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Wang X, Huang J, Li H, Li Y, Cai S, Xue B, Zhu Z, Zeng X, Zeng X. Establishment and application of high throughput screening cell model for nutrient regulation of embryonic development. J Nutr Biochem 2024; 123:109502. [PMID: 37890711 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2023.109502] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Embryo development exerts far-reaching influence on pregnancy outcome, postnatal development and lifelong health. Thereafter, to select functional nutrients to improve embryo development is of great importance. Herein, a stable porcine trophectoderm cell line expressing a luciferase reporter gene driven by a 1,009 bp PCNA gene promoter was constructed through lentiviral transduction and G418 selection. A high throughput screening assay was subsequently developed using the stable reporter cell line to screen a library of 225 nutrients. Seven nutrients with a minimum Z-score of 2.0 were initially identified to be capable of enhancing embryonic development. Among these nutrients, resveratrol, apigenin, and retinol palmitate were furtherly confirmed the beneficial effects for embryo development. Resveratrol significantly increased the expression of key genes involved in pTr cell proliferation and the number of S-phase cells. Resveratrol was furtherly confirmed to promote the expression of key genes in trophoblast development and increase embryo adhesion rate in vitro. Similarly, dietary 0.05% resveratrol supplementation significantly increased the number of embryo attachment and serum level of P4 and E2 in rats. Resveratrol could also improve maternal antioxidant levels and reduce intracellular ROS. Collectively, a high throughput screening cell model for nutrient regulation of embryonic development was established, which can be used to highly effectively select the potential candidates for embryo development. These findings have great implications for exploring optimal functional nutrients to improve embryo development, ultimately beneficial for pregnancy outcome, offspring postnatal development and lifelong health for human beings and mammalian animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Biofeed Additives, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Biofeed Additives, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Huan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Biofeed Additives, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yanlong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Biofeed Additives, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuang Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Biofeed Additives, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Bangxin Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Biofeed Additives, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhekun Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Biofeed Additives, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangzhou Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Biofeed Additives, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangfang Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Biofeed Additives, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.
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Lafontaine S, Labrecque R, Blondin P, Cue RI, Sirard MA. Comparison of cattle derived from in vitro fertilization, multiple ovulation embryo transfer, and artificial insemination for milk production and fertility traits. J Dairy Sci 2023; 106:4380-4396. [PMID: 37028966 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-22736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
The use of assisted-reproduction technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) is increasing, particularly in dairy cattle. The question of consequences in later life has not yet been directly addressed by studies on large animal populations. Studies on rodents and early data from humans and cattle suggest that in vitro manipulation of gametes and embryos could result in long-term alteration of metabolism, growth, and fertility. Our goal was to better describe these presumed consequences in the population of dairy cows produced by IVF in Québec (Canada) and to compare them to animals conceived by artificial insemination (AI) or multiple ovulation embryo transfer (MOET). To do so, we leveraged a large phenotypic database (2.5 million animals and 4.5 million lactations) from milk records in Québec aggregated by Lactanet (Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, Canada) and spanning 2012 to 2019. We identified 304,163, 12,993, and 732 cows conceived by AI, MOET, and IVF, respectively, for a total of 317,888 Holstein animals from which we retrieved information for 576,448, 24,192, and 1,299 lactations (total = 601,939), respectively. Genetic energy-corrected milk yield (GECM) and Lifetime Performance Index (LPI) of the parents of cows were used to normalize for genetic potential across animals. When compared with the general Holstein population, MOET and IVF cows outperformed AI cows. However, when comparing those same MOET and IVF cows with only herdmates and accounting for their higher GECM in the models, we found no statistical difference between the conception methods for milk production across the first 3 lactations. We also found that the rate of Lifetime Performance Index improvement of the IVF population during the 2012 to 2019 period was less than the rate observed in the AI population. Fertility analysis revealed that MOET and IVF cows also scored 1 point lower than their parents on the daughter fertility index and had a longer interval from first service to conception, with an average of 35.52 d compared with 32.45 for MOET and 31.87 for AI animals. These results highlight the challenges of elite genetic improvement while attesting to the progress the industry has made in minimizing epigenetic disturbance during embryo production. Nonetheless, additional work is required to ensure that IVF animals can maintain their performance and fertility potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Lafontaine
- Centre de recherche en reproduction, développement et santé intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), Département des Sciences Animales, Faculté des sciences de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1K 7P4, Canada
| | - Rémi Labrecque
- SEMEX Boviteq, 3450 Rue Sicotte, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - Patrick Blondin
- SEMEX Boviteq, 3450 Rue Sicotte, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - Roger I Cue
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Montréal, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Marc-André Sirard
- Centre de recherche en reproduction, développement et santé intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), Département des Sciences Animales, Faculté des sciences de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1K 7P4, Canada.
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Chen H, Zhang L, Yue F, Cui C, Li Y, Zhang Q, Liang L, Meng L, Zhang C. Effects of assisted reproductive technology on gene expression in heart and spleen tissues of adult offspring mouse. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1035161. [PMID: 37065763 PMCID: PMC10098333 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1035161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is an important part of reproductive medicine, whose possible effects on offspring's health have drawn widespread attention in recent years. However, relevant studies are limited to postnatal short-term follow-up and lack of diverse sample sources analysis other than blood. METHODS In this study, a mouse model was used to explore the effects of ART on fetal development and gene expression in the organs of offspring in the adulthood using next-generation sequencing. The sequencing results were then analyzed. RESULTS The results showed that it caused abnormal expression in 1060 genes and 179 genes in the heart and spleen, respectively. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the heart are mainly enriched in RNA synthesis and processing, and the cardiovascular system development also shows enrichment. STRING analysis identified Ccl2, Ptgs2, Rock1, Mapk14, Agt, and Wnt5a as the core interacting factors. DEGs in the spleen are significantly enriched in anti-infection and immune responses, which include the core factors Fos, Jun and Il1r2. Further exploration revealed the abnormal expression of 42 and 5 epigenetic modifiers in the heart and spleen, respectively. The expression of the imprinted genes Dhcr7, Igf2, Mest and Smoc1 decreased in the hearts of ART offspring, and the DNA methylation levels of Igf2- and Mest-imprinting control regions (ICRs) increased abnormally. CONCLUSION In the mouse model, ART can interfere with the gene expression pattern in the heart and spleen of the adult offspring and that these changes are related to the aberrant expression of epigenetic regulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanhuan Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproductive Bioengineering, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproductive Bioengineering, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Feng Yue
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproductive Bioengineering, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Chenchen Cui
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproductive Bioengineering, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yan Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproductive Bioengineering, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Qingwen Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproductive Bioengineering, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Linlin Liang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproductive Bioengineering, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Li Meng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproductive Bioengineering, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- *Correspondence: Li Meng, ; Cuilian Zhang,
| | - Cuilian Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproductive Bioengineering, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- *Correspondence: Li Meng, ; Cuilian Zhang,
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Qamar AY, Mahiddine FY, Bang S, Fang X, Shin ST, Kim MJ, Cho J. Extracellular Vesicle Mediated Crosstalk Between the Gametes, Conceptus, and Female Reproductive Tract. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:589117. [PMID: 33195625 PMCID: PMC7661581 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.589117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) mediated intracellular communication plays an imperative role in the proper completion of different physiological events. Most of the bio-fluids are enriched with several subpopulations of EVs including exosomes and microvesicles (MVs), with the capacity of transferring different functional molecules (lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids) to target cells. Recipient cells upon receiving the signal molecules undergo different changes that positively affect the structural and functional integrity of the cells. This article was aimed to highlight the role of EVs secreted by gametes, the female reproductive tract, and the growing conceptus in the successful completion of different reproductive events related to gestation. EVs associated with the reproductive system are actively involved in the regulation of different physiological events including gamete maturation, fertilization, and embryo and fetal development. In the reproductive system, EVs mediated intracellular communication is not unidirectional but is rather regulated through crosstalk between the reproductive tract and the growing conceptus. These vesicles are secreted from the ovary, oviductal epithelium, endometrium, developing embryo, and the placenta. The cargo inside these vesicles exerts pleiotropic effects on both maternal and embryonic environments. A better understanding of the EVs-mediated crosstalk will be helpful in the development of useful tools serving both the diagnostic as well as therapeutic needs related to female fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Yar Qamar
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Jhang, Sub-Campus University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Feriel Yasmine Mahiddine
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seonggyu Bang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Xun Fang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Sang Tae Shin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Min Jung Kim
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jongki Cho
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
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Garcia-Dominguez X, Vicente JS, Viudes-de-Castro MP, Marco-Jiménez F. Long-Term Effects Following Fresh/Vitrified Embryo Transfer Are Transmitted by Paternal Germline in a Large Size Rabbit Cohort. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10081272. [PMID: 32722445 PMCID: PMC7460406 DOI: 10.3390/ani10081272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The concept of developmental programming suggests that the early life environment influences offspring phenotype in later life, whose effects may also be manifested in further generations. Valuable pieces of evidence come from the fields applying assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), which deprive embryos of their optimal maternal environment and were thus associated with subsequent developmental deviations. Recently, we demonstrated that the in vitro manipulations during a vitrified embryo transfer procedure incurs a cumulative and transgenerational decline in the growth performance of the resulting offspring. Here, we provide a longitudinal study to investigate whether previous developmental deviations could be indistinctly paternally or maternally transmitted using crossbred mattings. Our findings revealed that early embryo manipulations through fresh and vitrified embryo transfer incurred paternally transmissible effects over the growth pattern and adult body weight, which seemed not inheritable via the female germline. Similar inheritable effects were observed after fresh and vitrified embryo transfer, suggesting that disturbing optimal embryo development through in vitro manipulations was the principal trigger of transmissible effects, rather than embryo cryopreservation per se.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ximo Garcia-Dominguez
- Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología Animal, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain; (X.G.-D.); (J.S.V.)
| | - José Salvador Vicente
- Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología Animal, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain; (X.G.-D.); (J.S.V.)
| | - María P. Viudes-de-Castro
- Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Animal, Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias, 12100 Segorbe, Spain;
| | - Francisco Marco-Jiménez
- Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología Animal, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain; (X.G.-D.); (J.S.V.)
- Correspondence:
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Garcia-Dominguez X, Marco-Jiménez F, Peñaranda DS, Diretto G, García-Carpintero V, Cañizares J, Vicente JS. Long-term and transgenerational phenotypic, transcriptional and metabolic effects in rabbit males born following vitrified embryo transfer. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11313. [PMID: 32647175 PMCID: PMC7347584 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68195-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The advent of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) in mammals involved an extraordinary change in the environment where the beginning of a new organism takes place. Under in vitro conditions, in which ART is currently being performed, it likely fails to mimic optimal in vivo conditions. This suboptimal environment could mediate in the natural developmental trajectory of the embryo, inducing lasting effects until later life stages that may be inherited by subsequent generations (transgenerational effects). Therefore, we evaluated the potential transgenerational effects of embryo exposure to the cryopreservation-transfer procedure in a rabbit model on the offspring phenotype, molecular physiology of the liver (transcriptome and metabolome) and reproductive performance during three generations (F1, F2 and F3). The results showed that, compared to naturally-conceived animals (NC group), progeny generated after embryo exposure to the cryopreservation-transfer procedure (VT group) exhibited lower body growth, which incurred lower adult body weight in the F1 (direct effects), F2 (intergenerational effects) and F3 (transgenerational effects) generations. Furthermore, VT animals showed intergenerational effects on heart weight and transgenerational effects on liver weight. The RNA-seq data of liver tissue revealed 642 differentially expressed transcripts (DETs) in VT animals from the F1 generation. Of those, 133 were inherited from the F2 and 120 from the F3 generation. Accordingly, 151, 190 and 159 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) were detected from the F1, F2 and F3, respectively. Moreover, targeted metabolomics analysis demonstrated that transgenerational effects were mostly presented in the non-polar fraction. Functional analysis of molecular data suggests weakened zinc and fatty acid metabolism across the generations, associated with alterations in a complex molecular network affecting global hepatic metabolism that could be associated with the phenotype of VT animals. However, these VT animals showed proper reproductive performance, which verified a functional health status. In conclusion, our results establish the long-term transgenerational effects following a vitrified embryo transfer procedure. We showed that the VT phenotype could be the result of the manifestation of embryonic developmental plasticity in response to the stressful conditions during ART procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ximo Garcia-Dominguez
- Laboratory of Biotechnology of Reproduction, Institute for Animal Science and Technology (ICTA), Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022, Valencia, Spain
| | - Francisco Marco-Jiménez
- Laboratory of Biotechnology of Reproduction, Institute for Animal Science and Technology (ICTA), Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022, Valencia, Spain
| | - David S Peñaranda
- Laboratory of Biotechnology of Reproduction, Institute for Animal Science and Technology (ICTA), Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022, Valencia, Spain
| | - Gianfranco Diretto
- National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA), Casaccia Research Centre, 00123, Rome, Italy
| | - Víctor García-Carpintero
- Institute for the Conservation and Breeding of Agricultural Biodiversity (COMAV-UPV), Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022, Valencia, Spain
| | - Joaquín Cañizares
- Institute for the Conservation and Breeding of Agricultural Biodiversity (COMAV-UPV), Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022, Valencia, Spain
| | - José S Vicente
- Laboratory of Biotechnology of Reproduction, Institute for Animal Science and Technology (ICTA), Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022, Valencia, Spain.
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Garcia-Dominguez X, Marco-Jiménez F, Peñaranda DS, Vicente JS. Long-Term Phenotypic and Proteomic Changes Following Vitrified Embryo Transfer in the Rabbit Model. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E1043. [PMID: 32560425 PMCID: PMC7341293 DOI: 10.3390/ani10061043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) are considered valuable contributors to our past, but a future without their use is inconceivable. However, in recent years, several studies have evidenced a potential impact of ART on long-term development in mammal species. To date, the long-term follow-up data are still limited. So far, studies have mainly focused on in vitro fertilization or in vitro culture, with information from gametes/embryos cryopreservation field being practically missing. Herein, we report an approach to determine whether a vitrified embryo transfer procedure would have long-term consequences on the offspring. Using the rabbit as a model, we compared animals derived from vitrified-transferred embryos versus those naturally conceived, studying the growth performance, plus the weight throughout life, and the internal organs/tissues phenotype. The healthy status was assessed over the hematological and biochemical parameters in peripheral blood. Additionally, a comparative proteomic analysis was conducted in the liver tissue to investigate molecular cues related to vitrified embryo transfer in an adult tissue. After vitrified embryo transfer, birth weight was increased, and the growth performance was diminished in a sex-specific manner. In addition, vitrified-transferred animals showed significantly lower body, liver and heart weights in adulthood. Molecular analyses revealed that vitrified embryo transfer triggers reprogramming of the liver proteome. Functional analysis of the differentially expressed proteins showed changes in relation to oxidative phosphorylation and dysregulations in the zinc and lipid metabolism, which has been reported as possible causes of a disturbed growth pattern. Therefore, we conclude that vitrified embryo transfer is not a neutral procedure, and it incurs long-term effects in the offspring both at phenotypic and molecular levels. These results described a striking example of the developmental plasticity exhibited by the mammalian embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - José Salvador Vicente
- Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología Animal, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain; (X.G.-D.); (F.M.-J.); (D.S.P.)
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Garcia-Dominguez X, Vicente JS, Marco-Jiménez F. Developmental Plasticity in Response to Embryo Cryopreservation: The Importance of the Vitrification Device in Rabbits. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10050804. [PMID: 32384788 PMCID: PMC7278459 DOI: 10.3390/ani10050804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This study was conducted to demonstrate how embryo manipulation techniques incur phenotypic changes throughout life. This study reports the first evidence demonstrating that the vitrification device used is not a trivial decision, providing valuable information about how the cooling–warming rates during vitrification can be partly responsible of the postnatal phenotypic variations. Abstract In this study, we evaluated the effect of embryo vitrification using two different devices on adulthood phenotype in rabbits. In vitro development, prenatal embryo survival, body weight, growth performance, haematological and biochemical peripheral blood analysis, reproductive performance, and lactation performance traits were compared between the experimental groups. They derived from naturally-conceived embryos (NC), fresh-transferred embryos (FT), vitrified-transferred embryos using mini-straw (VTs), or vitrified-transferred embryos using Cryotop (VTc). Straw-vitrified embryos exhibited lower in vitro developmental rates and in vivo survival rates following embryo transfer compared to its Cryotop-vitrified counterparts. Moreover, the VTs group exhibited higher foetal losses than VTc, FT, and NC groups. Independently of the vitrification device, vitrified-transferred (VT) offspring showed a skewed sex ratio in favour of males, and an increased birth bodyweight. In contrast, postnatal daily growth was diminished in all ART (i.e., FT and VT) animals. In adulthood, significant differences in body weight between all groups was founded—all ART progenies weighed less than NC animals and, within ART, VT animals weighed less than FT. For VT groups, weight at adulthood was higher for the VTs group compared with the VTc group. Peripheral blood parameters ranged between common values. Moreover, no differences were found in the fertility rates between experimental groups. Furthermore, similar pregnancy rates, litter sizes, and the number of liveborns were observed, regardless of the experimental group. However, decreased milk yield occurred for VTc and FT animals compared to VTs and NC animals. A similar trend was observed for the milk composition of dry matter and fat. Concordantly, reduced body weight was found for suckling kits in the VTc and FT groups compared to VTs and NC animals. Our findings reveal that developmental changes after the embryo vitrification procedure could be associated with an exhibition of the embryonic developmental plasticity. Moreover, to our best knowledge, this study reports the first evidence demonstrating that the vitrification device used is not a trivial decision, providing valuable information about how the cooling–warming rates during vitrification can be partly responsible of the postnatal phenotypic variations.
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Petri T, Dankert D, Demond H, Wennemuth G, Horsthemke B, Grümmer R. In vitro postovulatory oocyte aging affects H3K9 trimethylation in two-cell embryos after IVF. Ann Anat 2019; 227:151424. [PMID: 31610252 DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2019.151424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The physiological time axis of oocyte maturation comprises highly sensitive processes. A prolonged time span between ovulation and fertilization may impair oocyte developmental competence and subsequent embryo development, possibly due to epigenetic modifications. Since post-translational histone modifications can modify chromatin activity, and trimethylation of H3K9 (H3K9me3) has been shown to increase in the murine oocyte during maturation, here the effect of postovulatory oocyte aging on H3K9me3 was analyzed. METHODS The competence of murine oocytes which were aged for 2, 4, 6 and 8 h in vitro after oocyte retrieval to develop to the two-cell and blastocyst stage was determined. Degree of H3K9me3 was analyzed in the postovulatory aged oocytes as well as in the resulting two-cell embryos after IVF. RESULTS The current study shows that postovulatory aging of oocytes for up to eight hours after oocyte retrieval exhibited no effect on two-cell embryo and blastocyst rate; however, changes in H3K9me3 in the resulting two-cell embryos were observed. CONCLUSION Prolonged postovulatory oocyte aging leads to epigenetic modifications of H3K9. Such modifications may affect the developmental capacity of embryos at post-implantation developmental stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Petri
- Institute of Anatomy, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Debora Dankert
- Institute of Anatomy, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Hannah Demond
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Gunther Wennemuth
- Institute of Anatomy, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Bernhard Horsthemke
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ruth Grümmer
- Institute of Anatomy, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
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Behavioral Epigenetics: Perspectives Based on Experience-Dependent Epigenetic Inheritance. EPIGENOMES 2019; 3:epigenomes3030018. [PMID: 34968228 PMCID: PMC8594690 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes3030018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation plays an important role in gene regulation, and epigenetic markers such as DNA methylation and histone modifications are generally described as switches that regulate gene expression. Behavioral epigenetics is defined as the study of how epigenetic alterations induced by experience and environmental stress may affect animal behavior. It studies epigenetic alterations due to environmental enrichment. Generally, molecular processes underlying epigenetic regulation in behavioral epigenetics include DNA methylation, post-translational histone modifications, noncoding RNA activity, and other unknown molecular processes. Whether the inheritance of epigenetic features will occur is a crucial question. In general, the mechanism underlying inheritance can be explained by two main phenomena: Germline-mediated epigenetic inheritance and interact epigenetic inheritance of somatic cells through germline. In this review, we focus on examining behavioral epigenetics based on its possible modes of inheritance and discuss the considerations in the research of epigenetic transgenerational inheritance.
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11
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Simopoulou M, Sfakianoudis K, Rapani A, Giannelou P, Anifandis G, Bolaris S, Pantou A, Lambropoulou M, Pappas A, Deligeoroglou E, Pantos K, Koutsilieris M. Considerations Regarding Embryo Culture Conditions: From Media to Epigenetics. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 32:451-460. [PMID: 29695546 DOI: 10.21873/invivo.11261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
There are numerous reports on embryo culture media and conditions in the laboratory, as the subject is multifaceted and complex, reflecting the variation in practice. In this scoping review, we attempt to approach the topic of culture media and conditions from the practitioners' perspective aiming to highlight, in a comprehensive fashion, important aspects regarding the options available, introduce points of debate and controversy, while maintaining the viewpoint of the practicing embryologist's concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Simopoulou
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece .,Assisted Conception Unit, 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Anna Rapani
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Polina Giannelou
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Centre for Human Reproduction, Genesis Athens Clinic, Athens, Greece
| | - George Anifandis
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Stamatis Bolaris
- Assisted Conception Unit, Elena Venizelou General-Maternity District Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Agni Pantou
- Centre for Human Reproduction, Genesis Athens Clinic, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Lambropoulou
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Athanasios Pappas
- Centre for Human Reproduction, Genesis Athens Clinic, Athens, Greece
| | - Efthimios Deligeoroglou
- Assisted Conception Unit, 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Michael Koutsilieris
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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12
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Rollo C, Li Y, Jin XL, O'Neill C. Histone 3 lysine 9 acetylation is a biomarker of the effects of culture on zygotes. Reproduction 2018; 154:375-385. [PMID: 28878090 PMCID: PMC5592804 DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2017] [Revised: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 07/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Acetylation of histone proteins is a major determinant of chromatin structure and function. Fertilisation triggers a round of chromatin remodelling that prepares the genome for the first round of transcription from the new embryonic genome. In this study we confirm that fertilisation leads to a marked progressive increase in the level of histone 3 lysine 9 acetylation in both the paternally and maternally derived genomes. The culture of zygotes in simple defined media caused a marked increase in the global level of acetylation and this affected the male pronucleus more than the female. The culture created a marked asymmetry in staining between the two pronuclei that was not readily detected in zygotes collected directly from the reproductive tract and was ameliorated to some extent by optimized culture media. The increased acetylation caused by culture resulted in increased transcription of Hspa1b, a marker of embryonic genome activation. Pharmacological analyses showed the hyperacetylation of H3K9 and the increased expression of Hspa1b caused by culture were due to the altered net activity of a range of histone acetylases and deacetylases. The marked hyperacetylation of histone 3 lysine 9 caused by culture of zygotes may serve as an early biomarker for the effects of culture on the normal function of the embryo. The results also provide further evidence for an effect of the stresses associated with assisted reproductive technologies on the normal patterns of epigenetic reprogramming in the early embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Rollo
- Human Reproduction UnitKolling Institute Sydney Medical, School University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Y Li
- Human Reproduction UnitKolling Institute Sydney Medical, School University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - X L Jin
- Human Reproduction UnitKolling Institute Sydney Medical, School University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - C O'Neill
- Human Reproduction UnitKolling Institute Sydney Medical, School University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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13
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Mulder CL, Serrano JB, Catsburg LAE, Roseboom TJ, Repping S, van Pelt AMM. A practical blueprint to systematically study life-long health consequences of novel medically assisted reproductive treatments. Hum Reprod 2018; 33:784-792. [PMID: 29635479 PMCID: PMC5925779 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dey070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In medicine, safety and efficacy are the two pillars on which the implementation of novel treatments rest. To protect the patient from unnecessary or unsafe treatments, usually, a stringent path of (pre) clinical testing is followed before a treatment is introduced into routine patient care. However, in reproductive medicine several techniques have been clinically introduced without elaborate preclinical studies. Moreover, novel reproductive techniques may harbor safety risks not only for the patients undergoing treatment, but also for the offspring conceived through these techniques. If preclinical (animal) studies were performed, efficacy and functionality the upper hand. When a new medically assisted reproduction (MAR) treatment was proven effective (i.e. if it resulted in live birth) the treatment was often rapidly implemented in the clinic. For IVF, the first study on the long-term health of IVF children was published a decade after its clinical implementation. In more recent years, prospective follow-up studies have been conducted that provided the opportunity to study the health of large groups of children derived from different reproductive techniques. Although such studies have indicated differences between children conceived through MAR and children conceived naturally, results are often difficult to interpret due to the observational nature of these studies (and the associated risk of confounding factors, e.g. subfertility of the parents), differences in definitions of clinical outcome measures, lack of uniformity in assessment protocols and heterogeneity of the underlying reasons for fertility treatment. With more novel MARs waiting at the horizon, there is a need for a framework on how to assess safety of novel reproductive techniques in a preclinical (animal) setting before they are clinically implemented. In this article, we provide a blueprint for preclinical testing of safety and health of offspring generated by novel MARs using a mouse model involving an array of tests that comprise the entire lifespan. We urge scientists to perform the proposed extensive preclinical tests for novel reproductive techniques with the goal to acquire knowledge on efficacy and the possible health effects of to-be implemented reproductive techniques to safeguard quality of novel MARs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Callista L Mulder
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joana B Serrano
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lisa A E Catsburg
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tessa J Roseboom
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Academic Medical Centre, Meibergdeef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Academic Medical Centre, Meibergdeef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd Repping
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ans M M van Pelt
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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14
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Almiñana C, Corbin E, Tsikis G, Alcântara-Neto AS, Labas V, Reynaud K, Galio L, Uzbekov R, Garanina AS, Druart X, Mermillod P. Oviduct extracellular vesicles protein content and their role during oviduct-embryo cross-talk. Reproduction 2017. [PMID: 28630101 DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Successful pregnancy requires an appropriate communication between the mother and the embryo. Recently, exosomes and microvesicles, both membrane-bound extracellular vesicles (EVs) present in the oviduct fluid have been proposed as key modulators of this unique cross-talk. However, little is known about their content and their role during oviduct-embryo dialog. Given the known differences in secretions by in vivo and in vitro oviduct epithelial cells (OEC), we aimed at deciphering the oviduct EVs protein content from both sources. Moreover, we analyzed their functional effect on embryo development. Our study demonstrated for the first time the substantial differences between in vivo and in vitro oviduct EVs secretion/content. Mass spectrometry analysis identified 319 proteins in EVs, from which 186 were differentially expressed when in vivo and in vitro EVs were compared (P < 0.01). Interestingly, 97 were exclusively expressed in in vivo EVs, 47 were present only in in vitro and 175 were common. Functional analysis revealed key proteins involved in sperm-oocyte binding, fertilization and embryo development, some of them lacking in in vitro EVs. Moreover, we showed that in vitro-produced embryos were able to internalize in vivo EVs during culture with a functional effect in the embryo development. In vivo EVs increased blastocyst rate, extended embryo survival over time and improved embryo quality. Our study provides the first characterization of oviduct EVs, increasing our understanding of the role of oviduct EVs as modulators of gamete/embryo-oviduct interactions. Moreover, our results point them as promising tools to improve embryo development and survival under in vitro conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Almiñana
- UMR0085 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements (PRC)Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA)/CNRS/Univ. Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - Emilie Corbin
- UMR0085 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements (PRC)Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA)/CNRS/Univ. Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - Guillaume Tsikis
- UMR0085 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements (PRC)Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA)/CNRS/Univ. Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - Agostinho S Alcântara-Neto
- UMR0085 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements (PRC)Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA)/CNRS/Univ. Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - Valérie Labas
- UMR0085 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements (PRC)Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA)/CNRS/Univ. Tours, Nouzilly, France.,UFRCHU, Pôle d'Imagerie de la Plate-forme de Chirurgie et Imagerie pour la Recherche et l'Enseignement (CIRE), INRA Nouzilly, France
| | - Karine Reynaud
- UMR0085 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements (PRC)Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA)/CNRS/Univ. Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - Laurent Galio
- UMR1198Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, INRA Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Rustem Uzbekov
- Laboratoire Biologie Cellulaire et Microscopie ElectroniqueFaculté de Médecine, Université François Rabelais, Tours, France.,Faculty of Bioengineering and BioinformaticsMoscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anastasiia S Garanina
- Laboratoire Biologie Cellulaire et Microscopie ElectroniqueFaculté de Médecine, Université François Rabelais, Tours, France
| | - Xavier Druart
- UMR0085 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements (PRC)Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA)/CNRS/Univ. Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - Pascal Mermillod
- UMR0085 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements (PRC)Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA)/CNRS/Univ. Tours, Nouzilly, France
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15
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Bertoldo MJ, Locatelli Y, O'Neill C, Mermillod P. Impacts of and interactions between environmental stress and epigenetic programming during early embryo development. Reprod Fertil Dev 2017; 27:1125-36. [PMID: 24965854 DOI: 10.1071/rd14049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2014] [Accepted: 03/31/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The processes of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) involve a variety of interventions that impact on the oocyte and embryo. Critically, these interventions cause considerable stress and coincide with important imprinting events throughout gametogenesis, fertilisation and early embryonic development. It is now accepted that the IVM and in vitro development of gametes and embryos can perturb the natural course of development to varying degrees of severity. Altered gene expression and, more recently, imprinting disorders relating to ART have become a focused area of research. Although various hypotheses have been put forward, most research has been observational, with little attempt to discover the mechanisms and periods of sensitivity during embryo development that are influenced by the culture conditions following fertilisation. The embryo possesses innate survival factor signalling pathways, yet when an embryo is placed in culture, this signalling in response to in vitro stress becomes critically important in mitigating the effects of stresses caused by the in vitro environment. It is apparent that not all embryos possess this ability to adequately adapt to the stresses experienced in vitro, most probably due to an inadequate oocyte. It is speculated that it is important that embryos use their survival signalling mechanisms to maintain normal epigenetic programming. The seeming redundancy in the function of various survival signalling pathways would support this notion. Any invasion into the natural, highly orchestrated and dynamic process of sexual reproduction could perturb the normal progression of epigenetic programming. Therefore the source of gametes and the subsequent culture conditions of gametes and embryos are critically important and require careful attention. It is the aim of this review to highlight avenues of research to elucidate the effects of stress and the relationship with epigenetic programming. The short- and long-term health and viability of human and animal embryos derived in vitro will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Bertoldo
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Yann Locatelli
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Christopher O'Neill
- Centre for Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, Kolling Institute for Medical Research, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia
| | - Pascal Mermillod
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
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16
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Epigenetic Influences During the Periconception Period and Assisted Reproduction. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 1014:15-39. [PMID: 28864983 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-62414-3_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The periconception period starts 6 months before conception and lasts until the tenth week of gestation. In this chapter, we will focus on epigenetic modifications to DNA and gene expression within this period and during assisted reproduction. There are two critical times during the periconception window when significant epigenetic 'reprogramming' occur: one during gametogenesis and another during the pre-implantation embryonic stage. Furthermore, assisted conception treatments, laboratory protocols and culture media can affect the embryo development and birth weights in laboratory animals. There is, however, an ongoing debate as to whether epigenetic changes in humans, causing embryo mal-development, placenta dysfunction and birth defects, result from assisted reproductive technologies or are consequences of pre-existing medical and/or genetic conditions in the parents. The periconception period starts from ovarian folliculogenesis, through resumption of oogenesis, fertilisation, peri-implantation embryo development, embryogenesis until the end of organogenesis. In men, it is the period from spermatogenesis to epididymal sperm storage and fertilisation. Gametes and developing embryos are sensitive to environmental factors during this period, and epigenetic modifications can occur in response to adverse lifestyles and environmental factors. We now know that lifestyle factors such as advanced parentage age, obesity or undernutrition, smoking, excessive alcohol and caffeine intake and recreational drugs used during gamete production and embryogenesis could induce epigenetic alterations, which could impact adversely on pregnancy outcomes and health of the offspring. Furthermore, these can also result in a permanent and irreversible effect in a dose-dependent manner, which can be passed on to the future generations.
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17
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Li Y, Seah MKY, O'Neill C. Mapping global changes in nuclear cytosine base modifications in the early mouse embryo. Reproduction 2016; 151:83-95. [PMID: 26660107 PMCID: PMC4676261 DOI: 10.1530/rep-15-0207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Reprogramming epigenetic modifications to cytosine is required for normal embryo development. We used improved immunolocalization techniques to simultaneously map global changes in the levels of 5'-methylcytosine (5meC) and 5'-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) in each cell of the embryo from fertilization through the first rounds of cellular differentiation. The male and female pronuclei of the zygote showed similar staining levels, and these remained elevated over the next three cell cycles. The inner cells of the morula showed a progressive reduction in global levels of both 5meC and 5hmC and further losses occurred in the pluripotent inner cell mass (ICM) of the blastocyst. This was accompanied by undetectable levels of DNA methyltransferase of each class in the nuclei of the ICM, while DNA methyltransferase 3B was elevated in the hypermethylated nuclei of the trophectoderm (TE). Segregation of the ICM into hypoblast and epiblast was accompanied by increased levels in the hypoblast compared with the epiblast. Blastocyst outgrowth in vitro is a model for implantation and showed that a demethylated state persisted in the epiblast while the hypoblast had higher levels of both 5meC and 5hmC staining. The high levels of 5meC and 5hmC evident in the TE persisted in trophoblast and trophoblast giant cells after attachment of the blastocyst to the substratum in vitro. This study shows that global cytosine hypomethylation and hypohydroxymethylation accompanied the formation of the pluripotent ICM and this persisted into the epiblast after blastocyst outgrowth, and each differentiated lineage formed in the early embryo showed higher global levels of 5meC and 5hmC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Li
- Centre for Developmental and Regenerative MedicineKolling Institute for Medical Research, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2065, Australia
| | - Michelle K Y Seah
- Centre for Developmental and Regenerative MedicineKolling Institute for Medical Research, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2065, Australia
| | - C O'Neill
- Centre for Developmental and Regenerative MedicineKolling Institute for Medical Research, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2065, Australia
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18
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Ventura-Juncá P, Irarrázaval I, Rolle AJ, Gutiérrez JI, Moreno RD, Santos MJ. In vitro fertilization (IVF) in mammals: epigenetic and developmental alterations. Scientific and bioethical implications for IVF in humans. Biol Res 2015; 48:68. [PMID: 26683055 PMCID: PMC4684609 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-015-0059-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The advent of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in animals and humans implies an extraordinary change in the environment where the beginning of a new organism takes place. In mammals fertilization occurs in the maternal oviduct, where there are unique conditions for guaranteeing the encounter of the gametes and the first stages of development of the embryo and thus its future. During this period a major epigenetic reprogramming takes place that is crucial for the normal fate of the embryo. This epigenetic reprogramming is very vulnerable to changes in environmental conditions such as the ones implied in IVF, including in vitro culture, nutrition, light, temperature, oxygen tension, embryo-maternal signaling, and the general absence of protection against foreign elements that could affect the stability of this process. The objective of this review is to update the impact of the various conditions inherent in the use of IVF on the epigenetic profile and outcomes of mammalian embryos, including superovulation, IVF technique, embryo culture and manipulation and absence of embryo-maternal signaling. It also covers the possible transgenerational inheritance of the epigenetic alterations associated with assisted reproductive technologies (ART), including its phenotypic consequences as is in the case of the large offspring syndrome (LOS). Finally, the important scientific and bioethical implications of the results found in animals are discussed in terms of the ART in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricio Ventura-Juncá
- Bioethical Center and Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile. .,Bioethics Center, Universidad Finis Terrae, Pedro de Valdivia 1509, Providencia, Región Metropolitana, 7501015, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Isabel Irarrázaval
- Bioethical Center and Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Augusto J Rolle
- Bioethical Center and Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Juan I Gutiérrez
- Bioethical Center and Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Ricardo D Moreno
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile. .,Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Manuel J Santos
- Bioethical Center and Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile. .,Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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19
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Lavara R, Baselga M, Marco-Jiménez F, Vicente JS. Embryo vitrification in rabbits: Consequences for progeny growth. Theriogenology 2015; 84:674-80. [PMID: 26007610 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2015] [Revised: 04/28/2015] [Accepted: 04/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this research is to examine if there are any effects of the rederivation procedures on rabbit growth pattern and on weight of different organ in adults. For this purpose, three experiments were conducted on two different groups of animals (control group and vitrified-transferred group) to evaluate the possible effect of embryo manipulation (vitrification and transfer procedures) on future growth traits. The first experiment studies body weight from 1 to 9 weeks of age from the two groups. The second experiment describes the growth curve of progeny from experimental groups and analyzes their Gompertz curve parameters, including the estimation of adult body weight. The third experiment has been developed to study if there are any differences in different organ weight in adult males from the two experimental groups. In general, the results indicate that rederivation procedures had effect on the phenotypic expression of growth traits. The results showed that rabbit produced by vitrification and embryo transfer had higher body weight in the first four weeks of age than control progeny. Results from body weight (a parameter) and b parameter estimated by fitting the Gompertz growth curve did not show any difference between experimental groups. However, differences related with growth velocity (k parameter of the Gompertz curve) were observed among them, showing that the control group had higher growth velocity than the vitrified-transferred group. In addition, we found that liver weight at 40th week of age exhibits significant differences between the experimental groups. The liver weight was higher in the control males than in the VF males. Although the present results indicate that vitrification and transfer procedures might affect some traits related with growth in rabbits, further research is needed to assess the mechanisms involved in the appearance of these phenotypes and if these phenotypes could be transferred to the future progeny.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Lavara
- Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología Animal, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain; INRA, UMR1388 Génétique, Physiologie et Systèmes d'Elevage, Castanet-Tolosan, France.
| | - M Baselga
- Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología Animal, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - F Marco-Jiménez
- Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología Animal, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - J S Vicente
- Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología Animal, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
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20
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris O'Neill
- Kolling Institute for Medical Research, Sydney Medical School, Royal North Shore Hospital, NSW, 2065 Australia
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21
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Yan W. Potential roles of noncoding RNAs in environmental epigenetic transgenerational inheritance. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2014; 398:24-30. [PMID: 25224488 PMCID: PMC4262681 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2014.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2014] [Revised: 09/06/2014] [Accepted: 09/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
"Epigenetic transgenerational inheritance" (ETI) has been defined as germline (sperm or egg) transmission of epigenetic information between generations in the absence of direct exposures or genetic manipulations. Among reported cases of ETI in mammals, the majority are induced by environmental factors, including environmental toxicants [e.g. agricultural fungicide vinclozolin, plastic additive bisphenol A, pesticide methoxychlor, dioxin, di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, and hydrocarbons] and poor nutritional conditions. Although the ETI phenomenon is well established, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Putative epimutations, including changes in DNA methylation and histone modification patterns, have been reported, but it remains unclear how these epimutations are formed in the first place, and how they are memorized in the germline and then get transmitted to subsequent generations. Based on recent advances in our understanding of regulatory noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), I propose that ncRNAs are involved in ETI, during both the initial epimutation formation and the subsequent germline transmission of epimutations. ncRNAs can function at epigenetic levels by affecting DNA methylation and histone modifications, thereby changing gene transcriptional activities, which can lead to an altered mRNA transcriptome associated with a disease phenotype. Alternatively, novel or altered ncRNA expression can cause dysregulated post-transcriptional regulation, thus directly affecting the mRNA transcriptome and inducing a disease phenotype. Sperm-borne ncRNAs are potential mediators for epigenetic memory across generations, but they alone may not be sufficient for stable transmission of epimutations across generations. Overall, research on ncRNAs in the context of ETI is urgently needed to shed light on the underlying mechanism of ETI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yan
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, 1664 North Virginia Street, MS575, Reno, NV 89557, USA.
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22
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Abstract
The periconceptional period of mammalian development has been identified as an early 'developmental window' during which environmental conditions may influence the pattern of future growth and physiology. Studies in humans and animal models have revealed that factors such as maternal nutritional status or in vitro culture and manipulation of developing gametes and preimplantation embryos can impact upon the long-term health and physiology of the offspring. However, the mechanisms involved in the programming of adult disease in response to altered periconceptional development require increased investigation. The role of epigenetic modifications to DNA and chromatin organisation has been identified as a likely mechanism through which environmental perturbations can affect gene expression patterns resulting in phenotypic change. This study will highlight the sensitivity of two critical stages in early mammalian development, gametogenesis and preimplantation development. We will detail how changes to the immediate environment can not only impact upon developmental processes taking place at that time, but can also affect long-term aspects of offspring health and physiology. We will also discuss the emerging role of epigenetics as a mechanistic link between the environment and the later phenotype of the developing organism.
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Serrano A, Decara JM, Fernández-González R, López-Cardona AP, Pavón FJ, Orio L, Alen F, Gutiérrez-Adán A, de Fonseca FR. Hyperplastic Obesity and Liver Steatosis as Long-Term Consequences of Suboptimal In Vitro Culture of Mouse Embryos1. Biol Reprod 2014; 91:30. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.114.117879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The advances in the world of IVF during the last decades have been rapid and impressive and culture media play a major role in this success. Until the 1980s fertility centers made their media in house. Nowadays, there are numerous commercially available culture media that contain various components including nutrients, vitamins and growth factors. This review goes through the past, present and future of IVF culture media and explores their composition and quality assessment. METHODS A computerized search was performed in PubMed regarding IVF culture media including results from 1929 until March 2014. Information was gathered from the websites of companies who market culture media, advertising material, instructions for use and certificates of analysis. The regulation regarding IVF media mainly in the European Union (EU) but also in non-European countries was explored. RESULTS The keyword 'IVF culture media' gave 923 results in PubMed and 'embryo culture media' 12 068 results dating from 1912 until March 2014, depicting the increased scientific activity in this field. The commercialization of IVF culture media has increased the standards bringing a great variety of options into clinical practice. However, it has led to reduced transparency and comparisons of brand names that do not facilitate the scientific dialogue. Furthermore, there is some evidence suggesting that suboptimal culture conditions could cause long-term reprogramming in the embryo as the periconception period is particularly susceptible to epigenetic alterations. IVF media are now classified as class III medical devices and only CE (Conformité Européene)-marked media should be used in the EU. CONCLUSION The CE marking of IVF culture media is a significant development in the field. However, the quality and efficiency of culture media should be monitored closely. Well-designed randomized controlled trials, large epidemiological studies and full transparency should be the next steps. Reliable, standardized models assessing multiple end-points and post-implantation development should replace the mouse embryo assay. Structured long-term follow-up of children conceived by assisted reproduction technologies and traceability are of paramount importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elpiniki Chronopoulou
- Institute for Women's Health, University College London, 86-96 Chenies Mews, London WC1E 6HX, UK
| | - Joyce C Harper
- UCL Centre for PG and D, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK The Centre for Reproductive and Genetic Health, UCLH, London, UK
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The concept of developmental programming suggests that the early life environment influences offspring characteristics in later life, including the propensity to develop diseases such as the metabolic syndrome. There is now growing evidence that the effects of developmental programming may also manifest in further generations without further suboptimal exposure. This review considers the evidence, primarily from rodent models, for effects persisting to subsequent generations, and evaluates the mechanisms by which developmental programming may be transmitted to further generations. In particular, we focus on the potential role of the intrauterine environment in contributing to a developmentally programmed phenotype in subsequent generations. METHODS The literature was systematically searched at http://pubmed.org and http://scholar.google.com to identify published findings regarding transgenerational (F2 and beyond) developmental programming effects in human populations and animal models. RESULTS Transmission of programming effects is often viewed as a form of epigenetic inheritance, either via the maternal or paternal line. Evidence exists for both germline and somatic inheritance of epigenetic modifications which may be responsible for phenotypic changes in further generations. However, there is increasing evidence for the role of both extra-genomic components of the zygote and the interaction of the developing conceptus with the intrauterine environment in propagating programming effects. CONCLUSIONS The contribution of a suboptimal reproductive tract environment or maternal adaptations to pregnancy may be critical to inheritance of programming effects via the maternal line. As the effects of age exacerbate the programmed metabolic phenotype, advancing maternal age may increase the likelihood of developmental programming effects being transmitted to further generations. We suggest that developmental programming effects could be propagated through the maternal line de novo in generations beyond F2 as a consequence of development in a suboptimally developed intrauterine tract and not necessarily though directly transmitted epigenetic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine E Aiken
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
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The impact of culture on epigenetic properties of pluripotent stem cells and pre-implantation embryos. Biochem Soc Trans 2013; 41:711-9. [DOI: 10.1042/bst20130049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Cultured pluripotent stem cells hold great promise for regenerative medicine. Considerable efforts have been invested into the refinement and definition of improved culture systems that sustain self-renewal and avoid differentiation of pluripotent cells in vitro. Recent studies have, however, found that the choice of culture condition has a significant impact on epigenetic profiles of cultured pluripotent cells. Mouse and human ESCs (embryonic stem cells) show substantial epigenetic differences that are dependent on the culture condition, including global changes to DNA methylation and histone modifications and, in female human ESCs, to the epigenetic process of X chromosome inactivation. Epigenetic perturbations have also been detected during culture of pre-implantation embryos; limited research undertaken in mouse suggests a direct effect of the in vitro environment on epigenetic processes in this system. Widespread epigenetic changes induced by the culture condition in stem cells thus emphasize the necessity for extensive research into both immediate and long-term epigenetic effects of embryo culture during assisted reproductive technologies.
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Feuer S, Camarano L, Rinaudo P. ART and health: clinical outcomes and insights on molecular mechanisms from rodent studies. Mol Hum Reprod 2013; 19:189-204. [PMID: 23264495 PMCID: PMC3598410 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gas066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2012] [Revised: 12/07/2012] [Accepted: 12/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the birth of the first IVF-conceived child in 1978, the use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) has grown dramatically, contributing to the successful birth of 5 million individuals worldwide. However, there are several reported associations of ART with pregnancy complications, such as low birthweight (LBW), preterm birth, birth defects, epigenetic disorders, cancer and poor metabolic health. Whether this is attributed to ART procedures or to the subset of the population seeking ART remains a controversy, but the most relevant question today concerns the potential long-term implications of assisted conception. Recent evidence has emerged suggesting that ART-conceived children have distinct metabolic profiles that may predispose to cardiovascular pathologies in adulthood. Because the eldest IVF individuals are still too young to exhibit components of chronic middle-aged syndromes, the use of animal models has become particularly useful in describing the effects of unusual or stressful preimplantation experiences on adult fitness. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms by which embryos integrate environmental signals into development and metabolic gene expression programs will be essential for optimizing ART procedures such as in vitro culture conditions, embryo selection and transfer. In the future, additional animal studies to identify mechanisms underlying unfavorable ART outcomes, as well as more epidemiological reviews to monitor the long-term health of ART children are required, given that ART procedures have become routine medical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- S.K. Feuer
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, 2356 Sutter St, 7th floor, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - L. Camarano
- Samuel Merritt University, School of Nursing, Oakland, CA, USA
- Fertility Physicians of Northern California, San Jose, CA, USA
| | - P.F. Rinaudo
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, 2356 Sutter St, 7th floor, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
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Eckert JJ, Porter R, Watkins AJ, Burt E, Brooks S, Leese HJ, Humpherson PG, Cameron IT, Fleming TP. Metabolic induction and early responses of mouse blastocyst developmental programming following maternal low protein diet affecting life-long health. PLoS One 2012; 7:e52791. [PMID: 23300778 PMCID: PMC3531326 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0052791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2012] [Accepted: 11/21/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Previously, we have shown that a maternal low protein diet, fed exclusively during the preimplantation period of mouse development (Emb-LPD), is sufficient to induce by the blastocyst stage a compensatory growth phenotype in late gestation and postnatally, correlating with increased risk of adult onset cardiovascular disease and behavioural dysfunction. Here, we examine mechanisms of induction of maternal Emb-LPD programming and early compensatory responses by the embryo. Emb-LPD induced changes in maternal serum metabolites at the time of blastocyst formation (E3.5), notably reduced insulin and increased glucose, together with reduced levels of free amino acids (AAs) including branched chain AAs leucine, isoleucine and valine. Emb-LPD also caused reduction in the branched chain AAs within uterine fluid at the blastocyst stage. These maternal changes coincided with an altered content of blastocyst AAs and reduced mTORC1 signalling within blastocysts evident in reduced phosphorylation of effector S6 ribosomal protein and its ratio to total S6 protein but no change in effector 4E-BP1 phosphorylated and total pools. These changes were accompanied by increased proliferation of blastocyst trophectoderm and total cells and subsequent increased spreading of trophoblast cells in blastocyst outgrowths. We propose that induction of metabolic programming following Emb-LPD is achieved through mTORC1signalling which acts as a sensor for preimplantation embryos to detect maternal nutrient levels via branched chain AAs and/or insulin availability. Moreover, this induction step associates with changes in extra-embryonic trophectoderm behaviour occurring as early compensatory responses leading to later nutrient recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith J. Eckert
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
- Centre for Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Porter
- Centre for Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Adam J. Watkins
- Centre for Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth Burt
- Centre for Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Suzanne Brooks
- Centre for Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Henry J. Leese
- Centre for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, The Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
| | | | - Iain T. Cameron
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Tom P. Fleming
- Centre for Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Feuer S, Rinaudo P. Preimplantation stress and development. BIRTH DEFECTS RESEARCH. PART C, EMBRYO TODAY : REVIEWS 2012; 96:299-314. [PMID: 24203919 PMCID: PMC3824155 DOI: 10.1002/bdrc.21022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2012] [Accepted: 11/12/2012] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The developmental origins of health and disease hypothesis holds that inappropriate environmental cues in utero, a period marked by tremendous developmental sensitivity, facilitate cellular reprogramming to ultimately predispose disease in adulthood. In this review, we analyze if stress during early stages of development can affect future health. This has wide clinical importance, given that 5 million children have been conceived with assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Because the primary outcome of assisted reproduction procedures is delivery at term of a live, healthy baby, the postnatal effects occurring outside ofthe neonatal period are often overlooked. To this end, the long-term outcome of ART is appropriately the most relevant concern of the field today. Evidence of adverse consequences is controversial. The majority of studies have concluded no obvious problems in IVF-conceived children, although a number of isolated cases of imprinted diseases, cancers, or malformations have been reported. Given that animal studies suggest alteration of metabolic pathways following preimplantation stress, it will be of great importance to follow-up ART individuals as they enter later stages of adult life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sky Feuer
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of California, San Francisco, California 94115
| | - Paolo Rinaudo
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143
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Calle A, Miranda A, Fernandez-Gonzalez R, Pericuesta E, Laguna R, Gutierrez-Adan A. Male mice produced by in vitro culture have reduced fertility and transmit organomegaly and glucose intolerance to their male offspring. Biol Reprod 2012; 87:34. [PMID: 22649070 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.112.100743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been reported that suboptimal in vitro culture (IVC) of mouse embryos can affect the postnatal expression of epigenetically sensitive alleles, resulting in altered postnatal growth, organ dimensions, health, and behavior in the offspring. Although these detrimental impacts on the offspring are well described, the relative contribution of the IVC-produced fathers is unclear. In this work, we have analyzed if suboptimal IVC (achieved by altering the culture medium by the addition of FCS) can affect male fertility and if organ size and glucose clearance, two of the adverse effects produced by suboptimal IVC conditions, were transmitted to the next two generations. IVC-produced males had lower sperm concentrations (5.8 × 10(6) spermatozoa in IVC vs. 14.5 × 10(6) spermatozoa in control), and these sperm exhibited decreased overall motility (49.6% vs. 72.8% in control) and progressive motility (22.6% vs. 32.2% in control). Fertility tests demonstrated that the percentage of pregnancies was reduced for IVC males (35% for IVC-produced males vs. 86% for in vivo controls). These features were related to a modified gene expression pattern in adult male testes, showing an altered gene expression in genes involved in DNA repair and apoptosis that was confirmed by TUNEL assay. Regarding the IVC related adverse phenotype transmitted to offspring, male glucose intolerance was shown only in F1 and F2 male but not female offspring. The same occurred with male abnormalities in the organ size of the liver, which were transmitted to F1 and F2 males but not to F1 females; moreover, analysis of the F0, F1, and F2 males revealed greater coefficients of variance in body weight and glucose intolerance than the control group. Finally, we analyzed, through gene silencing, the effect of IVC on the mRNA expression at the blastocyst stage for 11 known gene expression modifiers of epigenetic reprogramming. Suboptimal IVC reduced the expression of Kap1, Sox2, Hdac1, Dnmt1, and Dnmt3a, suggesting a molecular epigenetic role for gene expression modifiers in the origin and transmission of these abnormal phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Calle
- Department de Reproducción Animal y Conservación de Recursos Zoogenéticos, INIA, Madrid, Spain
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31
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Calle A, Fernandez-Gonzalez R, Ramos-Ibeas P, Laguna-Barraza R, Perez-Cerezales S, Bermejo-Alvarez P, Ramirez MA, Gutierrez-Adan A. Long-term and transgenerational effects of in vitro culture on mouse embryos. Theriogenology 2012; 77:785-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2011] [Revised: 06/27/2011] [Accepted: 07/05/2011] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Li Y, O'Neill C. Persistence of cytosine methylation of DNA following fertilisation in the mouse. PLoS One 2012; 7:e30687. [PMID: 22292019 PMCID: PMC3266909 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0030687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2011] [Accepted: 12/22/2011] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Normal development of the mammalian embryo requires epigenetic reprogramming of the genome. The level of cytosine methylation of CpG-rich (5meC) regions of the genome is a major epigenetic regulator and active global demethylation of 5meC throughout the genome is reported to occur within the first cell-cycle following fertilization. An enzyme or mechanism capable of catalysing such rapid global demethylation has not been identified. The mouse is a widely used model for studying developmental epigenetics. We have reassessed the evidence for this phenomenon of genome-wide demethylation following fertilisation in the mouse. We found when using conventional methods of immunolocalization that 5meC showed a progressive acid-resistant antigenic masking during zygotic maturation which gave the appearance of demethylation. Changing the unmasking strategy by also performing tryptic digestion revealed a persistence of a methylated state. Analysis of methyl binding domain 1 protein (MBD1) binding confirmed that the genome remained methylated following fertilisation. The maintenance of this methylated state over the first several cell-cycles required the actions of DNA methyltransferase activity. The study shows that any 5meC remodelling that occurs during early development is not explained by a global active loss of 5meC staining during the cleavage stage of development and global loss of methylation following fertilization is not a major component of epigenetic reprogramming in the mouse zygote.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- Sydney Medical School, Centre for Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, Kolling Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Chris O'Neill
- Sydney Medical School, Centre for Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, Kolling Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- * E-mail:
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Batcheller A, Cardozo E, Maguire M, DeCherney AH, Segars JH. Are there subtle genome-wide epigenetic alterations in normal offspring conceived by assisted reproductive technologies? Fertil Steril 2011; 96:1306-11. [PMID: 22035969 PMCID: PMC3576017 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2011.09.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2010] [Revised: 09/25/2011] [Accepted: 09/26/2011] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review recent data regarding subtle, but widespread, epigenetic alterations in phenotypically normal offspring conceived by assisted reproductive technologies (ART) compared with offspring conceived in vivo. DESIGN A PubMed computer search was performed to identify relevant articles. SETTING Research institution. PATIENT(S) Not applicable. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Not applicable. RESULT(S) Studies in animals indicate that in vitro culture may be associated with widespread alterations in imprinted genes compared with in vivo-conceived offspring. Recently, studies in humans have likewise demonstrated widespread changes in DNA methylation, including genes linked to adipocyte development, insulin signaling, and obesity in offspring conceived by ART compared with in vivo-conceived children. Changes in multiple imprinted genes after ART also were noted in additional studies, which suggested that the diagnosis of infertility may explain the differences between in vivo-conceived and ART offspring. CONCLUSION(S) These data suggest that ART is associated with widespread epigenetic modifications in phenotypically normal children, and that these modifications may increase the risk of adverse cardiometabolic outcomes. Further research is needed to elucidate the possible relationship between ART, genome-wide alterations in imprinted genes, and their potential relevance to subtle cardiometabolic consequences reported in ART offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- April Batcheller
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, Michigan, USA
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Fernandez-Gonzalez R, Ramirez MA, Pericuesta E, Calle A, Gutierrez-Adan A. Histone modifications at the blastocyst Axin1(Fu) locus mark the heritability of in vitro culture-induced epigenetic alterations in mice. Biol Reprod 2010; 83:720-7. [PMID: 20650886 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.110.084715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
For epigenetic phenotypes to be passed on from one generation to the next, it is required that epigenetic marks between generations are not cleared during the two stages of epigenetic reprogramming: mammalian gametogenesis and preimplantation development. The molecular nature of the chromatin marks involved in these events is unknown. Using the epigenetically inherited allele Axin1(Fu) (the result of a retrotransposon insertion upstream of the Axin1 gene) we sought to establish the heritable mark during early embryonic development that determines transgenerational epigenetic inheritance and to examine a possible shift in the expression of this epiallele in future progeny induced by in vitro culture (IVC). To identify the heritable mark we analyzed 1) the level of DNA methylation shown by the Axin1(Fu) allele in sperm and embryos at blastocysts stage and 2) the histone marks (H3K4 me2, H3K9 me3, H3K9 ac, and H4K20 me3) present at the blastocyst stage at the specific Axin1(Fu) locus. According to our data, histone H3K4 me2 and H3K9 ac mark the differences between the Axin1(Fu) penetrant and the silent locus during the first period of demethylation of the preimplantation development. Moreover, suboptimal IVC (reported to produce epigenetic alterations in embryos) and the histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A affect the postnatal expression of this epigenetically sensitive allele through histone modifications during early development. This finding indicates that altered histone modifications during preimplantation can drive altered gene expression later on in development.
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Peroxides in mineral oil used for in vitro fertilization: defining limits of standard quality control assays. J Assist Reprod Genet 2010; 27:87-92. [PMID: 20107889 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-009-9383-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2009] [Accepted: 12/22/2009] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the relative sensitivities of the 1 and 2-cell mouse embryo assays (MEA) and the human sperm motility assay (HSMA) for peroxides in mineral oil. The effect of peroxide on blastocyst cell number and apoptosis was also studied. METHODS One and two-cell MEA and HSMA were performed using mineral oil containing cumene hydroperoxide (CH). RESULTS The 1-cell MEA was twice as sensitive as the 2-cell MEA and 20-times more sensitive than the HSMA for CH in mineral oil. The sensitivity of the 1-cell MEA doubled when embryos were cultured individually versus group culture. CH decreased blastocyst cell number in a dose dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS Individually cultured 1-cell embryos had the highest sensitivity for peroxides in mineral oil. Current quality control assays, including group cultured murine embryos and human sperm motility, have limited sensitivity for peroxides in mineral oil and may not detect levels of peroxides that cause sub-lethal cellular damage.
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Watkins AJ, Fleming TP. Blastocyst environment and its influence on offspring cardiovascular health: the heart of the matter. J Anat 2009; 215:52-9. [PMID: 19215321 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7580.2008.01033.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of adult-onset diseases such as type II diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease is traditionally attributed to adult lifestyle characteristics such as a lack of physical exercise, poor diet and smoking. However, evidence from both human and animal model studies has demonstrated that environmental factors such as an imbalance or reduction in maternal nutrition during gestation can have adverse effects on offspring metabolism and cardiovascular health. The severity and nature of the phenotypic changes induced in offspring is influenced by the period of gestation manipulated. In particular, the mammalian preimplantation embryo in different animal models displays particular sensitivity to environmental factors, either in vivo (maternal diet) or in vitro (embryo culture) that is associated with the onset of cardiovascular dysfunction in adult life. The detailed mechanisms by which environmental conditions can alter postnatal cardiovascular physiology are poorly understood. However, various factors including endothelial function, vascular responsiveness, the renin-angiotensin system, kidney structure and early postnatal growth dynamics have all been recognize as potential contributors. Here, we review the relationship between preimplantation embryo environment and postnatal cardiovascular disease risk, and consider biochemical, molecular, genetic and physiological pathways implicated in this association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J Watkins
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Bassett Crescent East, Southampton, UK
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37
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The importance of growth factors for preimplantation embryo development and in-vitro culture. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2008; 20:292-304. [PMID: 18460945 DOI: 10.1097/gco.0b013e3282fe743b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The present paper reviews evidence that preimplantation embryos are naturally exposed and designed to respond to growth factors during preimplantation development. RECENT FINDINGS Recent studies have demonstrated that in-vivo human preimplantation embryos are exposed to a mixture of many different growth factors, expressed by the follicles, oviducts and endometrium. Receptors for many of these growth factors have also been shown to be expressed by preimplantation embryos, suggesting a functional role during preimplantation development. Studies of in-vitro fertilization in both animals and humans indicate that in-vitro culture of embryos in conventional media lacking growth factors can result in suboptimal growth and a variety of short-term and long-term developmental abnormalities. Studies of embryo coculture indirectly suggest that growth factors can improve in-vitro development. Many studies of defined growth factor supplements demonstrate that their inclusion in culture media can substantially improve preimplantation development and efficacy of in-vitro fertilization, and may reduce long-term developmental abnormalities as well. SUMMARY Embryos are naturally exposed to a complex mixture of growth factors that play an important role in preimplantation embryo development and that are likely to be of substantial benefit if added to in-vitro culture media.
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Morgan HD, Jin XL, Li A, Whitelaw E, O'Neill C. The culture of zygotes to the blastocyst stage changes the postnatal expression of an epigentically labile allele, agouti viable yellow, in mice. Biol Reprod 2008; 79:618-23. [PMID: 18562706 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.108.068213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Restricting the growth of the embryo can cause adverse whole-of-life changes in an organism's homeostasis. Such adverse long-term consequences may occur even when growth restriction occurs only during the preimplantation period. The molecular basis for these long-term effects has not been defined, although an epigenetic mechanism is suspected. Some loci seem to be more sensitive to epigenetic perturbation than others, and the agouti viable yellow allele (A(vy)) is the best studied example of this. It has active (hypomethylated) and inactive (hypermethylated) epialleles. This study used the A(vy) model to show that growth restriction of preimplantation embryos, as provided by culture of zygotes, induced persistent epigenetic changes that resulted in altered postnatal phenotype. C57BL/6 A(vy)/a males were mated to ovulation-induced FVB/N females, and then either zygotes were collected and cultured for 96 h and the resulting blastocysts were transferred to pseudopregnant recipient females, blastocysts were collected from females and transferred without embryo culture, or pregnancy was allowed to proceed after mating without intervention. Culture was in a commercial human in vitro fertilization media. The proportion of pups expressing the active (hypomethylated) epiallele and yellow coat was significantly higher following zygote culture compared to embryos that were transferred without culture (P = 0.014) or natural matings (P < 0.001). There was no difference in expression of the active epiallele in pups resulting from embryo transfer (without culture) compared to natural matings. These results show for the first time that the preimplantation embryo's growth environment can affect the postnatal expression of a defined epigenetically sensitive allele.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugh D Morgan
- Royal North Shore Hospital, Disciplines of Medicine and Physiology, University of Sydney, Sydney, 2065 New South Wales, Australia
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39
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Current World Literature. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2008; 20:320-3. [DOI: 10.1097/gco.0b013e328304362f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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