1
|
Lycopene Supplementation to Serum-Free Maturation Medium Improves In Vitro Bovine Embryo Development and Quality and Modulates Embryonic Transcriptomic Profile. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11020344. [PMID: 35204226 PMCID: PMC8868338 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11020344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Bovine embryos are typically cultured at reduced oxygen tension to lower the impact of oxidative stress on embryo development. However, oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM) is performed at atmospheric oxygen tension since low oxygen during maturation has a negative impact on oocyte developmental competence. Lycopene, a carotenoid, acts as a powerful antioxidant and may protect the oocyte against oxidative stress during maturation at atmospheric oxygen conditions. Here, we assessed the effect of adding 0.2 μM lycopene (antioxidant), 5 μM menadione (pro-oxidant), and their combination on the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in matured oocytes and the subsequent development, quality, and transcriptome of the blastocysts in a bovine in vitro model. ROS fluorescent intensity in matured oocytes was significantly lower in the lycopene group, and the resulting embryos showed a significantly higher blastocyst rate on day 8 and a lower apoptotic cell ratio than all other groups. Transcriptomic analysis disclosed a total of 296 differentially expressed genes (Benjamini–Hochberg-adjusted p < 0.05 and ≥ 1-log2-fold change) between the lycopene and control groups, where pathways associated with cellular function, metabolism, DNA repair, and anti-apoptosis were upregulated in the lycopene group. Lycopene supplementation to serum-free maturation medium neutralized excess ROS during maturation, enhanced blastocyst development and quality, and modulated the transcriptomic landscape.
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhao YH, Wang JJ, Zhang PP, Hao HS, Pang YW, Wang HY, Du WH, Zhao SJ, Ruan WM, Zou HY, Hao T, Zhu HB, Zhao XM. Oocyte IVM or vitrification significantly impairs DNA methylation patterns in blastocysts as analysed by single-cell whole-genome methylation sequencing. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 32:676-689. [PMID: 32317092 DOI: 10.1071/rd19234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
To explore the mechanisms leading to the poor quality of IVF blastocysts, the single-cell whole-genome methylation sequencing technique was used in this study to analyse the methylation patterns of bovine blastocysts derived from invivo, fresh (IVF) or vitrified (V_IVF) oocytes. Genome methylation levels of blastocysts in the IVF and V_IVF groups were significantly lower than those of the invivo group (P<0.05). In all, 1149 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified between the IVF and invivo groups, 1578 DMRs were identified between the V_IVF and invivo groups and 151 DMRs were identified between the V_IVF and IVF groups. For imprinted genes, methylation levels of insulin-like growth factor 2 receptor (IGF2R) and protein phosphatase 1 regulatory subunit 9A (PPP1R9A) were lower in the IVF and V_IVF groups than in the invivo group, and the methylation level of paternally expressed 3 (PEG3) was lower in the V_IVF group than in the IVF and invivo groups. Genes with DMRs between the IVF and invivo and the V_IVF and IVF groups were primarily enriched in oocyte maturation pathways, whereas DMRs between the V_IVF and invivo groups were enriched in fertilisation and vitrification-vulnerable pathways. The results of this study indicate that differences in the methylation of critical DMRs may contribute to the differences in quality between invitro- and invivo-derived embryos.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Han Zhao
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory and the Centre of Domestic Animal Reproduction and Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan Western Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Jing-Jing Wang
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory and the Centre of Domestic Animal Reproduction and Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan Western Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Pei-Pei Zhang
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory and the Centre of Domestic Animal Reproduction and Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan Western Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Hai-Sheng Hao
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory and the Centre of Domestic Animal Reproduction and Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan Western Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Yun-Wei Pang
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory and the Centre of Domestic Animal Reproduction and Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan Western Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Hao-Yu Wang
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory and the Centre of Domestic Animal Reproduction and Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan Western Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Wei-Hua Du
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory and the Centre of Domestic Animal Reproduction and Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan Western Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Shan-Jiang Zhao
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory and the Centre of Domestic Animal Reproduction and Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan Western Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Wei-Min Ruan
- International Joint Center for Biomedical Innovation, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Ming Lun Street, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, PR China
| | - Hui-Ying Zou
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory and the Centre of Domestic Animal Reproduction and Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan Western Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Tong Hao
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory and the Centre of Domestic Animal Reproduction and Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan Western Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Hua-Bin Zhu
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory and the Centre of Domestic Animal Reproduction and Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan Western Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Xue-Ming Zhao
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory and the Centre of Domestic Animal Reproduction and Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan Western Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China; and Corresponding author.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bus A, Szymanska K, Pintelon I, Leroy JLMR, Leybaert L, Bols PEJ. Preservation of connexin 43 and transzonal projections in isolated bovine pre-antral follicles before and following vitrification. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 38:479-492. [PMID: 33159276 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01993-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Gap junctions and transzonal projections play a crucial role in intercellular communication between different follicular components and are necessary for follicle development. We aimed to demonstrate gap junction protein connexin 43 (Cx43) and transzonal projections (TZPs) in viable, category 1, isolated bovine pre-antral follicles (PAFs) during short-term culture and after vitrification and warming. METHODS This study involved four experimental groups: fresh control, 2-day culture, 4-day culture, and vitrified secondary PAFs. Isolated PAFs were vitrified using a simple and efficient cryopreservation method by means of mini cell strainers. RESULTS Cx43 and TZPs were detected in pre-antral follicles of all stages, as well as in every experimental group. The group fresh follicles showed a higher percentage of follicles that were positive for Cx43 (91.7%) than the follicles that were vitrified (77.4%). All follicles that were cultured for 2 days were Cx43-positive (100%). Follicles cultured for 4 days (65.8%) (P = 0.002) showed the lowest percentage of follicles that were Cx43-positive. The percentages of the presence or (partial) absence of the TZP network were shown to be very heterogeneous between follicles in different treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest the maintenance of communication between the oocyte and the somatic companion cells after vitrification and warming. The varying percentages of the expression of the TZP network within groups suggests that it will be of interest to investigate whether this is truly due to variability in TZP integrity and follicle quality or due to methodological limitations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anniek Bus
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Gamete Research Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, U building, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - Katarzyna Szymanska
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, 310 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.,Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences (BAMS), Physiology group, Ghent University, C. Heymanslaan 10, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Isabel Pintelon
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, T building, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Jo L M R Leroy
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Gamete Research Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, U building, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Luc Leybaert
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences (BAMS), Physiology group, Ghent University, C. Heymanslaan 10, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Peter E J Bols
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Gamete Research Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, U building, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Dye ZT, Rutledge LV, Penuela S, Dyce PW. Pannexin 1 inhibition delays maturation and improves development of Bos taurus oocytes. J Ovarian Res 2020; 13:98. [PMID: 32838805 PMCID: PMC7447567 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-020-00704-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Intercellular exchange between the oocyte and its surrounding cells within the follicular environment is critical for oocyte maturation and subsequent development. In vertebrates this exchange is facilitated through gap junctions formed by connexin membrane proteins. Another family of membrane proteins called pannexins are able to form single membrane channels that allow cellular exchanges with the extracellular environment. The most ubiquitously expressed and studied member, pannexin 1 (PANX1), has yet to be described thoroughly in female reproductive tissues or functionally studied during oocyte maturation. Here, we look into the expression of pannexin 1 in bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs), as well as, its potential role in oocyte maturation and development. Results We show that pannexin 1 is expressed in bovine COCs and that the expression of PANX1 was significantly lower in COCs isolated from large antral follicles (> 5 mm) compared to those isolated from small antral follicles (< 2 mm). Supporting this we also found lower expression of PANX1 in oocytes with higher developmental potential when compared to oocytes with lower developmental potential. We further found that PANX1 channel inhibition during in vitro maturation resulted in temporarily delayed meiotic maturation and improved in vitro developmental outcomes while decreasing intercellular reactive oxygen species. Conclusions These data suggests PANX1 is differentially expressed at a critical stage of follicular development when oocytes are acquiring developmental competence, and may play a role in the timing of oocyte maturation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Timothy Dye
- Department of Animal Sciences, Auburn University, CASIC Building, 559 Devall Drive, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Lauren Virginia Rutledge
- Department of Animal Sciences, Auburn University, CASIC Building, 559 Devall Drive, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Silvia Penuela
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paul William Dyce
- Department of Animal Sciences, Auburn University, CASIC Building, 559 Devall Drive, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Giaume C, Naus CC, Sáez JC, Leybaert L. Glial Connexins and Pannexins in the Healthy and Diseased Brain. Physiol Rev 2020; 101:93-145. [PMID: 32326824 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00043.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past several decades a large amount of data have established that glial cells, the main cell population in the brain, dynamically interact with neurons and thus impact their activity and survival. One typical feature of glia is their marked expression of several connexins, the membrane proteins forming intercellular gap junction channels and hemichannels. Pannexins, which have a tetraspan membrane topology as connexins, are also detected in glial cells. Here, we review the evidence that connexin and pannexin channels are actively involved in dynamic and metabolic neuroglial interactions in physiological as well as in pathological situations. These features of neuroglial interactions open the way to identify novel non-neuronal aspects that allow for a better understanding of behavior and information processing performed by neurons. This will also complement the "neurocentric" view by facilitating the development of glia-targeted therapeutic strategies in brain disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Giaume
- Collège de France, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB)/Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7241/Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1050, Paris, France; University Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France; MEMOLIFE Laboratory of Excellence and Paris Science Lettre Research University, Paris, France; Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Departamento de Fisiología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Instituo de Neurociencias, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile; Physiology Group, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christian C Naus
- Collège de France, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB)/Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7241/Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1050, Paris, France; University Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France; MEMOLIFE Laboratory of Excellence and Paris Science Lettre Research University, Paris, France; Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Departamento de Fisiología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Instituo de Neurociencias, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile; Physiology Group, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Juan C Sáez
- Collège de France, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB)/Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7241/Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1050, Paris, France; University Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France; MEMOLIFE Laboratory of Excellence and Paris Science Lettre Research University, Paris, France; Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Departamento de Fisiología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Instituo de Neurociencias, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile; Physiology Group, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Luc Leybaert
- Collège de France, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB)/Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7241/Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1050, Paris, France; University Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France; MEMOLIFE Laboratory of Excellence and Paris Science Lettre Research University, Paris, France; Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Departamento de Fisiología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Instituo de Neurociencias, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile; Physiology Group, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Shin KT, Nie ZW, Zhou W, Zhou D, Kim JY, Ock SA, Niu YJ, Cui XS. Connexin 43 Knockdown Induces Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Affects Early Developmental Competence in Porcine Embryos. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2020; 26:287-296. [PMID: 32036801 DOI: 10.1017/s1431927620000033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Connexin 43 (CX43) is a component of gap junctions. The lack of functional CX43 induces oxidative stress, autophagy, and apoptosis in somatic cells. However, the role of CX43 in the early development of porcine embryos is still unknown. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the role of CX43, and its underlying molecular mechanisms, on the developmental competence of early porcine embryos. We performed CX43 knockdown by microinjecting dsRNA into parthenogenetically activated porcine parthenotes. The blastocyst development rate and the total number of cells in the blastocysts were significantly reduced by CX43 knockdown. Results from FITC-dextran assays showed that CX43 knockdown significantly increased membrane permeability. ZO-1 protein was obliterated in CX43 knockdown blastocysts. Mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP production were significantly reduced following CX43 knockdown. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were significantly increased in the CX43 knockdown group compared to those in control embryos. Moreover, CX43 knockdown induced autophagy and apoptosis. Our findings indicate that CX43 is essential for the development and preimplantation of porcine embryos and maintains mitochondrial function, cell junction structure, and cell homeostasis by regulating membrane permeability, ROS generation, autophagy, and apoptosis in early embryos.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyung-Tae Shin
- Department of Animal Sciences, Chungbuk National University, Chungbuk, Cheongju361-763, Republic of Korea
| | - Zheng-Wen Nie
- Department of Animal Sciences, Chungbuk National University, Chungbuk, Cheongju361-763, Republic of Korea
| | - Wenjun Zhou
- Department of Animal Sciences, Chungbuk National University, Chungbuk, Cheongju361-763, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongjie Zhou
- Department of Animal Sciences, Chungbuk National University, Chungbuk, Cheongju361-763, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju-Yeon Kim
- Department of Animal Sciences, Chungbuk National University, Chungbuk, Cheongju361-763, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun A Ock
- Animal Biotechnology Division, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Jeonju55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Ying-Jie Niu
- Department of Animal Sciences, Chungbuk National University, Chungbuk, Cheongju361-763, Republic of Korea
| | - Xiang-Shun Cui
- Department of Animal Sciences, Chungbuk National University, Chungbuk, Cheongju361-763, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lin X, Pavani KC, Smits K, Deforce D, Heindryckx B, Van Soom A, Peelman L. Bta-miR-10b Secreted by Bovine Embryos Negatively Impacts Preimplantation Embryo Quality. Front Genet 2019; 10:757. [PMID: 31507632 PMCID: PMC6713719 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In a previous study, we found miR-10b to be more abundant in a conditioned culture medium of degenerate embryos compared to that of blastocysts. Here, we show that miR-10b mimics added to the culture medium can be taken up by embryos. This uptake results in an increase in embryonic cell apoptosis and aberrant expression of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs). Using several algorithms, Homeobox A1 (HOXA1) was identified as one of the potential miR-10b target genes and dual-luciferase assay confirmed HOXA1 as a direct target of miR-10b. Microinjection of si-HOXA1 into embryos also resulted in an increase in embryonic cell apoptosis and downregulation of DNMTs. Cell progression analysis using Madin–Darby bovine kidney cells (MDBKs) showed that miR-10b overexpression and HOXA1 knockdown results in suppressed cell cycle progression and decreased cell viability. Overall, this work demonstrates that miR-10b negatively influences embryo quality and might do this through targeting HOXA1 and/or influencing DNA methylation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyuan Lin
- Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Katrien Smits
- Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dieter Deforce
- Laboratory for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Björn Heindryckx
- Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Luc Peelman
- Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Is the pre-antral ovarian follicle the 'holy grail'for female fertility preservation? Anim Reprod Sci 2019; 207:119-130. [PMID: 31208845 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2019.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Fertility preservation is not only a concern for humans with compromised fertility after cancer treatment. The preservation of genetic material from endangered animal species or animals with important genetic traits will also greatly benefit from the development of alternative fertility preservation strategies. In humans, embryo cryopreservation and mature-oocyte cryopreservation are currently the only approved methods for fertility preservation. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation is specifically indicated for prepubertal girls and women whose cancer treatment cannot be postponed. The cryopreservation of pre-antral follicles (PAFs) is a safer alternative for cancer patients who are at risk of the reintroduction of malignant cells. As PAFs account for the vast majority of follicles in the ovarian cortex, they represent an untapped potential, which could be cultivated for reproduction, preservation, or research purposes. Vitrification is being used more and more as it seems to yield better results compared to slow freezing, although protocols still need to be optimized for each specific cell type and species. Several methods can be used to assess follicle quality, ranging from simple viability stains to more complex xenografting procedures. In vitro development of PAFs to the pre-ovulatory stage has not yet been achieved in humans and larger animals. However, in vitro culture systems for PAFs are under development and are expected to become available in the near future. This review will focus on recent developments in (human) fertility preservation strategies, which are often accomplished by the use of in vitro animal models due to ethical considerations and the scarcity of human research material.
Collapse
|
9
|
Lin X, Beckers E, Mc Cafferty S, Gansemans Y, Joanna Szymańska K, Chaitanya Pavani K, Catani JP, Van Nieuwerburgh F, Deforce D, De Sutter P, Van Soom A, Peelman L. Bovine Embryo-Secreted microRNA-30c Is a Potential Non-invasive Biomarker for Hampered Preimplantation Developmental Competence. Front Genet 2019; 10:315. [PMID: 31024625 PMCID: PMC6459987 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, secreted microRNAs (miRNAs) have received a lot of attention since they may act as autocrine factors. However, how secreted miRNAs influence embryonic development is still poorly understood. We identified 294 miRNAs, 114 known, and 180 novel, in the conditioned medium of individually cultured bovine embryos. Of these miRNAs, miR-30c and miR-10b were much more abundant in conditioned medium of slow cleaving embryos compared to intermediate cleaving ones. MiR-10b, miR-novel-44, and miR-novel-45 were higher expressed in the conditioned medium of degenerate embryos compared to blastocysts, while the reverse was observed for miR-novel-113 and miR-novel-139. Supplementation of miR-30c mimics into the culture medium confirmed the uptake of miR-30c mimics by embryos and resulted in increased cell apoptosis, as also shown after delivery of miR-30c mimics in Madin-Darby bovine kidney cells (MDBKs). We also demonstrated that miR-30c directly targets Cyclin-dependent kinase 12 (CDK12) through its 3′ untranslated region (3′-UTR) and inhibits its expression. Overexpression and downregulation of CDK12 revealed the opposite results of the delivery of miRNA-30c mimics and inhibitor. The significant down-regulation of several tested DNA damage response (DDR) genes, after increasing miR-30c or reducing CDK12 expression, suggests a possible role for miR-30c in regulating embryo development through DDR pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyuan Lin
- Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Evy Beckers
- Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Séan Mc Cafferty
- Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Yannick Gansemans
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | | | - João Portela Catani
- Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Filip Van Nieuwerburgh
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dieter Deforce
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Petra De Sutter
- Department of Uro-Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Luc Peelman
- Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Snoeck F, Szymanska KJ, Sarrazin S, Ortiz-Escribano N, Leybaert L, Van Soom A. Blocking connexin channels during vitrification of immature cat oocytes improves maturation capacity after warming. Theriogenology 2018; 122:144-149. [PMID: 30268031 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Revised: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In the domestic cat, nuclear maturation and embryo development after vitrification of immature oocytes have been obtained but developmental competence after warming remains low. It has been reported that during folliculogenesis, the association and communication between the oocyte and the surrounding cumulus cells through connexin-based gap junctions is essential for normal oocyte and follicular development. Gap junctions result from the head-to-head interaction of two hemichannels; however, there is always a population of hemichannels not incorporated into gap junctions. These unopposed hemichannels are normally closed but may open under certain stress conditions, potentially also during vitrification and warming, turning them into toxic pores inducing cell injury and cell death. The aim of our study was to test whether inhibiting connexin 37 (Cx37) and connexin 43 (Cx43) channels with the connexin-targeting peptide Gap26 during vitrification and warming of cat immature cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COCs) could improve oocyte maturation and competence of resultant blastocysts derived by parthenogenetic activation. In the first experiment, our immunostainings confirmed the presence of Cx43 protein in the cytoplasm of immature cat oocytes and in the plasma membranes of cumulus cells. In the second experiment, COCs were randomly divided in three different groups: a control group (control), a group vitrified without Gap26 (vitrified) and a group vitrified with Gap26 (vitrified-peptide). The maturation rate was checked and oocytes from all three different experimental groups were parthenogenetically activated and cultured in vitro until day 8. After vitrification and warming, 49% of the oocytes in the control group matured, while this was 8% and 19% in the vitrified and vitrified-peptide groups, respectively. Compared to the vitrified group, oocytes in the vitrified-peptide group had significantly larger maturation rates. No blastocysts were detected at day 8 in the vitrified group, while 2% and 13% of the oocytes further developed to blastocyst at day 8 in the vitrified-peptide and control non-vitrified group, respectively. We conclude that the use of Gap26 in vitrification and warming media to vitrify immature cat oocytes improves maturation success and allows such oocytes to reach the blastocyst stage (2%) at day 8 after parthenogenetic activation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Féline Snoeck
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Katarzyna Joanna Szymanska
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Basic Medical Sciences - Physiology Group, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Steven Sarrazin
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Nerea Ortiz-Escribano
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Luc Leybaert
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Basic Medical Sciences - Physiology Group, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|