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Ma C, Li Q, Yang Y, Ge L, Cai J, Wang J, Zhu M, Xiong Y, Zhang W, Xie J, Cao Y, Zhao H, Wei Q, Huang C, Shi J, Zhang JV, Duan E, Lei X. mTOR hypoactivity leads to trophectoderm cell failure by enhancing lysosomal activation and disrupting the cytoskeleton in preimplantation embryo. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:219. [PMID: 38037142 PMCID: PMC10688112 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01176-3] [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: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metabolic homeostasis is closely related to early impairment of cell fate determination and embryo development. The protein kinase mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a key regulator of cellular metabolism in the body. Inhibition of mTOR signaling in early embryo causes postimplantation development failure, yet the mechanisms are still poorly understood. METHODS Pregnancy mice and preimplantation mouse embryo were treated with mTOR inhibitor in vivo and in vitro respectively, and subsequently examined the blastocyst formation, implantation, and post-implantation development. We used immunofluorescence staining, RNA-Seq smart2, and genome-wide bisulfite sequencing technologies to investigate the impact of mTOR inhibitors on the quality, cell fate determination, and molecular alterations in developing embryos. RESULTS We showed mTOR suppression during preimplantation decreases the rate of blastocyst formation and the competency of implantation, impairs the post implantation embryonic development. We discovered that blocking mTOR signaling negatively affected the transformation of 8-cell embryos into blastocysts and caused various deficiencies in blastocyst quality. These included problems with compromised trophectoderm cell differentiation, as well as disruptions in cell fate specification. mTOR suppression significantly affected the transcription and DNA methylation of embryos. Treatment with mTOR inhibitors increase lysosomal activation and disrupts the organization and dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton in blastocysts. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that mTOR plays a crucial role in 8-cell to blastocyst transition and safeguards embryo quality during early embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiyuan Ma
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Qin Li
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yuxin Yang
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Life Sciences, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China
| | - Lei Ge
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Jiaxuan Cai
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Maoxian Zhu
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yue Xiong
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Wenya Zhang
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Jingtong Xie
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Life Sciences, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China
| | - Yujing Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Huashan Zhao
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Qing Wei
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Chen Huang
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Junchao Shi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Jian V Zhang
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Enkui Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Xiaohua Lei
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
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Hardy MLM, Lakhiani D, Morris MB, Day ML. Proline and Proline Analogues Improve Development of Mouse Preimplantation Embryos by Protecting Them against Oxidative Stress. Cells 2023; 12:2640. [PMID: 37998375 PMCID: PMC10670569 DOI: 10.3390/cells12222640] [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: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The culture of embryos in the non-essential amino acid L-proline (Pro) or its analogues pipecolic acid (PA) and L-4-thiazolidine carboxylic acid (L4T) improves embryo development, increasing the percentage that develop to the blastocyst stage and hatch. Staining of 2-cell and 4-cell embryos with tetramethylrhodamine methyl ester and 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate showed that the culture of embryos in the presence of Pro, or either of these analogues, reduced mitochondrial activity and reactive oxygen species (ROS), respectively, indicating potential mechanisms by which embryo development is improved. Inhibition of the Pro metabolism enzyme, proline oxidase, by tetrahydro-2-furoic-acid prevented these reductions and concomitantly prevented the improved development. The ways in which Pro, PA and L4T reduce mitochondrial activity and ROS appear to differ, despite their structural similarity. Specifically, the results are consistent with Pro reducing ROS by reducing mitochondrial activity while PA and L4T may be acting as ROS scavengers. All three may work to reduce ROS by contributing to the GSH pool. Overall, our results indicate that reduction in mitochondrial activity and oxidative stress are potential mechanisms by which Pro and its analogues act to improve pre-implantation embryo development.
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Luo Y, Huang Y, Deng L, Li Z, Li C. Metabolomic Profiling of Female Mink Serum during Early to Mid-Pregnancy to Reveal Metabolite Changes. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1759. [PMID: 37761899 PMCID: PMC10531253 DOI: 10.3390/genes14091759] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Mink embryos enter a period of diapause after the embryo develops into the blastocyst, and its reactivation is mainly caused by an increase in polyamine. The specific process of embryo diapause regulation and reactivation remains largely unexamined. This study aimed to identify changes in metabolites in the early pregnancy of mink by comparing and analyzing in serum metabolites up to twenty-nine days after mating. Blood samples were taken on the first day of mating, once a week until the fifth week. Metabolomic profiles of the serum samples taken during this period were analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Multivariate statistical analyses identified differential metabolite expression at different time points in both positive and negative ion modes. The levels of dopamine, tyramine, L-phenylalanine, L-tyrosine, tyrosine, L-kynurenine, L-lysine, L-arginine, D-ornithine, and leucine changed significantly. These metabolites may be associated with the process of embryo diapause and subsequent reactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Chunjin Li
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China; (Y.L.); (Y.H.); (L.D.); (Z.L.)
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Kalous J, Aleshkina D, Anger M. A Role of PI3K/Akt Signaling in Oocyte Maturation and Early Embryo Development. Cells 2023; 12:1830. [PMID: 37508495 PMCID: PMC10378481 DOI: 10.3390/cells12141830] [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: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
A serine/threonine-specific protein kinase B (PKB), also known as Akt, is a key factor in the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway that regulates cell survival, metabolism and proliferation. Akt phosphorylates many downstream specific substrates, which subsequently control the nuclear envelope breakdown (NEBD), centrosome maturation, spindle assembly, chromosome segregation, and cytokinesis. In vertebrates, Akt is also an important player during oogenesis and preimplantation development. In the signaling pathways regulating mRNA translation, Akt is involved in the control of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) and thereby regulates the activity of a translational repressor, the eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) binding protein 1 (4E-BP1). In this review, we summarize the functions of Akt in mitosis, meiosis and early embryonic development. Additionally, the role of Akt in the regulation of mRNA translation is addressed with respect to the significance of this process during early development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaroslav Kalous
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, 277 21 Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Daria Aleshkina
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, 277 21 Libechov, Czech Republic
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Albertov 6, 128 00 Praha, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Anger
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, 277 21 Libechov, Czech Republic
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Amino Acid Transport and Metabolism Regulate Early Embryo Development: Species Differences, Clinical Significance, and Evolutionary Implications. Cells 2021; 10:cells10113154. [PMID: 34831375 PMCID: PMC8618253 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review we discuss the beneficial effects of amino acid transport and metabolism on pre- and peri-implantation embryo development, and we consider how disturbances in these processes lead to undesirable health outcomes in adults. Proline, glutamine, glycine, and methionine transport each foster cleavage-stage development, whereas leucine uptake by blastocysts via transport system B0,+ promotes the development of trophoblast motility and the penetration of the uterine epithelium in mammalian species exhibiting invasive implantation. (Amino acid transport systems and transporters, such as B0,+, are often oddly named. The reader is urged to focus on the transporters’ functions, not their names.) B0,+ also accumulates leucine and other amino acids in oocytes of species with noninvasive implantation, thus helping them to produce proteins to support later development. This difference in the timing of the expression of system B0,+ is termed heterochrony—a process employed in evolution. Disturbances in leucine uptake via system B0,+ in blastocysts appear to alter the subsequent development of embryos, fetuses, and placentae, with undesirable consequences for offspring. These consequences may include greater adiposity, cardiovascular dysfunction, hypertension, neural abnormalities, and altered bone growth in adults. Similarly, alterations in amino acid transport and metabolism in pluripotent cells in the blastocyst inner cell mass likely lead to epigenetic DNA and histone modifications that produce unwanted transgenerational health outcomes. Such outcomes might be avoided if we learn more about the mechanisms of these effects.
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Chen PR, Lucas CG, Spate LD, Prather RS. Glutaminolysis is involved in the activation of mTORC1 in in vitro-produced porcine embryos. Mol Reprod Dev 2021; 88:490-499. [PMID: 34075648 PMCID: PMC8361685 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Glutamine supplementation to porcine embryo culture medium improves development, increases leucine consumption, and enhances mitochondrial activity. In cancer cells, glutamine has been implicated in the activation of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) to support rapid proliferation. The objective of this study was to determine if glutamine metabolism, known as glutaminolysis, was involved in mTORC1 activation in porcine embryos. Culture with 3.75 mM GlutaMAX improved development to the blastocyst stage compared to culture with 1 mM GlutaMAX, and culture with 0 mM GlutaMAX decreased development compared to all groups with GlutaMAX. Ratios of phosphorylated to total MTOR were increased when embryos were cultured with 3.75 or 10 mM GlutaMAX, which was enhanced by the absence of leucine, but ratios for RPS6K were unchanged. As another indicator of mTORC1 activation, colocalization of MTOR and a lysosomal marker was increased in embryos cultured with 3.75 or 10 mM GlutaMAX in the absence of leucine. Culturing embryos with glutaminase inhibitors decreased development and the ratio of phosphorylated to total MTOR, indicating reduced activation of the complex. Therefore, glutaminolysis is involved in the activation of mTORC1 in porcine embryos, but further studies are needed to characterize downstream effects on development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula R Chen
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Caroline G Lucas
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Lee D Spate
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Randall S Prather
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
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