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Luis-Calero M, Ortiz-Rodríguez JM, Fernández-Hernández P, Muñoz-García CC, Pericuesta E, Gutiérrez-Adán A, Marinaro F, Embade N, Conde R, Bizkarguenaga M, Millet Ó, González-Fernández L, Macías-García B. Preovulatory follicular fluid secretome added to in vitro maturation medium influences the metabolism of equine cumulus-oocyte complexes. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:272. [PMID: 38918770 PMCID: PMC11197253 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-04129-1] [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: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In vitro embryo production is a highly demanded reproductive technology in horses, which requires the recovery (in vivo or post-mortem) and in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes. Oocytes subjected to IVM exhibit poor developmental competence compared to their in vivo counterparts, being this related to a suboptimal composition of commercial maturation media. The objective of this work was to study the effect of different concentrations of secretome obtained from equine preovulatory follicular fluid (FF) on cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) during IVM. COCs retrieved in vivo by ovum pick up (OPU) or post-mortem from a slaughterhouse (SLA) were subjected to IVM in the presence or absence of secretome (Control: 0 µg/ml, S20: 20 µg/ml or S40: 40 µg/ml). After IVM, the metabolome of the medium used for oocyte maturation prior (Pre-IVM) and after IVM (Post-IVM), COCs mRNA expression, and oocyte meiotic competence were analysed. RESULTS IVM leads to lactic acid production and an acetic acid consumption in COCs obtained from OPU and SLA. However, glucose consumption after IVM was higher in COCs from OPU when S40 was added (Control Pre-IVM vs. S40 Post-IVM: 117.24 ± 7.72 vs. 82.69 ± 4.24; Mean µM ± SEM; p < 0.05), while this was not observed in COCs from SLA. Likewise, secretome enhanced uptake of threonine (Control Pre-IVM vs. S20 Post-IVM vs. S40 Post-IVM: 4.93 ± 0.33 vs. 3.04 ± 0.25 vs. 2.84 ± 0.27; Mean µM ± SEM; p < 0.05) in COCs recovered by OPU. Regarding the relative mRNA expression of candidate genes related to metabolism, Lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) expression was significantly downregulated when secretome was added during IVM at 20-40 µg/ml in OPU-derived COCs (Control vs. S20 vs. S40: 1.77 ± 0.14 vs. 1 ± 0.25 vs. 1.23 ± 0.14; fold change ± SEM; p < 0.05), but not in SLA COCs. CONCLUSIONS The addition of secretome during in vitro maturation (IVM) affects the gene expression of LDHA, glucose metabolism, and amino acid turnover in equine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs), with diverging outcomes observed between COCs retrieved using ovum pick up (OPU) and slaughterhouse-derived COCs (SLA).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Luis-Calero
- Departamento de Medicina Animal, Grupo de Investigación Medicina Interna Veterinaria (MINVET), Facultad de Veterinaria, Instituto de Investigación INBIO G+C, Universidad de Extremadura, Av. de la Universidad s/n, Cáceres, 10004, Spain
| | - José Manuel Ortiz-Rodríguez
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Bologna, 40064, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy
| | - Pablo Fernández-Hernández
- Departamento de Medicina Animal, Grupo de Investigación Medicina Interna Veterinaria (MINVET), Facultad de Veterinaria, Instituto de Investigación INBIO G+C, Universidad de Extremadura, Av. de la Universidad s/n, Cáceres, 10004, Spain
| | - Carmen Cristina Muñoz-García
- Departamento de Medicina Animal, Grupo de Investigación Medicina Interna Veterinaria (MINVET), Facultad de Veterinaria, Instituto de Investigación INBIO G+C, Universidad de Extremadura, Av. de la Universidad s/n, Cáceres, 10004, Spain
| | - Eva Pericuesta
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, INIA-CSIC, Av. Puerta de Hierro 18, Madrid, 28040, Spain
| | - Alfonso Gutiérrez-Adán
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, INIA-CSIC, Av. Puerta de Hierro 18, Madrid, 28040, Spain
| | - Federica Marinaro
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, INIA-CSIC, Av. Puerta de Hierro 18, Madrid, 28040, Spain
| | - Nieves Embade
- Precision Medicine and Metabolism Laboratory, CIC bioGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Parque Tecnológico de Bizkaia, 801 A Building, Derio, 48160, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Ricardo Conde
- Precision Medicine and Metabolism Laboratory, CIC bioGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Parque Tecnológico de Bizkaia, 801 A Building, Derio, 48160, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Maider Bizkarguenaga
- Precision Medicine and Metabolism Laboratory, CIC bioGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Parque Tecnológico de Bizkaia, 801 A Building, Derio, 48160, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Óscar Millet
- Precision Medicine and Metabolism Laboratory, CIC bioGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Parque Tecnológico de Bizkaia, 801 A Building, Derio, 48160, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Lauro González-Fernández
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Grupo de Investigación Señalización Intracelular y Tecnología de la Reproducción (SINTREP), Instituto de Investigación INBIO G+C, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Extremadura, Av. de la Universidad s/n, Cáceres, 10004, Spain
| | - Beatriz Macías-García
- Departamento de Medicina Animal, Grupo de Investigación Medicina Interna Veterinaria (MINVET), Facultad de Veterinaria, Instituto de Investigación INBIO G+C, Universidad de Extremadura, Av. de la Universidad s/n, Cáceres, 10004, Spain.
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2
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Chaney HL, Current JZ, Zhang M, Nist VA, Nicewarner BM, Yao J. Characterization of agouti-signaling protein (ASIP) in the bovine ovary and throughout early embryogenesis. Cells Dev 2024:203930. [PMID: 38815807 DOI: 10.1016/j.cdev.2024.203930] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
The oocyte expresses certain genes during folliculogenesis to regulate the acquisition of oocyte competence. Oocyte competence, or oocyte quality, is directly related to the ability of the oocyte to result in a successful pregnancy following fertilization. Presently, approximately 40 % of bovine embryos will develop to the blastocyst stage in vitro. Characterization of factors regulating these processes is crucial to improve the efficiency of bovine in vitro embryo production. We demonstrated that the secreted protein, agouti-signaling protein (ASIP) is highly abundant in the bovine oocyte and aimed to characterize its spatiotemporal expression profile in the ovary and throughout early embryonic development. In addition to oocyte expression, ASIP was detected in granulosa, cumulus, and theca cells isolated from antral follicles. Both gene expression data and immunofluorescent staining indicated ASIP declines with oocyte maturation which may indicate a potential role for ASIP in the attainment of oocyte competence. Microinjection of zygotes using small interfering RNA targeting ASIP led to a 16 % reduction in the rate of development to the blastocyst stage. Additionally, we examined potential ASIP signaling mechanisms through which ASIP may function to establish oocyte developmental competence. The expression of melanocortin receptor 3 and 4 and the coreceptor attractin was detected in the oocyte and follicular cells. The addition of cortisol during in vitro maturation was found to increase significantly oocyte ASIP levels. In conclusion, these results suggest a functional role for ASIP in promoting oocyte maturation and subsequent embryonic development, potentially through signaling mechanisms involving cortisol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather L Chaney
- Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design, Division of Animal and Nutritional Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Jaelyn Z Current
- Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design, Division of Animal and Nutritional Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Mingxiang Zhang
- Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design, Division of Animal and Nutritional Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Victoria A Nist
- Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design, Division of Animal and Nutritional Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Brady M Nicewarner
- Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design, Division of Animal and Nutritional Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Jianbo Yao
- Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design, Division of Animal and Nutritional Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA.
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3
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Kussano NR, Franco MM, Dode MAN. Biochemical profiling of the follicular environment to predict oocyte competence in cattle. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298316. [PMID: 38466703 PMCID: PMC10927144 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
To identify markers of oocyte competence, we compared the biochemical characteristics of fluid and cells from follicles containing oocytes with different capacities to form an embryo. Follicles (5-6 mm) were dissected, and follicular fluid (FF), granulosa cells (GC), cumulus cells (CC) from immature and mature cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COC) were individually collected. The oocytes were matured, fertilized, and cultured individually until day 8 (D8) of development. On D8, the samples were grouped according to embryo production into those that gave rise to blastocysts (EMB) and those that did not reach the blastocyst stage (NEMB). In CCs from immature and mature COCs and GCs, expression of CASP3, SERPINE2, VCAN, LUM, FSHR, EGFR, PGR, and GHR genes was quantified. Cell-free DNA (cfDNA), progesterone, and estradiol concentrations in the FF were determined. Data were analyzed by Mann-Whitney U test (GraphPad Prism 9). GHR was highly expressed in immature CCs from the EMB group, whereas CASP3 was highly expressed in mature CCs from the NEMB group (P<0.05). During maturation, the expression of CASP3 and GHR genes increased only in the NEMB group. ART2 cfDNA was highly detected in FF of the NEMB compared to the EMB group. Progesterone concentration was similar between the groups, whereas estradiol concentration was higher (P<0.05) in the EMB than in the NEMB group. It was concluded that a higher level of GHR transcripts in immature CCs, lower CASP3 expression in CCs from matured COCs, lower levels of ART2, and higher estradiol concentrations in FF may indicate oocytes with greater potential for development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mauricio Machaim Franco
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília-DF, Brazil
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Margot Alves Nunes Dode
- Institute of Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasília-DF, Brazil
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília-DF, Brazil
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Li J, Gong Y, Wang X, He X, He X, Chu M, Di R. Screening of Litter-Size-Associated SNPs in NOX4, PDE11A and GHR Genes of Sheep. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:767. [PMID: 38473152 DOI: 10.3390/ani14050767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
In previous studies, NOX4, PDE11A and GHR genes have been screened as important candidate genes for litter size in sheep by using the GWAS method; however, neither their effects on litter size nor the loci associated with litter size have been identified. In this study, three candidate loci (c.1057-4C > T in NOX4, c.1983C > T in PDE11A and c.1618C > T in GHR) were first screened based on our previous resequencing data of 10 sheep breeds. After the three loci were genotyped using Sequenom MassARRAY technology, we carried out population genetics analysis on the three loci and performed association analysis between the polymorphism of the three loci and the litter size of sheep. The results of population genetics analysis suggested that c.1057-4C > T in NOX4 and c.1983C > T in PDE11A may be subject to natural or artificial selection. The results of association analysis indicated that litter size was significantly associated with c.1057-4C > T in NOX4 and c.1983C > T in PDE11A (p < 0.05) in Small Tail Han sheep, and there was no significant interaction effect between the two loci on the litter size. In summary, c.1057-4C > T in NOX4 and c.1983 C > T in PDE11A can be considered candidate molecular markers for improving litter size in sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yiming Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiangyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiaoyun He
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiaolong He
- Inner Mongolia Academy of Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Sciences, Hohhot 010031, China
| | - Mingxing Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing 100193, China
| | - Ran Di
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing 100193, China
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Haug LM, Wilson RC, Gaustad AH, Jochems R, Kommisrud E, Grindflek E, Alm-Kristiansen AH. Cumulus Cell and Oocyte Gene Expression in Prepubertal Gilts and Sows Identifies Cumulus Cells as a Prime Informative Parameter of Oocyte Quality. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1484. [PMID: 38132310 PMCID: PMC10740982 DOI: 10.3390/biology12121484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Cumulus cells (CCs) are pivotal during oocyte development. This study aimed to identify novel marker genes for porcine oocyte quality by examining the expression of selected genes in CCs and oocytes, employing the model of oocytes from prepubertal animals being of reduced quality compared to those from adult animals. Total RNA was extracted either directly after follicle aspiration or after in vitro maturation, followed by RT-qPCR. Immature gilt CCs accumulated BBOX1 transcripts, involved in L-carnitine biosynthesis, to a 14.8-fold higher level (p < 0.05) relative to sows, while for CPT2, participating in fatty acid oxidation, the level was 0.48 (p < 0.05). While showing no differences between gilt and sow CCs after maturation, CPT2 and BBOX1 levels in oocytes were higher in gilts at both time points. The apparent delayed lipid metabolism and reduced accumulation of ALDOA and G6PD transcripts in gilt CCs after maturation, implying downregulation of glycolysis and the pentose phosphate pathway, suggest gilt cumulus-oocyte complexes have inadequate ATP stores and oxidative stress balance compared to sows at the end of maturation. Reduced expression of BBOX1 and higher expression of CPT2 in CCs before maturation and higher expression of G6PD and ALDOA after maturation are new potential markers of oocyte quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Marijke Haug
- Department of Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, 2318 Hamar, Norway; (L.M.H.); (R.C.W.); (R.J.); (E.K.)
| | - Robert C. Wilson
- Department of Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, 2318 Hamar, Norway; (L.M.H.); (R.C.W.); (R.J.); (E.K.)
| | | | - Reina Jochems
- Department of Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, 2318 Hamar, Norway; (L.M.H.); (R.C.W.); (R.J.); (E.K.)
- Norsvin SA, 2317 Hamar, Norway; (A.H.G.); (E.G.)
| | - Elisabeth Kommisrud
- Department of Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, 2318 Hamar, Norway; (L.M.H.); (R.C.W.); (R.J.); (E.K.)
| | | | - Anne Hege Alm-Kristiansen
- Department of Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, 2318 Hamar, Norway; (L.M.H.); (R.C.W.); (R.J.); (E.K.)
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6
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Kawamoto TS, Viana JHM, Pontelo TP, Franco MM, de Faria OAC, Fidelis AAG, Vargas LN, Figueiredo RA. Dynamics of the Reproductive Changes and Acquisition of Oocyte Competence in Nelore (Bos taurus indicus) Calves during the Early and Intermediate Prepubertal Periods. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12162137. [PMID: 36009727 PMCID: PMC9405107 DOI: 10.3390/ani12162137] [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: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to characterize the reproductive physiology, oocyte competence, and chromatin compaction in Nelore calves in the early-prepubertal period (EPP) and the intermediate-prepubertal period (IPP). Calves aged 2-5 (EPP) and 8-11 months old (IPP) were assigned to Trial 1 (morpho-physiological-endocrine evaluations, n = 8) or Trial 2 (oocyte donors, n = 8) vs. the respective control groups of cows (n = 8, each). All morphological endpoints, except the antral follicle count, increased from the EPP to the IPP. The EPP LH-FSH plasma concentrations were similar to cows, whereas LH was lower and FSH was higher in the IPP than in cows. . Cows produced more Grade I (12.9% vs. 4.1% and 1.7%) and fewer Grade III COC (30.1% vs. 44.5% and 49.0%) than the EPP and IPP calves, respectively. The IPP calves' oocyte diameter was similar to those from cows but greater than those from EPP females (124.8 ± 8.5 and 126.0 ± 7.5 μm vs. 121.3 ± 7.5 μm, respectively). The expression of the chromatin compaction-related gene HDAC3 was downregulated in calves. The proportion of the blastocyst rate to the controls was lower in EPP than in IPP calves (43.7% vs. 78.7%, respectively). Progressive oocyte competence was found during the prepubertal period, which can help to decide whether to recover oocytes from calves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taynan Stonoga Kawamoto
- Department of Veterinary, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlandia 38400-902, MG, Brazil
| | | | | | - Maurício Machaim Franco
- Animal Reproduction Laboratory, Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília 70770-917, DF, Brazil
| | | | | | - Luna Nascimento Vargas
- Department of Biology, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlandia 38400-902, MG, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Alamino Figueiredo
- Animal Reproduction Laboratory, Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília 70770-917, DF, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-61-3448-4961
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Mastrorocco A, Cacopardo L, Lamanna D, Temerario L, Brunetti G, Carluccio A, Robbe D, Dell’Aquila ME. Bioengineering Approaches to Improve In Vitro Performance of Prepubertal Lamb Oocytes. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061458. [PMID: 34200771 PMCID: PMC8230371 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Juvenile in vitro embryo technology (JIVET) provides exciting opportunities in animal reproduction by reducing the generation intervals. Prepubertal oocytes are also relevant models for studies on oncofertility. However, current JIVET efficiency is still unpredictable, and further improvements are needed in order for it to be used on a large-scale level. This study applied bioengineering approaches to recreate: (1) the three-dimensional (3D) structure of the cumulus–oocyte complex (COC), by constructing—via bioprinting technologies—alginate-based microbeads (COC-microbeads) for 3D in vitro maturation (3D-IVM); (2) dynamic IVM conditions, by culturing the COC in a millifluidic bioreactor; and (3) an artificial follicular wall with basal membrane, by adding granulosa cells (GCs) and type I collagen (CI) during bioprinting. The results show that oocyte nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation, as well as blastocyst quality, were improved after 3D-IVM compared to 2D controls. The dynamic 3D-IVM did not enhance oocyte maturation, but it improved oocyte bioenergetics compared with static 3D-IVM. The computational model showed higher oxygen levels in the bioreactor with respect to the static well. Microbead enrichment with GCs and CI improved oocyte maturation and bioenergetics. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that bioengineering approaches that mimic the physiological follicle structure could be valuable tools to improve IVM and JIVET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Mastrorocco
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (A.C.); (D.R.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Ludovica Cacopardo
- Research Centre E. Piaggio, University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 1, 56122 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Daniela Lamanna
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies & Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona, 70125 Bari, Italy; (D.L.); (L.T.); (G.B.); (M.E.D.)
| | - Letizia Temerario
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies & Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona, 70125 Bari, Italy; (D.L.); (L.T.); (G.B.); (M.E.D.)
| | - Giacomina Brunetti
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies & Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona, 70125 Bari, Italy; (D.L.); (L.T.); (G.B.); (M.E.D.)
| | - Augusto Carluccio
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (A.C.); (D.R.)
| | - Domenico Robbe
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (A.C.); (D.R.)
| | - Maria Elena Dell’Aquila
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies & Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona, 70125 Bari, Italy; (D.L.); (L.T.); (G.B.); (M.E.D.)
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8
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Llonch S, Barragán M, Nieto P, Mallol A, Elosua‐Bayes M, Lorden P, Ruiz S, Zambelli F, Heyn H, Vassena R, Payer B. Single human oocyte transcriptome analysis reveals distinct maturation stage-dependent pathways impacted by age. Aging Cell 2021; 20:e13360. [PMID: 33908703 PMCID: PMC8135014 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Female fertility is inversely correlated with maternal age due to a depletion of the oocyte pool and a reduction in oocyte developmental competence. Few studies have addressed the effect of maternal age on the human mature oocyte (MII) transcriptome, which is established during oocyte growth and maturation, however, the pathways involved remain unclear. Here, we characterize and compare the transcriptomes of a large cohort of fully grown germinal vesicle stage (GV) and in vitro matured (IVM‐MII) oocytes from women of varying reproductive age. First, we identified two clusters of cells reflecting the oocyte maturation stage (GV and IVM‐MII) with 4445 and 324 putative marker genes, respectively. Furthermore, we identified genes for which transcript representation either progressively increased or decreased with age. Our results indicate that the transcriptome is more affected by age in IVM‐MII oocytes (1219 genes) than in GV oocytes (596 genes). In particular, we found that transcripts of genes involved in chromosome segregation and RNA splicing significantly increased representation with age, while genes related to mitochondrial activity showed a lower representation. Gene regulatory network analysis facilitated the identification of potential upstream master regulators of the genes involved in those biological functions. Our analysis suggests that advanced maternal age does not globally affect the oocyte transcriptome at GV or IVM‐MII stages. Nonetheless, hundreds of genes displayed altered transcript representation, particularly in IVM‐MII oocytes, which might contribute to the age‐related quality decline in human oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sílvia Llonch
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology Barcelona Spain
| | | | - Paula Nieto
- CNAG‐CRG Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology Barcelona Spain
| | - Anna Mallol
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology Barcelona Spain
| | - Marc Elosua‐Bayes
- CNAG‐CRG Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology Barcelona Spain
| | - Patricia Lorden
- CNAG‐CRG Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology Barcelona Spain
| | - Sara Ruiz
- CNAG‐CRG Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology Barcelona Spain
| | | | - Holger Heyn
- CNAG‐CRG Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology Barcelona Spain
| | | | - Bernhard Payer
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology Barcelona Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) Barcelona Spain
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9
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Lafontaine S, Labrecque R, Palomino JM, Blondin P, Sirard MA. Specific imprinted genes demethylation in association with oocyte donor's age and culture conditions in bovine embryos assessed at day 7 and 12 post insemination. Theriogenology 2020; 158:321-330. [PMID: 33010654 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The production of bovine embryos through in vitro maturation and fertilization is an important tool of the genomic revolution in dairy cattle. Gene expression analysis of these embryos revealed differences according to the culture conditions or oocyte donor's pubertal status compared to in vivo derived embryos. We hypothesized that some of the methylation patterns in oocytes are acquired in the last step of folliculogenesis and could be influenced by the environment created in the follicles containing these oocytes. These altered patterns may not be erased during the first week of embryonic development in culture or may be sensitive to the conditions during that time. To quantify the changes related to culture conditions, an in vivo control group consisting of embryos (Day 12 post fertilization for all groups) obtained from superovulated and artificially inseminated cows was compared to in vitro produced (IVP) embryos cultured with or without Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS). To measure the effect of the oocytes donor's age, we also compared a fourth group consisting of IVP embryos produced with oocytes collected following ovarian stimulation of pre-pubertal animals. Embryonic disk and trophoblast cells were processed separately and the methylation status of ten imprinted genes (H19, MEST, KCNQ1, SNRPN, PEG3, NNAT, GNASXL, IGF2R, PEG10, and PLAGL1) was assessed by pyrosequencing. Next, ten Day 7 blastocysts were produced following the same methodology as for the D12 embryos (four groups) to observe the most interesting genes (KCNQ1, SNRPN, IGF2R and PLAGL1) at an earlier developmental stage. For all samples, we observed overall lower methylation levels and greater variability in the three in vitro groups compared to the in vivo group. The individual embryo analysis indicated that some embryos were deviant from the others and some were not affected. We concluded that IGF2R, SNRPN, and PEG10 were particularly sensitive to culture conditions and the presence of FBS, while KCNQ1 and PLAGL1 were more affected in embryos derived from pre-pubertal donors. This work provides markers at the single imprinted control region (ICR) resolution to assess the culture environment required to minimize epigenetic perturbations in bovine embryos generated by assisted reproduction techniques, thus laying the groundwork for a better comprehension of the complex interplay between in vitro conditions and imprinted genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Lafontaine
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), Département des Sciences Animals, Faculté des Sciences de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Rémi Labrecque
- SEMEX Boviteq, 3450 Rue Sicotte, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S, Canada
| | | | - Patrick Blondin
- SEMEX Boviteq, 3450 Rue Sicotte, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S, Canada
| | - Marc-André Sirard
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), Département des Sciences Animals, Faculté des Sciences de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation, Université Laval, Québec, Canada.
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10
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Puttabyatappa M, Guo X, Dou J, Dumesic D, Bakulski KM, Padmanabhan V. Developmental Programming: Sheep Granulosa and Theca Cell-Specific Transcriptional Regulation by Prenatal Testosterone. Endocrinology 2020; 161:bqaa094. [PMID: 32516392 PMCID: PMC7417881 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqaa094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal testosterone (T)-treated sheep, similar to polycystic ovarian syndrome women, manifest reduced cyclicity, functional hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovary (PCO) morphology. The PCO morphology results from increased follicular recruitment and persistence of antral follicles, a consequence of reduced follicular growth and atresia, and is driven by cell-specific gene expression changes that are poorly understood. Therefore, using RNA sequencing, cell-specific transcriptional changes were assessed in laser capture microdissection isolated antral follicular granulosa and theca cells from age 21 months control and prenatal T-treated (100 mg intramuscular twice weekly from gestational day 30 to 90; term: 147 days) sheep. In controls, 3494 genes were differentially expressed between cell types with cell signaling, proliferation, extracellular matrix, immune, and tissue development genes enriched in theca; and mitochondrial, chromosomal, RNA, fatty acid, and cell cycle process genes enriched in granulosa cells. Prenatal T treatment 1) increased gene expression of transforming growth factor β receptor 1 and exosome component 9, and decreased BCL6 corepressor like 1, BCL9 like, and MAPK interacting serine/threonine kinase 2 in both cells, 2) induced differential expression of 92 genes that included increased mitochondrial, ribosome biogenesis, ribonucleoprotein, and ubiquitin, and decreased cell development and extracellular matrix-related pathways in granulosa cells, and 3) induced differential expression of 56 genes that included increased noncoding RNA processing, ribosome biogenesis, and mitochondrial matrix, and decreased transcription factor pathways in theca cells. These data indicate that follicular function is affected by genes involved in transforming growth factor signaling, extracellular matrix, mitochondria, epigenetics, and apoptosis both in a common as well as a cell-specific manner and suggest possible mechanistic pathways for prenatal T treatment-induced PCO morphology in sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xingzi Guo
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - John Dou
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Daniel Dumesic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Kelly M Bakulski
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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11
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Impact of oxidative stress on oocyte competence for in vitro embryo production programs. Res Vet Sci 2020; 132:342-350. [PMID: 32738731 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2020.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Producing high-competent oocytes during the in vitro maturation (IVM) is considered a key step for the success of the in vitro production (IVP) of embryos. One of the known disruptors of oocyte developmental competence on IVP is oxidative stress (OS), which appears due to the imbalance between the production and neutralization of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The in vitro conditions induce supraphysiological ROS levels due to the exposure to an oxidative environment and the isolation of the oocyte from the follicle protective antioxidant milieu. In juvenile in vitro embryo transfer (JIVET), which aims to produce embryos from prepubertal females, the oocytes are more sensitive to OS as they have inherent lower quality. Therefore, the IVM strategies that aim to prevent OS have great interest for both IVP and JIVET programs. The focus of this review is on the effects of ROS on oocyte IVM and the main antioxidants that have been tested for protecting the oocyte from OS. Considering the importance that OS has on oocyte competence, it is crucial to create standardized antioxidant IVM systems for improving the overall IVP success.
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12
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Marleaux M, Anand K, Latz E, Geyer M. Crystal structure of the human NLRP9 pyrin domain suggests a distinct mode of inflammasome assembly. FEBS Lett 2020; 594:2383-2395. [PMID: 32542665 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Inflammasomes are cytosolic multimeric signaling complexes of the innate immune system that induce activation of caspases. The NOD-like receptor NLRP9 recruits the adaptor protein ASC to form an ASC-dependent inflammasome to limit rotaviral replication in intestinal epithelial cells, but only little is known about the molecular mechanisms regulating and driving its assembly. Here, we present the crystal structure of the human NLRP9 pyrin domain (PYD). We show that NLRP9PYD is not able to self-polymerize nor to nucleate ASC specks in HEK293T cells. A comparison with filament-forming PYDs revealed that NLRP9PYD adopts a conformation compatible with filament formation, but several charge inversions of interfacing residues might cause repulsive effects that prohibit self-oligomerization. These results propose that inflammasome assembly of NLRP9 might differ largely from what we know of other inflammasomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Marleaux
- Institute of Structural Biology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Kanchan Anand
- Institute of Structural Biology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Eicke Latz
- Institute of Innate Immunity, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Matthias Geyer
- Institute of Structural Biology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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13
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Zhang Z, Tang J, He X, Di R, Chu M. Mutations in NLRP5 and NLRP9 are Associated with Litter Size in Small Tail Han Sheep. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10040689. [PMID: 32326631 PMCID: PMC7222816 DOI: 10.3390/ani10040689] [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: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies showed that the NLR family pyrin domain-containing 5 (NLRP5) and NLRP9 genes are two important reproductive genes; however, their effects on sheep litter size are unknown. Therefore, in this study, we first genotyped seven sheep breeds via the MassARRAY® SNP system at the loci g.60495375A > G, g.60495363G > A, and g.60499690C > A in NLRP5, and g.59030623T > C and g.59043397A > C in NLRP9. Our results revealed that each locus in most sheep breeds contained three genotypes. Then, we conducted population genetic analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms in NLRP5 and NLRP9, and we found that the polymorphism information content value in all sheep breeds ranged from 0 to 0.36, and most sheep breeds were under Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (p > 0.05). Furthermore, association analysis in Small Tail Han sheep indicated that two loci, g.60495363G > A in NLRP5 and g.59030623T > C in NLRP9, were highly associated with litter size. The mutation in g.60495363G > A may decrease interactions of NLRP5 with proteins, such as GDF9, whereas the mutation in g.59030623T > C may enhance the combining capacity of NLRP9 with these proteins; consequently, these mutations may influence the ovulation rate and even litter size. The findings of our study provide valuable genetic markers that can be used to improve the breeding of sheep and even other mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuangbiao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (Z.Z.); (J.T.); (X.H.); (R.D.)
| | - Jishun Tang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (Z.Z.); (J.T.); (X.H.); (R.D.)
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei 230031, China
| | - Xiaoyun He
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (Z.Z.); (J.T.); (X.H.); (R.D.)
| | - Ran Di
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (Z.Z.); (J.T.); (X.H.); (R.D.)
| | - Mingxing Chu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (Z.Z.); (J.T.); (X.H.); (R.D.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-010-6281-9850
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14
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Braga TF, Silva TCF, Marques MG, de Souza AP, Albring D, Silva LP, Caetano AR, Dode MAN, Franco MM. The dynamics of gene expression, lipid composition and DNA methylation reprogramming are different during in vitro maturation of pig oocytes obtained from prepubertal gilts and cycling sows. Reprod Domest Anim 2019; 54:1217-1229. [PMID: 31269288 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to characterize the gene expression, lipid composition and DNA methylation reprogramming during in vitro maturation (IVM) of pig oocytes with different developmental competencies. We used prepubertal gilts and cycling sows as a model to obtain oocytes with different levels of competency. We found that genes involved in lipid metabolism, SLC27A4, CPT2 and PLIN2, and DNA methylation, DNMT3A, TET1 and TET3, possessed altered transcript expression levels during IVM. Specifically, SLC27A4 mRNA (p = 0.05) increased in oocytes from cycling females, whereas CPT2 (p = 0.05), PLIN2 (p = 0.02) and DNMT3A (p = 0.02) increased in oocytes from prepubertal females during IVM. Additionally, TET3 mRNA increased during IVM in oocytes from prepubertal (p = 0.0005) and cycling females (p = 0.02). The TET1 transcript decreased (p = 0.05) during IVM in oocytes from cycling sows. Regarding lipid composition, mass spectrometry revealed a cluster of ions, with molecular masses higher than m/z 700, which comprises a group of complex phospholipids, was identified in all groups of oocytes, except in those from prepubertal gilts. With respect to DNA methylation reprogramming, it was noted that the less competent oocytes were not able to reprogramme the XIST gene during IVM. We conclude that the maternal mRNA store, lipid composition and epigenetic reprogramming are still being established during maturation and are related to oocyte competence. In addition, we propose that the methylation pattern of the XIST may be used as molecular marker for oocyte competence in pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago Felipe Braga
- Universidade de Brasília - UnB, Brasília, Brazil.,Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Thainara Christie Ferreira Silva
- Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Brasília, Brazil.,Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Maurício Machaim Franco
- Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Brasília, Brazil.,Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil.,Instituto de Genética e Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
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15
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González-Fernández L, Sánchez-Calabuig MJ, Alves MG, Oliveira PF, Macedo S, Gutiérrez-Adán A, Rocha A, Macías-García B. Expanded equine cumulus-oocyte complexes exhibit higher meiotic competence and lower glucose consumption than compact cumulus-oocyte complexes. Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 30:297-306. [PMID: 28679463 DOI: 10.1071/rd16441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Equine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) are classified as compact (cCOC) or expanded (eCOC) and vary in their meiotic competence. This difference could be related to divergent glucose metabolism. To test this hypothesis in the present study, eCOCs, cCOCs and expanded or compact mural granulosa cells (EC and CC respectively) were matured in vitro for 30h, at which time maturation rate, glucose metabolism and the expression of genes involved in glucose transport, glycolysis, apoptosis and meiotic competence were determined. There were significant differences between eCOCs and cCOCs in maturation rate (50% vs 21.7% (n=192 and 46) respectively; P<0.001), as well as mean (±s.e.m.) glucose consumption (1.8±0.5 vs 27.9±5.9 nmol per COC respectively) and pyruvate (0.09±0.01 vs 2.4±0.8 nmol per COC respectively) and lactate (4.7±1.3 vs 64.1±20.6 nmol per COC respectively; P<0.05 for all) production. Glucose consumption in EC and CC did not differ significantly. Expression of hyaluronan-binding protein (tumour necrosis factor alpha induced protein 6; TNFAIP6) was increased in eCOCs and EC, and solute carrier family 2 member 1 (SLC2A1) expression was increased in eCOCs, but there were no differences in the expression of glycolysis-related enzymes and solute carrier family 2 member 3 (SLC2A3) between the COC or mural granulosa cell types. The findings of the present study demonstrate that metabolic and genomic differences exist between eCOCs and cCOCs and mural granulosa cells in the horse.
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Affiliation(s)
- L González-Fernández
- Centro de Estudos de Ciência Animal/Instituto de Ciências, Tecnologias e Agroambiente; Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Campus Agrario de Vairão, Rua Padre Armando Quintas, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
| | - M J Sánchez-Calabuig
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Instituto nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Ctra. De la Coruña,Km. 5.9, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - M G Alves
- Department of Microscopy, Cell Biology Laboratory, Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - P F Oliveira
- Department of Microscopy, Cell Biology Laboratory, Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - S Macedo
- Centro de Estudos de Ciência Animal/Instituto de Ciências, Tecnologias e Agroambiente; Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Campus Agrario de Vairão, Rua Padre Armando Quintas, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
| | - A Gutiérrez-Adán
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Instituto nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Ctra. De la Coruña,Km. 5.9, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - A Rocha
- Centro de Estudos de Ciência Animal/Instituto de Ciências, Tecnologias e Agroambiente; Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Campus Agrario de Vairão, Rua Padre Armando Quintas, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
| | - B Macías-García
- Centro de Estudos de Ciência Animal/Instituto de Ciências, Tecnologias e Agroambiente; Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Campus Agrario de Vairão, Rua Padre Armando Quintas, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
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16
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Hormonal stimulation in 4 to 7 months old Nelore (Bos taurus indicus) females improved ovarian follicular responses but not the in vitro embryo production. Theriogenology 2018; 118:130-136. [PMID: 29906662 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.05.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Revised: 05/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The inclusion of pre-pubertal bovine females in reproductive management could allow in vitro embryo production and reduce generation interval, thereby causing faster genetic gain of the herd. However, oocytes of pre-pubertal females have lower competence, blastocyst production, and pregnancy rates than those collected from pubertal animals. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of an induced hormonal stimulation on the serum concentrations of Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and FSH, ovarian responses, ovum pick up (OPU), and in vitro produced embryos (IVP) from oocytes obtained from four-to seven-months old Nelore female cattle. In a crossover design, these females were randomly allocated into: 1) Treated Group (TG, n = 9): the animals were subjected to a hormonal protocol (implanted progesterone device, estradiol benzoate, LH, and FSH) from Day 0 (the start of the treatment) to Day 7 (OPU day), and 2) Control Group (CG, n = 9): the females did not receive any hormonal stimulation, but they had ablation of their largest follicles on Day 2 of experiment. Blood collection for serum FSH measurements was done on Days 5, 6, 7, and 8, and collection for serum AMH measurements was done on Days 5 and 8. As hypothesized, TG had higher serum FSH concentrations (p < 0.05) on Day 5 (1.16 ± 0.31 ng/mL), Day 6 (1.21 ± 0.45 ng/mL), and Day 7 (0.95 ± 0.26 ng/mL) than CG (0.56 ± 0.17 ng/mL on Day 5, 0.60 ± 0.25 ng/mL on Day 6, and 0.60 ± 0.14 ng/mL on Day 7). However, serum AMH concentrations were neither significantly different (p > 0.05) between CG and TG, nor between the collection days. Hormonal stimulation also increased (p < 0.05) total follicular population (20.0 ± 4.95 CG vs 26.66 ± 4.24 TG), ovarian diameter (13.08 ± 1.0 mm CG vs 14.81 ± 1.38 mm TG) and number of follicles ≥2.5 mm (6.88 ± 2.14 CG vs 11.55 ± 4.09 TG). In TG, grades I and II oocytes predominated, whereas, in CG grades III and IV oocytes were more abundant (p < 0.05). No significant increases (p > 0.05) in the cleavage (49.33% CG vs 51.42% TG), cleavage > 4 cells (9.33% CG vs 16.19% TG), and blastocysts rates (1.33% CG vs 8.57% TG) were seen in TG. This hormonal protocol increased serum FSH concentrations that possibly contributed to increases in the observed follicle, as well as improving oocyte quality. This exogenous hormonal stimulation increased available oocytes numbers for IVP, despite no increase in the in vitro embryo production efficiency.
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17
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Masala L, Ariu F, Bogliolo L, Bellu E, Ledda S, Bebbere D. Delay in maternal transcript degradation in ovine embryos derived from low competence oocytes. Mol Reprod Dev 2018; 85:427-439. [PMID: 29542856 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2017] [Revised: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Oocytes from prepubertal animals have a reduced ability to undergo embryo development and produce viable offspring. The present work used an ovine model consisting of oocytes derived from adult and prepubertal donors to assess the molecular status of oocytes and preimplantation embryos with different developmental competence. The lower potential of oocytes of young donors was confirmed in terms of in vitro developmental capabilities and kinetics. A panel of genes including maternal effect (DPPA3, GDF9, NMP2, ZAR1) and housekeeping genes (ACTB, RPL19, SDHA, YWHAZ, ATP1A1), genes involved in DNA methylation (DNMT1, DNMT3A, DNMT3B), genomic imprinting (IGF2R), pluripotency (NANOG, POU5F1) and cell cycle regulation (CCNB1, CDK1, MELK) was relatively quantified. Temporal analysis during oocyte maturation and preimplantation embryo development evidenced patterns associated with donor age. With a few gene-specific exceptions, the differential model showed a reduced transcript abundance in immature prepubertal oocytes that completely reversed trend after fertilization, when higher mRNA levels were consistently observed in early embryos, indicating a delay in maternal transcript degradation. We propose that the molecular shortage in the prepubertal oocyte may affect its developmental potential and impair the early pathways of maternal mRNA clearance in the embryo. While confirming the different potential of oocytes derived from adult and prepubertal donors, our work showed for the first time a consistent delay in maternal transcript degradation in embryos derived from low competence oocytes that interestingly recalls the delayed developmental kinetics. Such abnormal transcript persistence may hinder further development and represents a novel perspective on the complexity of developmental competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Masala
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Federica Ariu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Luisa Bogliolo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Emanuela Bellu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Sergio Ledda
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Daniela Bebbere
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
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18
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Al-Mutary M, Al-Ghadi M, Al-Himaidi A, Iwamoto D, Al-Anazi Y, Ammari A, Ahmad J, Al-Khedhairy A. Using RT-PCR and glutathione level to study the effect of follicular fluid on in vitro maturation and gene expression of sheep oocytes. Saudi J Biol Sci 2018; 26:1216-1222. [PMID: 31516351 PMCID: PMC6733311 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2018.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Revised: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of sheep follicular fluid (SFF) supplementation of the in vitro maturation (IVM) media of sheep oocytes on the resumption of meiosis, glutathione (GSH) level, and expression of apoptosis (Bax, Bcl-2) as well as heat shock protein beta-1 (HSPB1) genes. Sheep ovaries were collected from the central slaughterhouse of Riyadh city, KSA. Oocytes were aspirated from 3 to 8 mm follicles. Sheep oocytes were cultured in maturation medium with different concentrations of sheep follicular fluid: 0% (control), 10%, 20% and 40% for 24 h. The results indicated that the maturation rate of oocytes was significantly (p ≤ .05) decreased in 40% SFF (36.87%) versus the control (61.3%), 10% SFF (63.95%) and 20% SFF (64.08%). The supplementation of the IVM medium with 10% SFF induced an intra-oocyte GSH concentration that was significantly higher than in sheep oocytes cultured with 20% and 40% SFF and similar to the GSH content in oocytes cultured without SFF. Real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis of gene expression revealed no significant differences in the Bax and HSPB1 genes between the control and 10% SFF, whereas they were significantly higher in 40% FF (p ≤ .05) compared to the control. The expression of Bax:Bcl-2 was significantly higher in 20% and 40% SFF compared to the control group. In conclusion, the addition of SFF to the IVM culture of sheep oocytes is recommended to support nuclear maturation and increase oocyte competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Al-Mutary
- Basic Sciences Department, College of Education, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - M Al-Ghadi
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - A Al-Himaidi
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - D Iwamoto
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia.,Kinki University, Faculty of Biological-Oriented Sci. and Technology, Dept. of Genetic Engineering, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Y Al-Anazi
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - A Ammari
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - J Ahmad
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - A Al-Khedhairy
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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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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20
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Cook JM, Charlesworth A. Insertion of inter-domain linkers improves expression and bioactivity of Zygote arrest (Zar) fusion proteins. Protein Eng Des Sel 2017; 30:313-319. [PMID: 28130327 DOI: 10.1093/protein/gzx002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Developmentally important proteins that are crucial for fertilization and embryogenesis are synthesized through highly regulated translation of maternal mRNA. The Zygote arrest proteins, Zar1 and Zar2, are crucial for embryogenesis and have been implicated in binding mRNA and repressing mRNA translation. To investigate Zar1 and Zar2, the full-length proteins had been fused to glutathione-S-transferase (GST) or MS2 protein tags with minimal inter-domain linkers derived from multiple cloning sites; however, these fusion proteins expressed poorly and/or lacked robust function. Here, we tested the effect of inserting additional linkers between the fusion domains. Three linkers were tested, each 17 amino acids long with different physical and chemical properties: flexible hydrophilic, rigid extended or rigid helical. In the presence of any of the three linkers, GST-Zar1 and GST-Zar2 had fewer breakdown products. Moreover, in the presence of any of the linkers, MS2-Zar1 was expressed to higher levels, and in dual luciferase tethered assays, both MS2-Zar1 and MS2-Zar2 repressed luciferase translation to a greater extent. These data suggest that for Zar fusion proteins, increasing the length of linkers, regardless of their physical or chemical properties, improves stability, expression and bioactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan M Cook
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO 80204, USA
| | - Amanda Charlesworth
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO 80204, USA
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21
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Masala L, Burrai GP, Bellu E, Ariu F, Bogliolo L, Ledda S, Bebbere D. Methylation dynamics during folliculogenesis and early embryo development in sheep. Reproduction 2017; 153:605-619. [PMID: 28250235 DOI: 10.1530/rep-16-0644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Revised: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Genome-wide DNA methylation reprogramming occurs during mammalian gametogenesis and early embryogenesis. Post-fertilization demethylation of paternal and maternal genomes is considered to occur by an active and passive mechanism respectively, in most mammals but sheep; in this species no loss of methylation was observed in either pronucleus. Post-fertilization reprogramming relies on methylating and demethylating enzymes and co-factors that are stored during oocyte growth, concurrently with the re-methylation of the oocyte itself. The crucial remodelling of the oocyte epigenetic baggage often overlaps with potential interfering events such as exposure to assisted reproduction technologies or environmental changes. Here, we report a temporal analysis of methylation dynamics during folliculogenesis and early embryo development in sheep. We characterized global DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation by immunofluorescence and relatively quantified the expression of the enzymes and co-factors mainly responsible for their remodelling (DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), ten-eleven translocation (TET) proteins and methyl-CpG-binding domain (MBD) proteins). Our results illustrate for the first time the patterns of hydroxymethylation during oocyte growth. We observed different patterns of methylation and hydroxymethylation between the two parental pronuclei, suggesting that male pronucleus undergoes active demethylation also in sheep. Finally, we describe gene-specific accumulation dynamics for methylating and demethylating enzymes during oocyte growth and observe patterns of expression associated with developmental competence in a differential model of oocyte potential. Our work contributes to the understanding of the methylation dynamics during folliculogenesis and early embryo development and improves the overall picture of early rearrangements that will originate the embryo epigenome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Masala
- Department of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | | | - Emanuela Bellu
- Department of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Federica Ariu
- Department of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Luisa Bogliolo
- Department of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Sergio Ledda
- Department of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Daniela Bebbere
- Department of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
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22
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Maternal effect gene expression in porcine metaphase II oocytes and embryos in vitro: effect of epidermal growth factor, interleukin-1β and leukemia inhibitory factor. ZYGOTE 2016; 25:120-130. [PMID: 28007046 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199416000332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Maternal effect genes (MEG) play a crucial role in early embryogenesis. In vitro culture conditions may affect MEG expression in porcine oocytes and embryos. We investigated whether in vitro culture medium supplementation with epidermal growth factor (EGF), IL-1β or LIF (leukemia inhibitory factor) affects the mRNA level of ZAR-1 (zygote arrest 1), NPM2 (nucleoplasmin 2) and DPPA3 (developmental associated protein 3) in porcine MII oocytes and embryos. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were matured in NCSU-37 medium (control) or in NCSU-37 with EGF 10 ng/ml, IL-1β 10 ng/ml or LIF 50 ng/ml. After maturation for 44-46 h, MII oocytes were preserved for the analysis of MEG mRNA levels (experiment 1). In experiment 2, COCs were fertilized, and the presumptive zygotes were cultured in the same groups. Then, 2-, 4-, 8-cell embryos, morulae and blastocysts were collected for the analysis of MEG mRNA levels. LIF addition to the maturation medium increased MII oocyte numbers (P < 0.05), while EGF and IL-1β did not affect oocyte maturation. Medium supplementation with EGF resulted in lower DPPA3 mRNA levels in MII oocytes and in 2- and 4-cell embryos versus control embryos (P < 0.05). LIF treatment increased DPPA3 mRNA levels in morulae and blastocysts (P < 0.05). Culture with EGF and IL-1β decreased ZAR-1 and NPM2 mRNA levels in 2-cell embryos (P < 0.05). The inclusion of EGF or IL-1β in the porcine in vitro production system influences ZAR-1, NPM2 and DPPA3 mRNA in MII oocytes and embryos but not beyond the 4-cell stage. LIF stimulates oocyte maturation and affects DPPA3 mRNA in porcine morulae and blastocysts in vitro.
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23
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Mattern F, Herrmann D, Heinzmann J, Hadeler KG, Bernal-Ulloa SM, Haaf T, Niemann H. DNA methylation and mRNA expression of developmentally important genes in bovine oocytes collected from donors of different age categories. Mol Reprod Dev 2016; 83:802-814. [PMID: 27567027 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic changes are critical for the acquisition of developmental potential by oocytes and embryos, yet these changes may be sensitive to maternal ageing. Here, we investigated the impact of maternal ageing on DNA methylation and mRNA expression in a panel of eight genes that are critically involved in oocyte and embryo development. Bovine oocytes were collected from donors of three different age categories-prepubertal (9-12 months old), mature (3-7 years old), and aged (8-11 years old)-and were analyzed for gene-specific DNA methylation (bTERF2, bREC8, bBCL-XL, bPISD, bBUB1, bDNMT3Lo, bH19, and bSNRPN) and mRNA expression (bTERF2, bBCL-XL, bPISD, and bBUB1). A total of 1,044 alleles with 88,740 CpGs were amplified and sequenced from 362 bovine oocytes. Most of the detected molecules were either fully methylated or completely unmethylated. Only 9 out of 1,044 alleles (<1%) were abnormally methylated (>50% of CpGs with an aberrant methylation status), and seven of the nine abnormally methylated alleles were within only two candidate genes (bDNMT3Lo and bH19). No significant differences were detected with regard to mRNA expression between oocytes from the three groups of donors. These results suggest that genes predominantly important for early embryo development (bH19 and bDNMT3Lo) are less resistant to abnormal methylation than genes critically involved in oocyte development (bTERF2, bBCL-XL, bPISD, bBUB1, and bSNRPN). Establishment of DNA methylation in bovine oocytes seems to be largely resistant to changes caused by maternal ageing, irrespective of whether the genes are critical to achieve developmental competence in oocytes or early embryos. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 83: 802-814, 2016 © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Mattern
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Doris Herrmann
- Institute of Farm Animal Genetics (FLI), Mariensee, Neustadt, Germany
| | - Julia Heinzmann
- Institute of Farm Animal Genetics (FLI), Mariensee, Neustadt, Germany
| | | | | | - Thomas Haaf
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Heiner Niemann
- Institute of Farm Animal Genetics (FLI), Mariensee, Neustadt, Germany.
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24
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Bebbere D, Masala L, Albertini DF, Ledda S. The subcortical maternal complex: multiple functions for one biological structure? J Assist Reprod Genet 2016; 33:1431-1438. [PMID: 27525657 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-016-0788-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 08/02/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The subcortical maternal complex (SCMC) is a multiprotein complex uniquely expressed in mammalian oocytes and early embryos, essential for zygote progression beyond the first embryonic cell divisions. Similiar to other factors encoded by maternal effect genes, the physiological role of SCMC remains unclear, although recent evidence has provided important molecular insights into different possible functions. Its potential involvement in human fertility is attracting increasing attention; however, the complete story is far from being told. The present mini review provides an overview of recent findings related to the SCMC and discusses its potential physiological role/s with the aim of inspiring new directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Bebbere
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, via Vienna 2, 07100, Sassari, Italy.
| | - L Masala
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, via Vienna 2, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - D F Albertini
- The Center for Human Reproduction, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - S Ledda
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, via Vienna 2, 07100, Sassari, Italy
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25
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Zygote arrest 1, nucleoplasmin 2, and developmentally associated protein 3 mRNA profiles throughout porcine embryo development in vitro. Theriogenology 2016; 86:2254-2262. [PMID: 27566850 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Revised: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Maternal effect genes (MEGs) are expressed in oocytes and embryos and play an important role in activation of the embryonic genome. An abnormality in the expression of these genes may lead to arrest of embryonic cleavage or to altered transcription of factors responsible for further embryonic development. In vitro-produced porcine embryos have a lower developmental potential than embryos produced in vivo. We hypothesized that in vitro embryo culture conditions have an effect on the expression of MEGs at various developmental stages, which may affect their developmental potential. Here, using real-time polymerase chain reaction, we examined mRNA profiles of the MEGs, zygote arrest 1 (ZAR-1), nucleoplasmin 2 (NPM2), and developmentally associated pluripotency protein 3 (DPPA3), in porcine oocytes and embryos produced in vitro and in vivo. Further, we evaluated the effect of the combined addition of EGF, interleukin 1β, and leukemia inhibitory factor to the porcine in vitro embryo production system on mRNA profiles of selected MEGs. Finally, we studied localization of the MEG protein products in in vitro-obtained oocytes and embryos using confocal microscopy. We found that the ZAR-1 mRNA profile differed throughout in vitro and in vivo embryo development. In the embryos produced in vitro, the decrease in ZAR-1 mRNA levels was observed at the 2-cell stage, whereas in in vivo embryos, ZAR-1 mRNA levels declined significantly starting at the 4-cell stage (P < 0.05). In vitro culture conditions affected transiently also DPPA3 mRNA levels at the 4-cell stage (P < 0.05). There was no difference in the NPM2 mRNA profile during in vitro and in vivo embryo development. The ZAR-1 and DPPA3 proteins were localized in the cytoplasm of the oocytes and embryos, whereas the NPM2 protein was found both in the cytoplasm and in the nucleus. All proteins were expressed until blastocyst stage. The addition of EGF and cytokines to the culture medium decreased DPPA3 mRNA levels in 8-cell embryos (P < 0.05). This study indicated that IVC conditions affect ZAR-1 mRNA levels before the 4-cell stage, which may disturb the activation of the embryonic genome in pigs. The expression of the proteins after the 4-cell to 8-cell transition indicates that these factors play a role beyond activation of the embryonic genome. Supplementation of the culture media with EGF and cytokines affects DPPA3 mRNA levels after maternal to embryonic transition.
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26
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Transcriptome Analysis of Bovine Ovarian Follicles at Predeviation and Onset of Deviation Stages of a Follicular Wave. Int J Genomics 2016; 2016:3472748. [PMID: 27088081 PMCID: PMC4819119 DOI: 10.1155/2016/3472748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Revised: 02/28/2016] [Accepted: 02/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
For two libraries (PDF1 and ODF1) using Illumina sequencing 44,082,301 and 43,708,132 clean reads were obtained, respectively. After being mapped to the bovine RefSeq database, 15,533 genes were identified to be expressed in both types of follicles (cut-off RPKM > 0.5), of which 719 were highly expressed in bovine follicles (cut-off RPKM > 100). Furthermore, 83 genes were identified as being differentially expressed in ODF1 versus PDF1, where 42 genes were upregulated and 41 genes were downregulated. KEGG pathway analysis revealed two upregulated genes in ODF1 versus PDF1, CYP11A1, and CYP19A1, which are important genes in the steroid hormone biosynthesis pathway. This study represents the first investigation of transcriptome of bovine follicles at predeviation and onset of deviation stages and provides a foundation for future investigation of the regulatory mechanisms involved in follicular development in cattle.
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27
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Nemcova L, Jansova D, Vodickova-Kepkova K, Vodicka P, Jeseta M, Machatkova M, Kanka J. Detection of genes associated with developmental competence of bovine oocytes. Anim Reprod Sci 2016; 166:58-71. [PMID: 26811294 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2016.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2015] [Revised: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The developmental competence of oocytes is acquired progressively during folliculogenesis and is linked to follicular size. It has been documented that oocytes originating from larger follicles exhibit a greater ability to develop to the blastocyst stage. The differences in cytoplasmic factors such as mRNA transcripts could explain the differences in oocyte developmental potential. We used bovine oligonucleotide microarrays to characterize differences between the gene expression profiles of germinal vesicle stage (GV) oocytes with greater developmental competence from medium follicles (MF) and those with less developmental competence from small follicles (SF). After normalizing the microarray data, our analysis found differences in the level of 60 transcripts (≥1.4 fold), corresponding to 49 upregulated and 11 downregulated transcripts in MF oocytes compared to SF oocytes. The gene expression data were classified according to gene ontology, the majority of the genes were associated with the regulation of transcription, translation, the cell cycle, and mitochondrial activity. A subset of 16 selected genes was validated for GV oocytes by quantitative real-time RT-PCR; significant differences (P˂0.01) were found in the level of TAF1A, MTRF1L, ATP5C1, UBL5 and MAP3K13 between the MF and SF oocytes. After maturation the transcript level remained stable for ATP5F1, BRD7, and UBL5 in both oocyte categories. The transcript level of another 13 genes substantially dropped in the MF and/or SF oocytes. It can be concluded that the developmental competence of bovine oocytes and embryos may be a quantitative trait dependent on small changes in the transcription profiles of many genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Nemcova
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Libechov, Czech Republic.
| | - Denisa Jansova
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Katerina Vodickova-Kepkova
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Vodicka
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Libechov, Czech Republic; Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Michal Jeseta
- Department of Genetics and Reproduction, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Marie Machatkova
- Department of Genetics and Reproduction, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Kanka
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Libechov, Czech Republic
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28
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Kussano NR, Leme LO, Guimarães ALS, Franco MM, Dode MAN. Molecular markers for oocyte competence in bovine cumulus cells. Theriogenology 2015; 85:1167-76. [PMID: 26792377 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.11.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2015] [Revised: 11/28/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to quantify the expression of candidate genes in cumulus cells (CCs) from cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) with high and low potential for in vitro development up to the blastocyst stage. First, the effects of individual culture and biopsy on embryo development were evaluated. Individuals cultured using the well of the well system were compared with individuals cultured in 20 μL droplets (microdroplets) and those cultured in groups (control). Blastocyst rates were lower for the individual culture systems (P < 0.05; well of the well = 17.9%, n = 95; microdrop = 26.3%, n = 95) than for the control group (45.0%, n = 209). Second, the effects of biopsy on embryo production were compared between the control and microdroplet cultures, and no effects (P > 0.05) were observed for either group. Finally, the expression profiles of glypican 4 (GPC4), IGF4-binding protein, follicle-stimulating hormonereceptor, growth hormone receptor, epidermal growth factor receptor, fibroblast growth factor 11, solute carrier family 2 member 1, solute carrier family 2 member 3,sprouty homolog 1, versican, and keratin protein 8 in CCs obtained by biopsy were quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Cumulus cells were categorized on the basis of the fates of the COCs: expanded blastocyst, cleaved and arrested, and uncleaved. The GPC4 gene was overexpressed (P = 0.007) in CCs from oocytes that formed embryos compared with those that produced cleaved and arrested embryos. We concluded that individual culture reduced blastocyst production; however, biopsy did not affect embryo development. The profile of GPC4 expression can be used as a marker to distinguish COCs with potential for embryo development from those with limited developmental potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- N R Kussano
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - L O Leme
- School of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - A L S Guimarães
- School of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - M M Franco
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Embrapa-Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - M A N Dode
- School of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil; Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Embrapa-Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil.
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29
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Peng H, Liu F, Li W, Zhang W. Knockdown of NLRP5 arrests early embryogenesis in sows. Anim Reprod Sci 2015; 163:151-6. [PMID: 26585895 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2015.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2015] [Revised: 09/20/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
NLRP (NLR family, Pyrin domain containing) genes have both immunization- and reproduction-related clades in mammals. Nlrp5 is a reproduction-related gene, originally identified in the mouse, which plays a key role in mouse early embryogenesis. Previous studies estimated that the porcine NLRP5 gene is assigned to the long arm of chromosome 6 and expressed in oocytes. However, the expression pattern of the NLRP5 gene in the porcine reproductive tract, and the localization and function of NLRP5 protein in porcine preimplantation embryos are still unknown. Here, we show that NLRP5 transcripts and protein are detected exclusively in the ovary in the porcine reproductive tract. Furthermore, the transcripts display a sharp decline in porcine preimplantation embryos before zygotic genome activation, but the protein remains present through to the blastocyst stage, localize in the cytoplasm and close to the subcortex of porcine oocytes and preimplantation embryos. Moreover, the knockdown of NLRP5 expression in zygotes using RNA interference arrested early embryonic development. These results provide the first evidence that the NLRP5 gene is required for early embryogenesis in sows, suggesting that this gene might play an essential role in zygotic genome activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Peng
- College of Animal Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, PR China
| | - Fang Liu
- College of Animal Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, PR China
| | - Wenhao Li
- College of Animal Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, PR China
| | - Wenchang Zhang
- College of Animal Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, PR China.
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30
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Heinzmann J, Mattern F, Aldag P, Bernal-Ulloa SM, Schneider T, Haaf T, Niemann H. Extended in vitro maturation affects gene expression and DNA methylation in bovine oocytes. Mol Hum Reprod 2015; 21:770-82. [PMID: 26155800 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gav040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2015] [Accepted: 06/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
To mimic post-ovulatory ageing, we have extended the in vitro maturation (IVM) phase to 48 h and examined effects on (i) developmental potential, (ii) expression of a panel of developmentally important genes and (iii) gene-specific epigenetic marks. Results were compared with the 24 h IVM protocol (control) usually employed for bovine oocytes. Cleavage rates and blastocyst yields were significantly reduced in oocytes after extended IVM. No significant differences were observed in the methylation of entire alleles in oocytes for the genes bH19, bSNRPN, bZAR1, bOct4 and bDNMT3A. However, we found differentially methylated CpG sites in the bDNMT3Ls locus in oocytes after extended IVM and in embryos derived from them compared with controls. Moreover, embryos derived from the 48 h matured oocyte group were significantly less methylated at CpG5 and CpG7 compared with the 24 h group. CpG7 was significantly hypermethylated in embryos produced from the control oocytes, but not in oocytes matured for 48 h. Furthermore, methylation for CpG5-CpG8 of bDNMT3Ls was significantly lower in oocytes of the 24 h group compared with embryos derived therefrom, whereas no such difference was found for oocytes and embryos of the in vitro aged group. Expression of most of the selected genes was not affected by duration of IVM. However, transcript abundance for the imprinted gene bIGF2R was significantly reduced in oocytes analyzed after extended IVM compared with control oocytes. Transcript levels for bPRDX1, bDNMT3A and bBCLXL were significantly reduced in 4- to 8-cell embryos derived from in vitro aged oocytes. These results indicate that extended IVM leads to ageing-like alterations and demonstrate that epigenetic mechanisms are critically involved in ageing of bovine oocytes, which warrants further studies into epigenetic mechanisms involved in ageing of female germ cells, including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Heinzmann
- Institute of Farm Animal Genetics (FLI), Mariensee, 31535 Neustadt, Germany
| | - Felix Mattern
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Patrick Aldag
- Institute of Farm Animal Genetics (FLI), Mariensee, 31535 Neustadt, Germany
| | | | - Tamara Schneider
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Haaf
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Heiner Niemann
- Institute of Farm Animal Genetics (FLI), Mariensee, 31535 Neustadt, Germany
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31
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Transcript abundance, glutathione and apoptosis levels differ between porcine oocytes collected from prepubertal and cyclic gilts. Theriogenology 2015; 84:86-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2014] [Revised: 02/11/2015] [Accepted: 02/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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32
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Moussa M, Shu J, Zhang X, Zeng F. Maternal control of oocyte quality in cattle “a review”. Anim Reprod Sci 2015; 155:11-27. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2015.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2014] [Revised: 11/20/2014] [Accepted: 01/15/2015] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
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Angulo L, Guyader-Joly C, Auclair S, Hennequet-Antier C, Papillier P, Boussaha M, Fritz S, Hugot K, Moreews F, Ponsart C, Humblot P, Dalbies-Tran R. An integrated approach to bovine oocyte quality: from phenotype to genes. Reprod Fertil Dev 2015; 28:RD14353. [PMID: 25689671 DOI: 10.1071/rd14353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2014] [Accepted: 01/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In cattle, early embryonic failure plays a major role in the limitation of reproductive performance and is influenced by genetic effects. Suboptimal oocyte quality, including an inadequate store of maternal factors, is suspected to contribute to this phenomenon. In the present study, 13 Montbeliarde cows were phenotyped on oocyte quality, based on their ability to produce viable embryos after in vitro maturation, fertilisation and culture for 7 days. This discriminated two groups of animals, exhibiting developmental rates below 18.8% or above 40.9% (relative to cleaved embryos). Using microarrays, transcriptomic profiles were compared between oocytes collected in vivo from these two groups of animals. The difference in oocyte development potential was associated with changes in transcripts from 60 genes in immature oocytes and 135 genes in mature oocytes (following Bonferroni 5% correction). Of these, 16 and 32 genes were located in previously identified fertility quantitative trait loci. A subset of differential genes was investigated on distinct samples by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. For SLC25A16, PPP1R14C, ROBO1, AMDHD1 and MEAF6 transcripts, differential expression was confirmed between high and low oocyte potential animals. Further sequencing and searches for polymorphisms will pave the way for implementing their use in genomic selection.
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Developmental competence of different quality bovine oocytes retrieved through ovum pick-up following in vitro maturation and fertilization. Animal 2015; 9:1979-85. [DOI: 10.1017/s1751731115001226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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Urrego R, Herrera-Puerta E, Chavarria NA, Camargo O, Wrenzycki C, Rodriguez-Osorio N. Follicular progesterone concentrations and messenger RNA expression of MATER and OCT-4 in immature bovine oocytes as predictors of developmental competence. Theriogenology 2014; 83:1179-87. [PMID: 25662108 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2014] [Revised: 12/11/2014] [Accepted: 12/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The ability of bovine embryos to develop to the blastocyst stage and to implant and generate healthy offspring depends greatly on the competence of the oocyte. Oocyte competence is attributed to its close communication with the follicular environment and to its capacity to synthesize and store substantial amounts of messenger RNA. Higher developmental competence of bovine oocytes has been associated with both the expression of a cohort of developmental genes and the concentration of sex steroids in the follicular fluid. The aim of this study was to identify differences in the expression of FST in cumulus cells and OCT-4 and MATER in oocytes and the influence of the follicular progesterone and follicular estrogen concentration on the competence of bovine oocytes retrieved 30 minutes or 4 hours after slaughter. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were left in postmortem ovaries for 30 minutes (group I) or 4 hours (group II) at 30 °C. Aspirated oocytes were then subjected to IVM, IVF, and IVC or were evaluated for MATER and OCT-4 messenger RNA abundance by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Total RNA was isolated from pools of 100 oocytes for each experimental replicate. Progesterone and estradiol concentration in follicular fluid was evaluated by immunoassay using an IMMULITE 2000 analyzer. Three repeats of in vitro embryo production were performed with a total of 455 (group I) and 470 (group II) COCs. There were no significant differences between the cleavage rates (72 hours postinsemination [hpi]) between both groups (63.5% vs. 69.1%). However, blastocyst (168 hpi) and hatching (216 hpi) rates were higher (P < 0.05) in group II compared with those of group I (21.3% vs. 30.7% and 27.6% vs. 51.5%, respectively). Group II oocytes exhibited the highest MATER and OCT-4 abundance (P < 0.05). Follicular estradiol concentration was not different between both the groups, whereas the progesterone concentration was lower (P ≤ 0.05) in group II follicles. These results indicate that retrieving COCs 4 hours after slaughter could increase bovine in vitro developmental competence, which is linked to higher levels of oocyte MATER and OCT-4 transcripts and lower follicular progesterone concentration. Moreover, the results of the present study contribute to the identification of factors involved in the developmental competence of immature oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Urrego
- Grupo CENTAURO, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia; Grupo INCA-CES, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad CES, Medellín, Colombia.
| | - E Herrera-Puerta
- Grupo INCA-CES, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad CES, Medellín, Colombia; Grupo Biología CES-EIA, Universidad CES, Medellín, Colombia
| | - N A Chavarria
- Grupo INCA-CES, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad CES, Medellín, Colombia
| | - O Camargo
- Grupo Genes, Gametos y Embriones, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - C Wrenzycki
- Clinic for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Andrology of Large and Small Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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Bakhtari A, Ross PJ. DPPA3 prevents cytosine hydroxymethylation of the maternal pronucleus and is required for normal development in bovine embryos. Epigenetics 2014; 9:1271-9. [PMID: 25147917 DOI: 10.4161/epi.32087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Dppa3 has been described in mice as an important maternal factor contributed by the oocyte that participates in protecting the maternal genome from oxidation of methylated cytosines (5mC) to hydroxymethylated cytosines (5hmC). Dppa3 is also required for normal mouse preimplantation development. This gene is poorly conserved across mammalian species, with less than 32% of protein sequence shared between mouse, cow and human. RNA-seq analysis of bovine oocytes and preimplantation embryos revealed that DPPA3 transcripts are some of the most highly abundant mRNAs in the oocyte, and their levels gradually decrease toward the time of embryonic genome activation (EGA). Knockdown of DPPA3 by injection of siRNA in germinal vesicle (GV) stage oocytes was used to assess its role in epigenetic remodeling and embryo development. DPPA3 knockdown resulted in increased intensity of 5hmC staining in the maternal pronucleus (PN), demonstrating a role for this factor in the asymmetric remodeling of the maternal and paternal PN in bovine zygotes. Also, DPPA3 knockdown decreased the developmental competence of parthenogenetic and in vitro fertilized embryos. Finally, DPPA3 knockdown embryos that reached the blastocyst stage had significantly fewer ICM cells as compared with control embryos. We conclude that DPPA3 is a maternal factor important for correct epigenetic remodeling and normal embryonic development in cattle, indicating that the role of DPPA3 during early development is conserved between species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azizollah Bakhtari
- Department of Animal Science; University of California; Davis, CA USA; Department of Animal Science; Isfahan University of Technology; Isfahan, Iran
| | - Pablo J Ross
- Department of Animal Science; University of California; Davis, CA USA
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Meirelles FV, Bressan FF, Smith LC, Perecin F, Chiaratti MR, Ferraz JBS. Cytoplasmatic inheritance, epigenetics and reprogramming DNA as tools in animal breeding. Livest Sci 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2014.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Bogacki M, Wasielak M, Kitewska A, Bogacka I, Jalali BM. The effect of hormonal estrus induction on maternal effect and apoptosis-related genes expression in porcine cumulus-oocyte complexes. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2014; 12:32. [PMID: 24885667 PMCID: PMC4012087 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-12-32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2013] [Accepted: 03/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effect of hormonal estrus induction on maternal effect (MATER - maternal antigen that embryo requires, ZAR-1 - zygote arrest 1, and BMP15 - bone morphogenetic protein 15) and apoptosis-related genes expression (BCL-2 and BAX) in porcine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) and selected follicular parameters was investigated in this study. METHODS Gilts were divided into three groups: (I) with natural estrus; (II) stimulated with PMSG/hCG; and (III) with PMSG/hCG + PGF2alpha. Analysis of maternal effect and apoptosis-related transcripts expression in COCs, and progesterone synthesis pathway genes expression (P450scc and 3betaHSD) in granulosa cells was performed by qPCR. BMP15 protein expression in follicular fluid (FF) was analyzed by western blot. Oocyte nuclear maturation was assessed by aceto-orcein staining. Progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2) concentrations in FF and serum were measured by ELISA. Data were analyzed with the one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni post-test or Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunns post-test. RESULTS The highest expression of MATER, ZAR-1, and BMP15 genes was found in COCs recovered from gilts treated with PMSG/hCG when compared to PMSG/hCG + PGF2alpha-stimulated or non-stimulated gilts. Hormonal treatment did not affect the BMP15 protein expression in FF, but increased the expression of genes participating in P4 synthesis in granulosa cells. The higher percentage of immature oocytes was found in PMSG/hCG-treated when compared to the non-stimulated gilts. The expression of BCL-2 and BAX mRNA, and BCL-2/BAX mRNA ratio was significantly higher in COCs derived from PMSG/hCG-treated when compared to PMSG/hCG + PGF2alpha-treated or non-stimulated subjects. The level of P4 in serum was similar in animals from all experimental groups, while its concentration in FF was greater in gilts subjected to PMSG/hCG treatment than in PMSG/hCG + PGF2alpha-stimulated and non-stimulated gilts. The concentration of E2 did not differ in the serum or FF between the control group and the hormonally stimulated groups. CONCLUSIONS Hormonal induction of estrus affected maternal effect gene transcripts levels in COCs and and oocyte nuclear maturation. The inclusion of PGF2alpha into the stimulation protocol enabled maintaining of physiological concentration of P4 in FF. Additionally, both hormonal treatments seem to be beneficial for apoptosis prevention through increasing BCL-2/BAX transcript ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek Bogacki
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima 10, Olsztyn 10-748, Poland
| | - Marta Wasielak
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima 10, Olsztyn 10-748, Poland
| | - Anna Kitewska
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima 10, Olsztyn 10-748, Poland
| | - Iwona Bogacka
- Department of Animal Physiology, University of Warmia and Mazury, Oczapowskiego 2, Olsztyn 10-719, Poland
| | - Beenu Moza Jalali
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima 10, Olsztyn 10-748, Poland
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Monniaux D, Clément F, Dalbiès-Tran R, Estienne A, Fabre S, Mansanet C, Monget P. The ovarian reserve of primordial follicles and the dynamic reserve of antral growing follicles: what is the link? Biol Reprod 2014; 90:85. [PMID: 24599291 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.117077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The growing follicles develop from a reserve of primordial follicles constituted early in life. From this pre-established reserve, a second ovarian reserve is formed, which consists of gonadotropin-responsive small antral growing follicles and is a dynamic reserve for ovulation. Its size, evaluated by direct antral follicular count or endocrine markers, determines the success of assisted reproductive technologies in humans and embryo production biotechnologies in animals. Strong evidence indicates that these two reserves are functionally related. The size of both reserves appears to be highly variable between individuals of similar age, but the equilibrium size of the dynamic reserve in adults seems to be specific to each individual. The dynamics of both follicular reserves appears to result from the fine tuning of regulations involving two main pathways, the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)/phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K)/3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase-1 (PDPK1)/v-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog 1 (AKT1) and the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)/anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH)/SMAD signaling pathways. Mutations in genes encoding the ligands, receptors, or signaling effectors of these pathways can accelerate or modulate the exhaustion rate of the ovarian reserves, causing premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) or increase in reproductive longevity, respectively. With female aging, the decline in primordial follicle numbers parallels the decrease in the size of the dynamic reserve of small antral follicles and the deterioration of oocyte quality. Recent progress in our knowledge of signaling pathways and their environmental and hormonal control during adult and fetal life opens new perspectives to improve the management of the ovarian reserves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Monniaux
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Nouzilly, France
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Pawlak P, Warzych E, Chabowska A, Lechniak D. Differences in cytoplasmic maturation between the BCB+ and control porcine oocytes do not justify application of the BCB test for a standard IVM protocol. J Reprod Dev 2013; 60:28-36. [PMID: 24284835 PMCID: PMC3963294 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2013-092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The Brilliant Cresyl Blue (BCB) test relies on G6PDH activity and a simple protocol for
the selection of higher quality oocytes. Although the BCB+ oocytes of all the species that
have been investigated are characterized by superior quality when compared to BCB-
counterparts, application of the test for embryo production still remains an open issue.
The aim of our study was to compare BCB+ and the control oocytes (not subjected to the BCB
test) in terms of selected aspects of cytoplasmic maturation (mtDNA copy number,
mitochondria distribution, relative transcript abundance of six marker genes). The results
of our study revealed more relevant differences within the BCB+ and the control oocytes
(before and after IVM) than between the two categories of oocytes. There was no difference
in the transcript abundance of the BCB+ and the control oocytes in 5 out of 6 analyzed
genes (BMP15, GDF9, ATP5A1,
EEF1A, ZAR1) and in mtDNA content (pre-IVM 179609
vs. 176595 and post-IVM 187243 vs. 246984,
respectively). With regard to mitochondria distribution in pre- and post-IVM oocytes,
there was nonsignificant tendency for a more frequent occurrence of the expected patterns
in the BCB+ group. The results of the present study do not support the application of BCB
staining in a routine IVM protocol due to relatively high similarity in selected
parameters characterizing cytoplasmic maturation of BCB+ and control oocytes. This high
similarity may results from the limited amount of less competent BCB- oocytes (10%) still
present among nonselected oocytes of proper morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Pawlak
- Department of Genetics And Animal Breeding, Poznan University of Life Sciences, 60-637 Poznan, Poland
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Kohata C, Izquierdo-Rico MJ, Romar R, Funahashi H. Development competence and relative transcript abundance of oocytes derived from small and medium follicles of prepubertal gilts. Theriogenology 2013; 80:970-8. [PMID: 23987988 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2013.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2012] [Revised: 07/14/2013] [Accepted: 07/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to examine the competence of mature oocytes aspirated from small follicles (SF, <2 mm in diameter) and medium follicles (MF, 3-6 mm) of abattoir-derived prepubertal gilt ovaries. Oocytes were selected by the presence of the first polar body (1pb) after IVM in a chemically defined medium, for sperm penetration, pronuclear formation, cleavage rate, and development to the blastocyst stage. Relative transcript abundance of genes associated with regulation of oocyte maturation (AURKA, AURKB, and MOS), fertilization (ZP3 and ZP4), maternal effect (NALP9 and HSF1), and anti-apoptosis (BCL2) were also examined in oocytes at germinal vesicle (GV) and metaphase-II (MII) stages. In SF, compared with MF, the maturation rate post-IVM was lower (P < 0.05), but there were no differences in sperm penetration rate (78.2% and 68.5% at 6 hours after insemination and 90.8% and 91.9% at 9 hours after insemination, P = 0.51 and P = 0.67, respectively), the percentage of oocytes that formed both female and male pronuclei (27.9% and 25.8% at 6 hours after insemination and 79.4% and 76.1% at 9 hours after insemination), or cleavage rate at 48 hours after insemination (85.9% and 89.7%, respectively, P = 0.46), whereas blastocyst formation rate was lower (P < 0.05) in oocytes from SF versus MF (14.7% and 31.0%). Transcript abundances decreased (P < 0.05) in all genes examined between the GV and MII stages, although only transcript abundance for MOS was lower (P < 0.05) in GV oocytes from SF versus MF. In conclusion, mature oocytes from SF and MF of prepubertal gilts with a visible 1pb had similar fertilizability in vitro and relative transcript abundance of nine genes. However, follicle size affected meiotic competence, early embryonic development to the blastocyst stage, and transcript abundance of the MOS gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiyuki Kohata
- Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Tsushima-Naka, Kita-Ku, Okayama, Japan
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Zhang GM, Gu CH, Zhang YL, Sun HY, Qian WP, Zhou ZR, Wan YJ, Jia RX, Wang LZ, Wang F. Age-associated changes in gene expression of goat oocytes. Theriogenology 2013; 80:328-36. [PMID: 23746875 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2013.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2012] [Revised: 04/16/2013] [Accepted: 04/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Oocyte aging severely decreases the quality of oocytes, which hampers fertilization and subsequent embryo development. In the present study, age-dependent molecular changes in goat oocytes were investigated. First, the quality of goat oocytes with various in vitro culture times (24, 30, 36, 48, and 60 hours) was evaluated on the basis of developmental rates of parthenogenetically activated embryos and apoptosis of cumulus cells (CCs). Second, relative gene expression of six genes (mitochondrial genes: PGC-1α and NRF-1; epigenetic modification genes: SNRPN and HAT1; mitotic spindle checkpoint protein: SMAD2; and hyaluronan synthase gene: HAS3) were analyzed during oocyte aging. Third, we further studied the changes of seven genes (PGC-1α and NRF-1; apoptotic-related genes: BAX and BCL2; hyaluronan synthase gene: HAS2; metabolism-related gene: STAR; and superoxide dismutase gene: SOD1) in CCs during oocyte aging. In these studies, the blastocyst rate gradually decreased and the number of apoptotic cells significantly increased as the culture time increased (P < 0.05). Moreover, relative gene expressions of PGC-1α, NRF-1 and SMAD2 significantly decreased from 24 to 36 hours (P < 0.05), whereas the levels of HAT1 and HAS3 slowly increased as culture was prolonged. Furthermore, the levels of PGC-1α, BCL2, HAS2 and SOD1 quickly reduced, and BAX significantly increased from 24 to 36 hours in aged CCs (P < 0.05). In conclusion, goat oocytes started to age at 30 hours in vitro culture, and gene expression patterns of oocytes and CCs significantly changed as the oocytes aged. Gene expression pattern changes in CCs may provide a convenient and effective way to detect oocyte aging without compromising oocyte integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Min Zhang
- Center of Embryo Engineering and Technology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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Cochran SD, Cole JB, Null DJ, Hansen PJ. Discovery of single nucleotide polymorphisms in candidate genes associated with fertility and production traits in Holstein cattle. BMC Genet 2013; 14:49. [PMID: 23759029 PMCID: PMC3686577 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2156-14-49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2013] [Accepted: 05/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for specific genes involved in reproduction might improve reliability of genomic estimates for these low-heritability traits. Semen from 550 Holstein bulls of high (≥ 1.7; n = 288) or low (≤ −2; n = 262) daughter pregnancy rate (DPR) was genotyped for 434 candidate SNPs using the Sequenom MassARRAY® system. Three types of SNPs were evaluated: SNPs previously reported to be associated with reproductive traits or physically close to genetic markers for reproduction, SNPs in genes that are well known to be involved in reproductive processes, and SNPs in genes that are differentially expressed between physiological conditions in a variety of tissues associated in reproductive function. Eleven reproduction and production traits were analyzed. Results A total of 40 SNPs were associated (P < 0.05) with DPR. Among these were genes involved in the endocrine system, cell signaling, immune function and inhibition of apoptosis. A total of 10 genes were regulated by estradiol. In addition, 22 SNPs were associated with heifer conception rate, 33 with cow conception rate, 36 with productive life, 34 with net merit, 23 with milk yield, 19 with fat yield, 13 with fat percent, 19 with protein yield, 22 with protein percent, and 13 with somatic cell score. The allele substitution effect for SNPs associated with heifer conception rate, cow conception rate, productive life and net merit were in the same direction as for DPR. Allele substitution effects for several SNPs associated with production traits were in the opposite direction as DPR. Nonetheless, there were 29 SNPs associated with DPR that were not negatively associated with production traits. Conclusion SNPs in a total of 40 genes associated with DPR were identified as well as SNPs for other traits. It might be feasible to include these SNPs into genomic tests of reproduction and other traits. The genes associated with DPR are likely to be important for understanding the physiology of reproduction. Given the large number of SNPs associated with DPR that were not negatively associated with production traits, it should be possible to select for DPR without compromising production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah D Cochran
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611-0910, USA
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Messenger RNAs in metaphase II oocytes correlate with successful embryo development to the blastocyst stage. ZYGOTE 2012; 22:69-79. [PMID: 23046986 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199412000299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The mRNAs accumulated in oocytes provide support for embryo development until embryo genomic activation. We hypothesized that the maternal mRNA stock present in bovine oocytes is associated with embryo development until the blastocyst stage. To test our hypothesis, we analyzed the transcriptome of the oocyte and correlated the results with the embryo development. Our goal was to identify genes expressed in the oocyte that correlate with its ability to develop to the blastocyst stage. A fraction of oocyte cytoplasm was biopsied using micro-aspiration and stored for further expression analysis. Oocytes were activated chemically, cultured individually and classified according to their capacity to develop in vitro to the blastocyst stage. Microarray analysis was performed on mRNA extracted from the oocyte cytoplasm fractions and correlated with its ability to develop to the blastocyst stage (good quality oocyte) or arrest at the 8-16-cell stage (bad quality oocyte). The expression of 4320 annotated genes was detected in the fractions of cytoplasm that had been collected from oocytes matured in vitro. Gene ontology classification revealed that enriched gene expression of genes was associated with certain biological processes: 'RNA processing', 'translation' and 'mRNA metabolic process'. Genes that are important to the molecular functions of 'RNA binding' and 'translation factor activity, RNA binding' were also enriched in oocytes. We identified 29 genes with differential expression between the two groups of oocytes compared (good versus bad quality). The content of mRNAs expressed in metaphase II oocytes influences the activation of the embryonic genome and enables further develop to the blastocyst stage.
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Timing of first embryonic cleavage is a positive indicator of the in vitro developmental potential of porcine embryos derived from in vitro fertilization, somatic cell nuclear transfer and parthenogenesis. Mol Reprod Dev 2011; 79:197-207. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2011] [Accepted: 11/29/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Pereira AF, Alcântara Neto AS, Albuquerque ES, Luciano MCS, Teixeira DIA, Freitas VJF, Melo LM. Goat oocyte production by standard or one-shot FSH treatments and quantitative analysis of transcripts for EGF ligands and its receptor after in vitro maturation. Reprod Domest Anim 2011; 47:244-51. [PMID: 21923881 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2011.01845.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Hormonal ovarian stimulation may affect the success of embryo production by regulating transcripts in recovered cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs). Here, in parallel to morphological classification and in vitro maturation (IVM) rate analysis, we investigated the expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its receptor (EGFR) in oocytes and cumulus cells from goat COCs recovered by laparoscopy after standard [multi-dose follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)] or one-shot (single dose FSH plus eCG) treatments. No differences were observed among the number of recovered and morphologically graded COCs or the IVM rates for both gonadotropic treatments. However, the standard protocol produced COCs with higher EGFR expression in the cumulus cells than the one-shot treatment. Additionally, EGF mRNA levels were less than EGFR mRNA levels, and they did not differ among COCs from both treatments. However, during maturation, the EGF transcripts increased in oocytes derived only from the standard protocol. Interestingly, IVM strikingly increased EGFR expression in oocytes and cumulus cells but not in oocytes that fail in first polar body extrusion, irrespective of hormonal treatment. These results appear to be related to the resumption of meiosis and suggest that EGF may act through the cumulus cells or directly on the oocyte receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- A F Pereira
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Fortaleza-CE, Brazil
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