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Kamoshita M, Sugita H, Kageyama A, Kawata Y, Ito J, Kashiwazaki N. Recent advances of oocyte/embryo vitrification in mammals from rodents and large animals. Anim Sci J 2024; 95:e13931. [PMID: 38400795 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Vitrification is a valuable technology that enables semipermanent preservation and long-distance or international transportation of genetically modified and native animals. In laboratory mice, vitrification maintains and transports embryos, and many institutions and companies sell vitrified embryos. In contrast, despite numerous papers reporting on vitrification in livestock over the past decade, practical implementation has yet to be achieved. However, with advances in genome editing technology, it is anticipated that the number of genetically modified domestic animals will increase, leading to a rise in demand for vitrification of oocytes and embryos. Here, we provide an objective overview of recent advancements in vitrification technology for livestock, drawing a comparison with the current developments in laboratory animals. Additionally, we explore the future prospects for vitrification in livestock, focusing on its potential benefits and drawbacks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maki Kamoshita
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Hibiki Sugita
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Atsuko Kageyama
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Yui Kawata
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Junya Ito
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Naomi Kashiwazaki
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
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Strohmeyer A, Strohmeyer C, Reischl J, Wallenhorst S, Holtz W. Is the corpus uteri a suitable site for embryo transfer in the pig? Theriogenology 2023; 212:37-40. [PMID: 37689029 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Numerous attempts to establish a practicable means of non-surgical embryo transfer in pigs were unsuccessful until instruments were developed to permit deposition of embryos deep inside a uterine horn. Recently, however, successful non-surgical transfer of embryos to the uterine body in non-sedated recipients has been reported. These reports have prompted us to present data from a study that addresses the question of whether the commonly experienced low pregnancy rates following transfers to the corpus uteri results from the inability of endometrial receptors to recognize the presence of embryos or to the prevailing unfavorable local conditions. Blastocysts were transferred to the corpus uteri of recipients in which maintenance of pregnancy was assured by the transfer of additional embryos to the tip of a uterine horn. Embryos from pigmented and unpigmented donors were used to be able to differentiate between fetuses from embryos transferred to different sites. Fewer fetuses developed from embryos transferred to the corpus uteri than from embryos transferred to the uterine horn. This leads to the conclusion that prolonged retention of blastcysts in the uterine body under conditions inappropriate for their stage of development is responsible for an unsatisfactory pregnancy rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Strohmeyer
- Department of Animal Science, Georg-August-University Goettingen, Albrecht-Thaer-Weg 3, 37075, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Claudia Strohmeyer
- Department of Animal Science, Georg-August-University Goettingen, Albrecht-Thaer-Weg 3, 37075, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Judith Reischl
- Department of Animal Science, Georg-August-University Goettingen, Albrecht-Thaer-Weg 3, 37075, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Stephan Wallenhorst
- Department of Animal Science, Georg-August-University Goettingen, Albrecht-Thaer-Weg 3, 37075, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Holtz
- Department of Animal Science, Georg-August-University Goettingen, Albrecht-Thaer-Weg 3, 37075, Goettingen, Germany.
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Tu CF, Peng SH, Chuang CK, Wong CH, Yang TS. - Invited Review - Reproductive technologies needed for the generation of precise gene-edited pigs in the pathways from laboratory to farm. Anim Biosci 2023; 36:339-349. [PMID: 36397683 PMCID: PMC9899582 DOI: 10.5713/ab.22.0389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene editing (GE) offers a new breeding technique (NBT) of sustainable value to animal agriculture. There are 3 GE working sites covering 5 feasible pathways to generate GE pigs along with the crucial intervals of GE/genotyping, microinjection/electroporation, induced pluripotent stem cells, somatic cell nuclear transfer, cryopreservation, and nonsurgical embryo transfer. The extension of NBT in the new era of pig breeding depends on the synergistic effect of GE and reproductive biotechnologies; the outcome relies not only on scientific due diligence and operational excellence but also on the feasibility of application on farms to improve sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Fu Tu
- Division of Animal Technology, Animal Technology Research Center, Agricultural Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu 30093,
Taiwan,Corresponding Author: Ching-Fu Tu, Tel: +886-37-585815, E-mail:
| | - Shu-Hui Peng
- Division of Animal Technology, Animal Technology Research Center, Agricultural Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu 30093,
Taiwan
| | - Chin-kai Chuang
- Division of Animal Technology, Animal Technology Research Center, Agricultural Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu 30093,
Taiwan
| | - Chi-Hong Wong
- Division of Animal Technology, Animal Technology Research Center, Agricultural Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu 30093,
Taiwan
| | - Tien-Shuh Yang
- Division of Animal Technology, Animal Technology Research Center, Agricultural Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu 30093,
Taiwan,Department of Biotechnology and Animal Science, National Ilan University, Yilan 260007,
Taiwan
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Chen PR, Uh K, Redel BK, Reese ED, Prather RS, Lee K. Production of Pigs From Porcine Embryos Generated in vitro. FRONTIERS IN ANIMAL SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fanim.2022.826324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Generating porcine embryos in vitro is a critical process for creating genetically modified pigs as agricultural and biomedical models; however, these embryo technologies have been scarcely applied by the swine industry. Currently, the primary issue with in vitro-produced porcine embryos is low pregnancy rate after transfer and small litter size, which may be exasperated by micromanipulation procedures. Thus, in this review, we discuss improvements that have been made to the in vitro porcine embryo production system to increase the number of live piglets per pregnancy as well as abnormalities in the embryos and piglets that may arise from in vitro culture and manipulation techniques. Furthermore, we examine areas related to embryo production and transfer where improvements are warranted that will have direct applications for increasing pregnancy rate after transfer and the number of live born piglets per litter.
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Almiñana C, Dubuisson F, Bauersachs S, Royer E, Mermillod P, Blesbois E, Guignot F. Unveiling how vitrification affects the porcine blastocyst: clues from a transcriptomic study. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2022; 13:46. [PMID: 35303969 PMCID: PMC8932223 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-021-00672-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Currently, there is a high demand for efficient pig embryo cryopreservation procedures in the porcine industry as well as for genetic diversity preservation and research purposes. To date, vitrification (VIT) is the most efficient method for pig embryo cryopreservation. Despite a high number of embryos survives in vitro after vitrification/warming procedures, the in vivo embryo survival rates after embryo transfer are variable among laboratories. So far, most studies have focused on cryoprotective agents and devices, while the VIT effects on porcine embryonic gene expression remained unclear. The few studies performed were based on vitrified/warmed embryos that were cultured in vitro (IVC) to allow them to re–expand. Thus, the specific alterations of VIT, IVC, and the cumulative effect of both remained unknown. To unveil the VIT-specific embryonic alterations, gene expression in VIT versus (vs.) IVC embryos was analyzed. Additionally, changes derived from both VIT and IVC vs. control embryos (CO) were analyzed to confirm the VIT embryonic alterations. Three groups of in vivo embryos at the blastocyst stage were analyzed by RNA–sequencing: (1) VIT embryos (vitrified/warmed and cultured in vitro), (2) IVC embryos and (3) CO embryos. Results RNA–sequencing revealed three clearly different mRNA profiles for VIT, IVC and CO embryos. Comparative analysis of mRNA profiles between VIT and IVC identified 321, differentially expressed genes (DEG) (FDR < 0.006). In VIT vs. CO and IVC vs. CO, 1901 and 1519 DEG were found, respectively, with an overlap of 1045 genes. VIT-specific functional alterations were associated to response to osmotic stress, response to hormones, and developmental growth. While alterations in response to hypoxia and mitophagy were related to the sum of VIT and IVC effects. Conclusions Our findings revealed new insights into the VIT procedure-specific alterations of embryonic gene expression by first comparing differences in VIT vs. IVC embryos and second by an integrative transcriptome analysis including in vivo control embryos. The identified VIT alterations might reflect the transcriptional signature of the embryo cryodamage but also the embryo healing process overcoming the VIT impacts. Selected validated genes were pointed as potential biomarkers that may help to improve vitrification. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40104-021-00672-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Almiñana
- UMR PRC, INRAE 0085, CNRS 7247, Université de Tours, IFCE, F, -37380, Nouzilly, France. .,Functional Genomics Group, Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, VetSuisse Faculty Zurich, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - F Dubuisson
- UMR PRC, INRAE 0085, CNRS 7247, Université de Tours, IFCE, F, -37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - S Bauersachs
- Functional Genomics Group, Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, VetSuisse Faculty Zurich, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - E Royer
- UEPAO, INRAE, F, -37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - P Mermillod
- UMR PRC, INRAE 0085, CNRS 7247, Université de Tours, IFCE, F, -37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - E Blesbois
- UMR PRC, INRAE 0085, CNRS 7247, Université de Tours, IFCE, F, -37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - F Guignot
- UMR PRC, INRAE 0085, CNRS 7247, Université de Tours, IFCE, F, -37380, Nouzilly, France
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Chen PR, Redel BK, Kerns KC, Spate LD, Prather RS. Challenges and Considerations during In Vitro Production of Porcine Embryos. Cells 2021; 10:cells10102770. [PMID: 34685749 PMCID: PMC8535139 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetically modified pigs have become valuable tools for generating advances in animal agriculture and human medicine. Importantly, in vitro production and manipulation of embryos is an essential step in the process of creating porcine models. As the in vitro environment is still suboptimal, it is imperative to examine the porcine embryo culture system from several angles to identify methods for improvement. Understanding metabolic characteristics of porcine embryos and considering comparisons with other mammalian species is useful for optimizing culture media formulations. Furthermore, stressors arising from the environment and maternal or paternal factors must be taken into consideration to produce healthy embryos in vitro. In this review, we progress stepwise through in vitro oocyte maturation, fertilization, and embryo culture in pigs to assess the status of current culture systems and address points where improvements can be made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula R. Chen
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | | | - Karl C. Kerns
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Lee D. Spate
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
- National Swine Resource and Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Randall S. Prather
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
- National Swine Resource and Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
- Correspondence:
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Hirayama Y, Misumi K, Yoshioka K, Noguchi M, Kikuchi K. Induction of short-term pseudopregnancy in gilts by the administration of estradiol benzoate or estradiol dipropionate to achieve ovulatory synchronization for embryo collection. Anim Sci J 2021; 92:e13480. [PMID: 33543586 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A study was conducted to investigate whether ovulation in gilts could be synchronized for embryo collection by the administration of estradiol benzoate (EB) or estradiol dipropionate (EDP) to induce pseudopregnancy, followed by the treatment with prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α ) on 10 days after. Ten gilts each received a total of 20 mg of EB or EDP on Day 10 or EB on Day 10 and 14 to induce pseudopregnancy (Day 0 = onset of estrus). Donors received PGF2α 10 or 15 days (as a control) after the first administration of estrogens and subsequently eCG and hCG, and were then inseminated artificially. The embryos were collected 7 days after the administration of hCG, and assessed for embryo yield and their developmental stages. All protocols resulted in good embryo yield (9.8-13.2 embryos in average), and the embryos showed average ability to develop to the expanded blastocyst stage (3.29-4.03 as developmental scores) without any significant differences among the protocols. These results suggest that the administration of PGF2α 10 days after the treatment of gilts with EB or EDP would allow synchronization of ovulation and embryo collection, as well as shortening the period from estrus detection to embryo collection, thus improving embryo collection efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Hirayama
- Department of Planning and Coordination, National Livestock Breeding Center, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Koji Misumi
- Department of Planning and Coordination, National Livestock Breeding Center, Fukushima, Japan.,Department of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Japan
| | - Koji Yoshioka
- Division of Pathology and Pathophysiology, National Institute of Animal Health, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Michiko Noguchi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Kikuchi
- Division of Animal Sciences, Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, NARO, Ibaraki, Japan.,The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
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Tajima S, Motoyama S, Wakiya Y, Uchikura K, Misawa H, Takishita R, Hirayama Y, Kikuchi K. Piglet production by non-surgical transfer of vitrified embryos, transported to commercial swine farms and warmed on site. Anim Sci J 2020; 91:e13476. [PMID: 33078458 PMCID: PMC7757198 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the feasibility of piglet production by non‐surgical embryo transfer (Ns‐ET) of vitrified porcine blastocysts and expanded blastocysts transported to commercial farms and warmed on site (V/T/W embryos). Ns‐ET was performed by depositing 11–20 vitrified and warmed embryos at a proximal site within the uterus via a catheter. In Experiment 1, the effect of donor–recipient estrous cycle asynchrony on the efficiency of Ns‐ET of vitrified and ordinary warmed embryos was investigated at the experimental facility. With a 1‐day delay recipients relative to that of donor, the farrowing rate was 50.0% and the survival rate to term was 21.1%. In Experiment 2, Ns‐ET using recipients with a 1‐day delay and vitrified embryos after one‐step warming and dilution was evaluated at the experimental facility. Although the resulting farrowing rate was 42.9%, the survival rate was 6.4%. In Experiment 3, Ns‐ET was conducted using V/T/W embryos at four commercial farms, where piglets derived from them were produced. When artificial insemination was conducted prior to Ns‐ET, the farrowing and survival rates obtained using V/T/W embryos were 75.0%, and 21.3%, respectively. These results show that Ns‐ET of V/T/W embryos using this protocol would be feasible for piglet production at farms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Hiroyasu Misawa
- First development Gr. Section, Misawa Medical Industry Co. Ltd, Kasama, Japan
| | - Rie Takishita
- National Livestock Breeding Center Miyazaki Station, Miyazaki, Kobayashi, Japan
| | - Yuri Hirayama
- Department of Planning and Coordination, National Livestock Breeding Center, Fukushima, Nishishirakawa, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Kikuchi
- Division of Animal Sciences, Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Tsukuba, Japan.,The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
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Hirayama Y, Takishita R, Misawa H, Kikuchi K, Misumi K, Egawa S, Motoyama S, Hasuta Y, Nakamura Y, Hashiyada Y. Non-surgical transfer of vitrified porcine embryos using a catheter designed for a proximal site of the uterus. Anim Sci J 2020; 91:e13457. [PMID: 32959472 PMCID: PMC7757184 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to compare the efficiency of non‐surgical embryo transfer (ET) using a newly developed catheter, which enables transferring embryos into a proximal site of the uterus (mostly uterine body), and surgical ET of vitrified porcine embryos. In Experiment 1, the catheter was inserted into 12 gilts, with each half of the group allocated to skilled or novice operators. The time required for insertion into the uterus did not differ between skilled and novice operators (4 min 9 s and 4 min 6 s, respectively). In Experiment 2, 12 gilts were used as recipients for non‐surgical and surgical ET with vitrified embryos (n = 6, each). There was no significant difference in the rate of piglet production based on the number of transferred embryos between surgical and non‐surgical ET (25.8% vs. 15.4%, p = .098). The results suggest that non‐surgical ET catheter allowed for easy insertion and transfer of embryos without special training. Although the catheter is effective for deposition of embryos into the proximal site of uterus, the efficiency of piglet production is not enhanced compared with surgical ET. The ET method using this catheter, being labor‐saving and less‐invasive, may contribute to the improvement of ET in pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Hirayama
- Department of Planning and Coordination, National Livestock Breeding Center, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Rie Takishita
- National Livestock Breeding Center Miyazaki Station, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Hiroyasu Misawa
- First development Gr. Section, Misawa Medical Industry Co., Ltd, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Kikuchi
- Reproductive Biology Unit, Division of Animal Sciences, Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, NARO (National Agriculture and Food Research Organization), Ibaraki, Japan.,The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Koji Misumi
- National Livestock Breeding Center Miyazaki Station, Miyazaki, Japan.,Department of Animal Science and Resources, Nihon University College of Bioresource Sciences, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Sachiko Egawa
- Department of Planning and Coordination, National Livestock Breeding Center, Fukushima, Japan
| | | | - Yasunobu Hasuta
- Department of Planning and Coordination, National Livestock Breeding Center, Fukushima, Japan
| | | | - Yutaka Hashiyada
- Department of Planning and Coordination, National Livestock Breeding Center, Fukushima, Japan.,Department of Bioproduction Science, Faculty of Bioresources, and Environmental Sciences, Ishikawa Prefectural University, Ishikawa, Japan
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