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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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Haug LM, Wilson RC, Alm-Kristiansen AH. Epigenetic-related transcriptional reprogramming elucidated by identification and validation of a novel reference gene combination for RT-qPCR studies in porcine oocytes of contrasting quality. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:368. [PMID: 38411699 PMCID: PMC10899281 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09319-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reliable RT-qPCR results are dependent on appropriate normalisation. Oocyte maturation studies can be challenging in this respect, as the stage of development can distinctively affect reference gene transcript abundance. The aim of this study was to validate the use of reference genes in oocyte in vitro maturation RT-qPCR studies, and thereafter, examine the abundance of transcripts supporting histone modification during oocyte and early embryo development in oocytes of contrasting quality. METHODS AND RESULTS Total RNA from oocytes from prepubertal gilts and sows was extracted either directly succeeding follicle aspiration or after 44 h in vitro maturation, followed by RT-qPCR. The stability of YWHAG, HPRT1, ACTB, GAPDH, HMBS and PFKP, was analysed by NormFinder and further cross-validated by assessing results generated following application of different combinations of potential reference genes for normalisation of the RT-qPCR data. Combining ACTB and PFKP generated high stability according to NormFinder and concordant results. Applying this normalisation, gilt derived oocytes displayed significantly higher abundance than oocytes from sows of almost all the epigenetic-related transcripts studied (HDAC2, SIRT1, SALL4, KDM1A, KDM1B, KDM5A), both before and after maturation. CONCLUSIONS This study identified the combined use of ACTB and PFKP as the optimal normalisation for porcine oocyte RT-qPCR data. In oocytes collected from prepubertal gilts, transcription did not appear to be silenced at the time of aspiration, and accumulation of transcripts supporting histone modification facilitating proper fertilization and further embryo development seemed delayed. The results imply the epigenetic-related transcripts may have potential as markers of oocyte quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Marijke Haug
- CRESCO, Centre for Embryology and Healthy Development, Department of Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
| | - Robert C Wilson
- CRESCO, Centre for Embryology and Healthy Development, Department of Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
| | - Anne Hege Alm-Kristiansen
- CRESCO, Centre for Embryology and Healthy Development, Department of Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway.
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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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Kim M, Hwang SU, Yoon JD, Lee J, Kim E, Cai L, Choi H, Oh D, Lee G, Hyun SH. Physiological and Functional Roles of Neurotrophin-4 During In Vitro Maturation of Porcine Cumulus–Oocyte Complexes. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:908992. [PMID: 35898394 PMCID: PMC9310091 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.908992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotrophin-4 (NT-4), a granulosa cell-derived factor and a member of the neurotrophin family, is known to promote follicular development and oocyte maturation in mammals. However, the physiological and functional roles of NT-4 in porcine ovarian development are not yet known. The aim of this study was to investigate the physiological role of NT-4-related signaling in the in vitro maturation (IVM) of porcine cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs). The NT-4 protein and its receptors were detected in matured porcine COCs via immunofluorescence analysis. NT-4 was shown to promote the maturation of COCs by upregulating NFKB1 transcription via the neurotrophin/p75NTR signaling pathway. Notably, the mRNA expression levels of the oocyte-secreted factors GDF9 and BMP15, sperm–oocyte interaction regulator CD9, and DNA methylase DNMT3A were significantly upregulated in NT-4-treated than in untreated porcine oocytes. Concurrently, there were no significant differences in the levels of total and phosphorylated epidermal growth factor receptor and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase between NT-4-treated and untreated cumulus cells (CCs); however, the level of phosphorylated ERK1/2 was significantly higher in NT-4-treated CCs. Both total and phosphorylated ERK1/2 levels were significantly higher in NT-4-treated than in untreated oocytes. In addition, NT-4 improved subsequent embryonic development after in vitro fertilization and somatic cell nuclear transfer. Therefore, the physiological and functional roles of NT-4 in porcine ovarian development include the promotion of oocyte maturation, CC expansion, and ERK1/2 phosphorylation in porcine COCs during IVM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirae Kim
- Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea
- Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea
| | - Seon-Ung Hwang
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York (SUNY), Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Junchul David Yoon
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Joohyeong Lee
- Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea
- Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea
| | - Eunhye Kim
- Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics and Cell Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, South Korea
| | - Lian Cai
- Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea
- Graduate School of Veterinary Biosecurity and Protection, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea
| | - Hyerin Choi
- Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea
- Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea
| | - Dongjin Oh
- Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea
- Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea
| | - Gabsang Lee
- Department of Neurology, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Sang-Hwan Hyun
- Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea
- Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea
- Graduate School of Veterinary Biosecurity and Protection, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea
- *Correspondence: Sang-Hwan Hyun,
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Almubarak AM, Kim E, Yu IJ, Jeon Y. Supplementation with Niacin during in vitro maturation improves the quality of porcine embryos. Theriogenology 2021; 169:36-46. [PMID: 33932650 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, has a pivotal role in energy metabolism, cellular signaling cascades regulating gene expression, and apoptosis. However, the effect of Niacin on porcine early embryo developmental competence remains to be elucidated. The present study aimed to assess the effects of Niacin treatment during in vitro maturation (IVM) on the nuclear maturation of porcine oocytes and subsequent development of in vitro embryos. In addition, the expression profiles of selected genes related to lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and apoptosis were assessed. The IVM medium was supplemented with different concentrations of Niacin (0, 300, 600, and 900 μM). The results showed that a high concentration of Niacin (900 μM) significantly decreased cumulus expansion compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). No significant difference was observed among the experimental groups for nuclear maturation rate. Niacin treatments (300, 600, and 900 μM) during IVM significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced glutathione levels. Treatment with 300 and 600 μM significantly (p < 0.05) lowered the reactive oxygen species levels compared to treatment with 900 μM and the control group. Niacin supplementation to the IVM media significantly improved the cleavage and blastocyst rates compared to the control group. Supplementation with 300 and 600 μM of Niacin significantly increased the total cell number of blastocysts compared to supplementation with 900 μM or the control groups. Cytoplasmic lipid droplets were significantly reduced after 600 μM treatment. Supplementation of Niacin to IVM media positively affected the relative expression of genes related to energy and oxidative status (SIRT1), pro-apoptosis (BAX), anti-apoptosis (BCL2), and lipid metabolism (ACACA and PNPLA2) in cumulus cells and oocytes. Taken together, Niacin supplementation to porcine IVM media improved the developmental competence of early embryos mainly through protection against oxidative stress and its influence on energy metabolism and apoptosis pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Areeg M Almubarak
- Department of Theriogenology and Reproductive Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Bio-safety Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, 54596, Republic of Korea; Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sudan University of Science and Technology, Khartoum North, Khartoum, 11111, Sudan
| | - Eunji Kim
- Department of Theriogenology and Reproductive Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Bio-safety Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, 54596, Republic of Korea
| | - Il-Jeoung Yu
- Department of Theriogenology and Reproductive Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Bio-safety Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, 54596, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yubyeol Jeon
- Department of Theriogenology and Reproductive Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Bio-safety Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, 54596, Republic of Korea.
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