cell (68 ± 15% vs. 59 ± 18%), blastocyst (64 ± 9.1% vs. 50 ± 18%) and hatching blastocyst stages (54 ± 25% vs. 21 ± 16%) and an increase in the number of trophectodermal cell (TE,65 ± 13 vs. 49 ± 12 cells) compared to control embryos cultured in PD (mean ± S.D.; p<.01). Embryos cultured on Col-1k and PD were transferred to recipient females and observed on embryonic day 12.5. Both groups had the same number of fetuses, however the placentas of the Col-1k fetuses were larger than controls, suggesting a continued effect of the preimplantation environment. In summary, characteristics of the preimplantation microenvironment affect pre- and post-implantation growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin S. Kolahi
- Department of Obstetrics Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Annemarie Donjacour
- Department of Obstetrics Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Xiaowei Liu
- Department of Obstetrics Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Wingka Lin
- Department of Obstetrics Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Rhodel K. Simbulan
- Department of Obstetrics Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Enrrico Bloise
- Department of Obstetrics Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Emin Maltepe
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Paolo Rinaudo
- Department of Obstetrics Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Pribenszky C, Lin L, Du Y, Losonczi E, Dinnyes A, Vajta G. Controlled Stress Improves Oocyte Performance - Cell Preconditioning in Assisted Reproduction. Reprod Domest Anim 2012; 47 Suppl 4:197-206. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2012.02076.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
44
|
Rappolee DA, Xie Y, Slater JA, Zhou S, Puscheck EE. Toxic stress prioritizes and imbalances stem cell differentiation: implications for new biomarkers and in vitro toxicology tests. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2012; 58:33-40. [PMID: 22239079 DOI: 10.3109/19396368.2011.647381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
This hypothesis and review introduces rules of stem cell stress responses that provide biomarkers and alternative testing that replaces or reduces gestational tests using whole animals. These rules for the stress responses of cultured stem cells validate the organismal strategy of the stress response and show that it emulates what must happen if the conceptus implants during a response to stress in vivo. Specifically there is a profound threshold during a stress dose response where stem cell accumulation is significantly reduced. Below this threshold stress enzymes manage the stress response by converting anabolic to catabolic processes and by suppressing apoptosis, without affecting differentiation. However above this threshold the stem cell survival response converts to an organismal survival response where stress enzymes switch to new substrates and mediate loss of potency factors, gain of early essential differentiated lineages, and suppression of later essential lineages. Stressed stem cells 'compensate' for lower accumulation rates by differentiating a higher fraction of cells, and the organismal survival response further enhances adaptation by prioritizing the differentiation of early essential lineages. Thus compensatory and prioritized differentiation and the sets of markers produced are part of a response of cultured embryos and stem cells that emulate what must happen during implantation of a stressed gestation. Knowledge of these markers and use of stressed stem cell assays in culture should replace or reduce the number of animals needed for developmental toxicity and should produce biomarkers for stressed development in vitro and in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A Rappolee
- CS Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Smith GD, Takayama S, Swain JE. Rethinking in vitro embryo culture: new developments in culture platforms and potential to improve assisted reproductive technologies. Biol Reprod 2012; 86:62. [PMID: 21998170 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.111.095778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The preponderance of research toward improving embryo development in vitro has focused on manipulation of the chemical soluble environment, including altering basic salt composition, energy substrate concentration, amino acid makeup, and the effect of various growth factors or addition or subtraction of other supplements. In contrast, relatively little work has been done examining the physical requirements of preimplantation embryos and the role culture platforms or devices can play in influencing embryo development within the laboratory. The goal of this review is not to reevaluate the soluble composition of past and current embryo culture media, but rather to consider how other controlled and precise factors such as time, space, mechanical interactions, gradient diffusions, cell movement, and surface interactions might influence embryo development. Novel culture platforms are being developed as a result of interdisciplinary collaborations between biologists and biomedical, material, chemical, and mechanical engineers. These approaches are looking beyond the soluble media composition and examining issues such as media volume and embryo spacing. Furthermore, methods that permit precise and regulated dynamic embryo culture with fluid flow and embryo movement are now available, and novel culture surfaces are being developed and tested. While several factors remain to be investigated to optimize the efficiency of embryo production, manipulation of the embryo culture microenvironment through novel devices and platforms may offer a pathway toward improving embryo development within the laboratory of the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gary D Smith
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-0617, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Wu C, Guo X, Wang F, Li X, Tian XC, Li L, Wu Z, Zhang S. Simulated microgravity compromises mouse oocyte maturation by disrupting meiotic spindle organization and inducing cytoplasmic blebbing. PLoS One 2011; 6:e22214. [PMID: 21765954 PMCID: PMC3135614 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0022214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2010] [Accepted: 06/20/2011] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In the present study, we discovered that mouse oocyte maturation was inhibited by simulated microgravity via disturbing spindle organization. We cultured mouse oocytes under microgravity condition simulated by NASA's rotary cell culture system, examined the maturation rate and observed the spindle morphology (organization of cytoskeleton) during the mouse oocytes meiotic maturation. While the rate of germinal vesicle breakdown did not differ between 1 g gravity and simulated microgravity, rate of oocyte maturation decreased significantly in simulated microgravity. The rate of maturation was 8.94% in simulated microgravity and was 73.0% in 1 g gravity. The results show that the maturation of mouse oocytes in vitro was inhibited by the simulated microgravity. The spindle morphology observation shows that the microtubules and chromosomes can not form a complete spindle during oocyte meiotic maturation under simulated microgravity. And the disorder of γ-tubulin may partially result in disorganization of microtubules under simulated microgravity. These observations suggest that the meiotic spindle organization is gravity dependent. Although the spindle organization was disrupted by simulated microgravity, the function and organization of microfilaments were not pronouncedly affected by simulated microgravity. And we found that simulated microgravity induced oocytes cytoplasmic blebbing via an unknown mechanism. Transmission electron microscope detection showed that the components of the blebs were identified with the cytoplasm. Collectively, these results indicated that the simulated microgravity inhibits mouse oocyte maturation via disturbing spindle organization and inducing cytoplasmic blebbing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Changli Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinzheng Guo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoshuang Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - X. Cindy Tian
- Department of Animal Science, Center for Regenerative Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Li Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenfang Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Shouquan Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Awonuga AO, Zhong W, Abdallah ME, Slater JA, Zhou SC, Xie YF, Puscheck EE, Rappolee DA. Eomesodermin, HAND1, and CSH1 proteins are induced by cellular stress in a stress-activated protein kinase-dependent manner. Mol Reprod Dev 2011; 78:519-28. [PMID: 21710638 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.21342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2010] [Accepted: 05/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Eomesodermin (Eomes) is a transcription factor essential for trophoblast development. Stress stimuli activate stress-activated protein kinase (MAPK8/9) and modulate transcription factors in trophoblast stem cells (TSC). In this study, we test the hypothesis that stress-induced Eomes upregulation and downstream trophoblast development are MAPK8/9-dependent. Immunocytochemical and immunoblot assays suggest that Eomes is induced by hyperosmolar stress in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Two MAPK8/9 inhibitors that work by different mechanisms, LJNKl1 and SP600125, block induction of Eomes protein by stress. During normal TSC differentiation, the transcription factor heart and neural crest derivatives expressed 1 (HAND1) is dependent on Eomes, and chorionic somatomammotropin hormone 1 (CSH1) expression is dependent on HAND1. Similar to Eomes, HAND1 and CSH1 induction by stress are MAPK8/9-dependent, and CSH1 is induced in nearly all stressed TSC. CSH1 induction normally requires downregulation of the transcription factor inhibitor of differentiation 2 (ID2) as well as HAND1 upregulation. It was shown previously that hyperosmolar stress induces AMP-activated protein kinase (PRKAA1/2)-dependent ID2 loss in a MAPK8/9-independent manner. Inhibition of PRKAA1/2 with compound C and LJNKl1, more than MAPK8/9 inhibitors alone, inhibits the induction of CSH1 by stress. Taken together these data suggest that stress-induced MAPK8/9 and PRKAA1/2 regulate transcription factors Eomes/HAND1 and ID2, respectively. Together this network mediates induction of CSH1 by stress. Therefore, stress triggers a proportional increase in a normal early TSC differentiation event that could be adaptive in inducing CSH1. But the flexibility of TSC to undergo stress-induced differentiation could lead to pathophysiological consequences if stress endured and TSC differentiation became unbalanced.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A O Awonuga
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Isachenko V, Maettner R, Sterzik K, Strehler E, Kreinberg R, Hancke K, Roth S, Isachenko E. In-vitro culture of human embryos with mechanical micro-vibration increases implantation rates. Reprod Biomed Online 2011; 22:536-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2011.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2010] [Revised: 01/29/2011] [Accepted: 02/02/2011] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
|
49
|
Zhou S, Xie Y, Puscheck EE, Rappolee DA. Oxygen levels that optimize TSC culture are identified by maximizing growth rates and minimizing stress. Placenta 2011; 32:475-81. [PMID: 21511332 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2011.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2010] [Revised: 03/24/2011] [Accepted: 03/25/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating data suggest that 20% O(2) causes human and mouse placental trophoblast stem cell (TSC) differentiation and suppresses proliferation. We tested the hypotheses that phosphorylated stress-activated protein kinase (pSAPK) levels report the optimal O(2) level for TSC culture, and that pSAPK responds to contradictory signals. We tested the dose range of 0-20% O(2) (0, 0.5, 2, and 20%) on five effects in cultured TSC. The results showed 1) TSC accumulation rates were highest at 2% O(2), lower at 20% and lowest at 0-0.5%; 2) pSAPK protein levels were lowest at 2% O(2), higher at 20%, and highest at 0-0.5%; 3) Cleaved caspase 3, an apoptosis marker, increased at 0.5% O(2), and was highest at 0% O(2); 4) Three markers for multipotency were highest at 2 and 20% and significantly decreased at 0.5%-0%; 5) In contrast three differentiation markers were lowest at 2% and highest at 0.5%-0%. Thus, 2% O(2) is the optimum as defined by lowest pSAPK and differentiation markers and highest growth rate and multipotency markers, without appreciable apoptosis. In addition, two lines of evidence suggest that fibroblast growth factor (FGF)4 does not directly activate SAPK. SAPK activity increases transiently with FGF4 removal at 2% O(2), but SAPK activity decreases when O(2) is switched from 20% to 2% with FGF4 present. Thus, SAPK is activated by contradictory signals, but activity decreases when either signal is removed. Taken together, the findings suggest that pSAPK senses suboptimal signals during TSC culture and probably in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Zhou
- CS Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Swain JE, Smith GD. Advances in embryo culture platforms: novel approaches to improve preimplantation embryo development through modifications of the microenvironment. Hum Reprod Update 2011; 17:541-57. [PMID: 21454356 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmr006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The majority of research aimed at improving embryo development in vitro has focused on manipulation of the chemical environment, examining details such as energy substrate composition and impact of various growth factors or other supplements. In comparison, relatively little work has been done examining the physical requirements of preimplantation embryos and the role culture platforms or devices can play in influencing embryo development. METHODS Electronic searches were performed using keywords centered on embryo culture techniques using PUBMED through June 2010 and references were searched for additional research articles. RESULTS Various approaches to in vitro embryo culture that involve manipulations of the physical culture environment are emerging. Novel culture platforms being developed examine issues such as media volume and embryo spacing. Furthermore, methods to permit dynamic embryo culture with fluid flow and embryo movement are now available, and novel culture surfaces are being tested. CONCLUSIONS Although several factors remain to be studied to optimize efficiency, manipulations of the embryo culture microenvironment through novel culture devices may offer a means to improve embryo development in vitro. Reduced volume systems that reduce embryo spacing, such as the well-of-the-well approach, appear beneficial, although more work is needed to verify the source of their true benefit in human embryos. Emerging microfluidic technology appears to be a promising approach. However, along with the work on specialized culture surfaces, more information is required to determine the impact on human embryo development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J E Swain
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|