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Seitz M, Song Y, Lian XL, Ma Z, Jain E. Soft Polyethylene Glycol Hydrogels Support Human PSC Pluripotency and Morphogenesis. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:4525-4540. [PMID: 38973308 PMCID: PMC11234337 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.4c00923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Lumenogenesis within the epiblast represents a critical step in early human development, priming the embryo for future specification and patterning events. However, little is known about the specific mechanisms that drive this process due to the inability to study the early embryo in vivo. While human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-based models recapitulate many aspects of the human epiblast, most approaches for generating these 3D structures rely on ill-defined, reconstituted basement membrane matrices. Here, we designed synthetic, nonadhesive polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogel matrices to better understand the role of matrix mechanical cues in iPSC morphogenesis, specifically elastic modulus. First, we identified a narrow range of hydrogel moduli that were conducive to the hPSC viability, pluripotency, and differentiation. We then used this platform to investigate the effects of the hydrogel modulus on lumenogenesis, finding that matrices of intermediate stiffness yielded the most epiblast-like aggregates. Conversely, stiffer matrices impeded lumen formation and apico-basal polarization, while the softest matrices yielded polarized but aberrant structures. Our approach offers a simple, modular platform for modeling the human epiblast and investigating the role of matrix cues in its morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael
P. Seitz
- Department
of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13244, United States
- Bioinspired
Syracuse: Institute for Material and Living Systems, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13244, United States
| | - Yuanhui Song
- Department
of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13244, United States
- Bioinspired
Syracuse: Institute for Material and Living Systems, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13244, United States
| | - Xiaojun Lance Lian
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences,
Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State
University, University
Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Zhen Ma
- Department
of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13244, United States
- Bioinspired
Syracuse: Institute for Material and Living Systems, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13244, United States
| | - Era Jain
- Department
of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13244, United States
- Bioinspired
Syracuse: Institute for Material and Living Systems, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13244, United States
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2
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Zhong J, Li J, Burton GJ, Koistinen H, Cheung KW, Ng EHY, Yao Y, Yeung WSB, Lee CL, Chiu PCN. The functional roles of protein glycosylation in human maternal-fetal crosstalk. Hum Reprod Update 2024; 30:81-108. [PMID: 37699855 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmad024] [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: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The establishment of maternal-fetal crosstalk is vital to a successful pregnancy. Glycosylation is a post-translational modification in which glycans (monosaccharide chains) are attached to an organic molecule. Glycans are involved in many physiological and pathological processes. Human endometrial epithelium, endometrial gland secretions, decidual immune cells, and trophoblasts are highly enriched with glycoconjugates and glycan-binding molecules important for a healthy pregnancy. Aberrant glycosylation in the placenta and uterus has been linked to repeated implantation failure and various pregnancy complications, but there is no recent review summarizing the functional roles of glycosylation at the maternal-fetal interface and their associations with pathological processes. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review aims to summarize recent findings on glycosylation, glycosyltransferases, and glycan-binding receptors at the maternal-fetal interface, and their involvement in regulating the biology and pathological conditions associated with endometrial receptivity, placentation and maternal-fetal immunotolerance. Current knowledge limitations and future insights into the study of glycobiology in reproduction are discussed. SEARCH METHODS A comprehensive PubMed search was conducted using the following keywords: glycosylation, glycosyltransferases, glycan-binding proteins, endometrium, trophoblasts, maternal-fetal immunotolerance, siglec, selectin, galectin, repeated implantation failure, early pregnancy loss, recurrent pregnancy loss, preeclampsia, and fetal growth restriction. Relevant reports published between 1980 and 2023 and studies related to these reports were retrieved and reviewed. Only publications written in English were included. OUTCOMES The application of ultrasensitive mass spectrometry tools and lectin-based glycan profiling has enabled characterization of glycans present at the maternal-fetal interface and in maternal serum. The endometrial luminal epithelium is covered with highly glycosylated mucin that regulates blastocyst adhesion during implantation. In the placenta, fucose and sialic acid residues are abundantly presented on the villous membrane and are essential for proper placentation and establishment of maternal-fetal immunotolerance. Glycan-binding receptors, including selectins, sialic-acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectins (siglecs) and galectins, also modulate implantation, trophoblast functions and maternal-fetal immunotolerance. Aberrant glycosylation is associated with repeated implantation failure, early pregnancy loss and various pregnancy complications. The current limitation in the field is that most glycobiological research relies on association studies, with few studies revealing the specific functions of glycans. Technological advancements in analytic, synthetic and functional glycobiology have laid the groundwork for further exploration of glycans in reproductive biology under both physiological and pathological conditions. WIDER IMPLICATIONS A deep understanding of the functions of glycan structures would provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying their involvement in the physiological and pathological regulation of early pregnancy. Glycans may also potentially serve as novel early predictive markers and therapeutic targets for repeated implantation failure, pregnancy loss, and other pregnancy complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangming Zhong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
- The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jianlin Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
| | - Graham J Burton
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Hannu Koistinen
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Haematology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ka Wang Cheung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
| | - Ernest H Y Ng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
- The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuanqing Yao
- The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - William S B Yeung
- The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Cheuk-Lun Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
- The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Philip C N Chiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
- The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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3
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Wang HS, Ma XR, Niu WB, Shi H, Liu YD, Ma NZ, Zhang N, Jiang ZW, Sun YP. Generation of a human haploid neural stem cell line for genome-wide genetic screening. World J Stem Cells 2023; 15:734-750. [PMID: 37545755 PMCID: PMC10401418 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v15.i7.734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Haploid embryonic stem cells (haESCs) have been established in many species. Differentiated haploid cell line types in mammals are lacking due to spontaneous diploidization during differentiation that compromises lineage-specific screens.
AIM To derive human haploid neural stem cells (haNSCs) to carry out lineage-specific screens.
METHODS Human haNSCs were differentiated from human extended haESCs with the help of Y27632 (ROCK signaling pathway inhibitor) and a series of cytokines to reduce diploidization. Neuronal differentiation of haNSCs was performed to examine their neural differentiation potency. Global gene expression analysis was con-ducted to compare haNSCs with diploid NSCs and haESCs. Fluorescence activated cell sorting was performed to assess the diploidization rate of extended haESCs and haNSCs. Genetic manipulation and screening were utilized to evaluate the significance of human haNSCs as genetic screening tools.
RESULTS Human haESCs in extended pluripotent culture medium showed more compact and smaller colonies, a higher efficiency in neural differentiation, a higher cell survival ratio and higher stability in haploidy maintenance. These characteristics effectively facilitated the derivation of human haNSCs. These human haNSCs can be generated by differentiation and maintain haploidy and multipotency to neurons and glia in the long term in vitro. After PiggyBac transfection, there were multiple insertion sites in the human haNSCs’ genome, and the insertion sites were evenly spread across all chromosomes. In addition, after the cells were treated with manganese, we were able to generate a list of manganese-induced toxicity genes, demonstrating their utility as genetic screening tools.
CONCLUSION This is the first report of a generated human haploid somatic cell line with a complete genome, proliferative ability and neural differentiation potential that provides cell resources for recessive inheritance and drug targeted screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Song Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan Province, China
| | - Xin-Rui Ma
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan Province, China
| | - Wen-Bin Niu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan Province, China
| | - Hao Shi
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan Province, China
| | - Yi-Dong Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan Province, China
| | - Ning-Zhao Ma
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan Province, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan Province, China
| | - Zi-Wei Jiang
- Basic Medical School, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan Province, China
| | - Ying-Pu Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan Province, China
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4
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Guo J, Li Y, Gao Z, Lyu J, Liu W, Duan Y, Zhou L, Gu Q. 3D printed controllable microporous scaffolds support embryonic development in vitro. J Cell Physiol 2022; 237:3408-3420. [PMID: 35699648 PMCID: PMC9545995 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Little is known about the complex molecular and cellular events occurring during implantation, which represents a critical step for pregnancy. The conventional 2D culture could not support postimplantation embryos' normal development, and 3D conditions shed light into the “black box”. 3D printing technology has been widely used in recapitulating the structure and function of native tissues in vitro. Here, we 3D printed anisotropic microporous scaffolds to culture embryos by manipulating the advancing angle between printed layers, which affected embryo development. The 30° and 60° scaffolds promote embryo development with moderate embryo‐scaffold attachments. T‐positive cells and FOXA2‐positive cells were observed to appear in the posterior region of the embryo and migrated to the anterior region of the embryo on day 7. These findings demonstrate a 3D printed stand that supports embryonic development in vitro and the critical role of 3D architecture for embryo implantation, in which additive manufacturing is a versatile tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Guo
- The State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Nephrology, Postdoctoral Workstation, Precision Medicine Center of Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Kidney Disease Institute, Taiyuan, China
| | - Zili Gao
- The State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiawei Lyu
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,The State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenli Liu
- The State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yongchao Duan
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,The State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lixun Zhou
- The State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Gu
- The State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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5
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A framework for the responsible reform of the 14-day rule in human embryo research. Protein Cell 2022; 13:552-558. [PMID: 35165849 PMCID: PMC9232680 DOI: 10.1007/s13238-022-00907-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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6
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Almeida GHDR, Iglesia RP, Araújo MS, Carreira ACO, Dos Santos EX, Calomeno CVAQ, Miglino MA. Uterine Tissue Engineering: Where We Stand and the Challenges Ahead. TISSUE ENGINEERING PART B-REVIEWS 2021; 28:861-890. [PMID: 34476997 DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2021.0062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Tissue engineering is an innovative approach to develop allogeneic tissues and organs. The uterus is a very sensitive and complex organ, which requires refined techniques to properly regenerate and even, to rebuild itself. Many therapies were developed in 20th century to solve reproductive issues related to uterus failure and, more recently, tissue engineering techniques provided a significant evolution in this issue. Herein we aim to provide a broad overview and highlights of the general concepts involved in bioengineering to reconstruct the uterus and its tissues, focusing on strategies for tissue repair, production of uterine scaffolds, biomaterials and reproductive animal models, highlighting the most recent and effective tissue engineering protocols in literature and their application in regenerative medicine. In addition, we provide a discussion about what was achieved in uterine tissue engineering, the main limitations, the challenges to overcome and future perspectives in this research field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Henrique Doná Rodrigues Almeida
- University of São Paulo, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Science, Professor Orlando Marques de Paiva Avenue, 87, Butantã, SP, Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil, 05508-900.,University of São Paulo Institute of Biomedical Sciences, 54544, Cell and Developmental Biology, Professor Lineu Prestes Avenue, 1374, Butantã, SP, Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil, 05508-900;
| | - Rebeca Piatniczka Iglesia
- University of São Paulo Institute of Biomedical Sciences, 54544, Cell and Developmental Biology, Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil;
| | - Michelle Silva Araújo
- University of São Paulo, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil., São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil;
| | - Ana Claudia Oliveira Carreira
- University of São Paulo, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, SP, Brazil, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil;
| | - Erika Xavier Dos Santos
- State University of Maringá, 42487, Department of Morphological Sciences, State University of Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brazil, Maringa, PR, Brazil;
| | - Celso Vitor Alves Queiroz Calomeno
- State University of Maringá, 42487, Department of Morphological Sciences, State University of Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brazil, Maringa, PR, Brazil;
| | - Maria Angélica Miglino
- University of São Paulo, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Science Professor Orlando Marques de Paiva Avenue, 87 Butantã SP Sao Paulo, São Paulo, BR 05508-900, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil;
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7
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Colombo M, Alkali IM, Prochowska S, Luvoni GC. Fighting Like Cats and Dogs: Challenges in Domestic Carnivore Oocyte Development and Promises of Innovative Culture Systems. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:2135. [PMID: 34359262 PMCID: PMC8300176 DOI: 10.3390/ani11072135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro embryo production in cats and dogs still presents some challenges, and it needs to be optimized to transfer efficient protocols to related wild, endangered species. While the chemical composition of culture media has been the focus of several studies, the importance of culture substrates for oocyte and embryo culture has often been neglected. Traditional in vitro systems, i.e., two-dimensional cultures, do not resemble the physiological environments where cells develop, and they may cause morphological and functional alterations to oocytes and embryos. More modern three-dimensional and microfluidic culture system better mimic the structure and the stimuli found in in vivo conditions, and they could better support the development of oocytes and embryos in vitro, as well as the maintenance of more physiological behaviors. This review describes the different culture systems tested for domestic carnivore reproductive cells along the years, and it summarizes their effects on cultured cells with the purpose of analyzing innovative options to improve in vitro embryo production outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Colombo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie per la Salute, la Produzione Animale e la Sicurezza Alimentare “Carlo Cantoni”, Università degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (I.M.A.); (G.C.L.)
| | - Isa Mohammed Alkali
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie per la Salute, la Produzione Animale e la Sicurezza Alimentare “Carlo Cantoni”, Università degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (I.M.A.); (G.C.L.)
| | - Sylwia Prochowska
- Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Grunwaldzki Square 49, 50-366 Wrocław, Poland;
| | - Gaia Cecilia Luvoni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie per la Salute, la Produzione Animale e la Sicurezza Alimentare “Carlo Cantoni”, Università degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (I.M.A.); (G.C.L.)
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8
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Development of Decellularized Oviductal Hydrogels as a Support for Rabbit Embryo Culture. Reprod Sci 2021; 28:1644-1658. [PMID: 33511539 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00446-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The oviducts (fallopian tubes in mammals) function as the site of fertilization and provide necessary support for early embryonic development, mainly via embryonic exposure to the tubal microenvironment. The main objective of this study was to create an oviduct-specific extracellular matrix (oviECM) hydrogel rich in bioactive components that mimics the native environment, thus optimizing the developmental trajectories of cultured embryos. Rabbit oviducts were decellularized through SDS treatment and enzymatic digestion, and the acellular tissue was converted into oviductal pre-gel extracellular matrix (ECM) solutions. Incubation of these solutions at 37 °C resulted in stable hydrogels with a fibrous structure based on scanning electron microscopy. Histological staining, DNA quantification and colorimetric assays confirmed that the decellularized tissue and hydrogels contained no cellular or nuclear components but retained important components of the ECM, e.g. hyaluronic acid, glycoproteins and collagens. To evaluate the ability of oviECM hydrogels to maintain early embryonic development, two-cell rabbit embryos were cultured on oviECM-coated surfaces and compared to those cultured with standard techniques. Embryo development was similar in both conditions, with 95.9% and 98% of the embryos reaching the late morula/early blastocyst stage by 48 h under standard culture and oviECM conditions, respectively. Metabolomic analysis of culture media in the presence or absence of embryos, however, revealed that the oviECM coating may include signalling molecules and release compounds beneficial to embryo metabolism.
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9
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Hawkins J, Miao X, Cui W, Sun Y. Biophysical optimization of preimplantation embryo culture: what mechanics can offer ART. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 27:gaaa087. [PMID: 33543291 PMCID: PMC8453600 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaaa087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Owing to the rise of ART and mounting reports of epigenetic modification associated with them, an understanding of optimal embryo culture conditions and reliable indicators of embryo quality are highly sought after. There is a growing body of evidence that mechanical biomarkers can rival embryo morphology as an early indicator of developmental potential and that biomimetic mechanical cues can promote healthy development in preimplantation embryos. This review will summarize studies that investigate the role of mechanics as both indicators and promoters of mammalian preimplantation embryo development and evaluate their potential for improving future embryo culture systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamar Hawkins
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Xiaosu Miao
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Wei Cui
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Yubing Sun
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
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10
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Gu Z, Guo J, Wang H, Wen Y, Gu Q. Bioengineered microenvironment to culture early embryos. Cell Prolif 2020; 53:e12754. [PMID: 31916359 PMCID: PMC7046478 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The abnormalities of early post-implantation embryos can lead to early pregnancy loss and many other syndromes. However, it is hard to study embryos after implantation due to the limited accessibility. The success of embryo culture in vitro can avoid the challenges of embryonic development in vivo and provide a powerful research platform for research in developmental biology. The biophysical and chemical cues of the microenvironments impart significant spatiotemporal effects on embryonic development. Here, we summarize the main strategies which enable researchers to grow embryos outside of the body while overcoming the implantation barrier, highlight the roles of engineered microenvironments in regulating early embryonic development, and finally discuss the future challenges and new insights of early embryo culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Gu
- School of Chemistry and Biological EngineeringUniversity of Science and Technology BeijingBeijingChina
- CAS Key Laboratory of Bio‐inspired Materials and Interfacial ScienceTechnical Institute of Physics and ChemistryChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Jia Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Hongmei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Yongqiang Wen
- School of Chemistry and Biological EngineeringUniversity of Science and Technology BeijingBeijingChina
| | - Qi Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
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