1
|
Wang C, Zhao X, Wu Z, Huang G, Lin R, Chen H, Xu K, Sun K, Zhou H, Shu J. Identification of Differentially Expressed mRNAs and miRNAs and Related Regulatory Networks in Cumulus Oophorus Complexes Associated with Fertilization. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:1408-1419. [PMID: 38216777 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01413-7] [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: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
Cumulus oophorus complexes (COCs) are the first extracellular barriers that sperm must pass through to fuse with oocytes, which have an important role in oocyte maturation and fertilization. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms of COCs involved in fertilization. In this study, COCs were collected and then randomly divided into a test group that interacted with sperm and a control group that did not interact with sperm. Then, the total RNA was extracted; RNA transcriptome and small RNA libraries were prepared, sequenced, and analyzed. The results showed that 1283 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 560 upregulated and 723 downregulated genes. In addition, 57 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMIs) with 35 upregulated and 22 downregulated were also detected. After the RNA-seq results were verified by RT-qPCR, 86 effective DEGs and 40 DEMIs were finally screened and a DEMI-DEG regulatory network was constructed. From this, the top ten hub target genes were HNF4A, SPN, WSCD1, TMEM239, SLC2A4, E2F2, SIAH3, ADORA3, PIK3R2, and GDNF, and they were all downregulated. The top ten hub DEMIs were miR-6876-5p, miR-877-3p, miR-6818-5p, miR-4690-3p, miR-6789-3p, miR-6837-5p, miR-6861-5p, miR-4421, miR-6501-5p, and miR-6875-3p, all of which were upregulated. The KEGG signaling pathway enrichment analysis showed that the effective DEGs were significantly enriched in the calcium, AMPK, and phospholipase D signaling pathways. Our study identified several DEGs and DEMIs and potential miRNA-mRNA regulatory pathways in COCs and these may contribute to fertilization. This study may provide novel insights into potential biomarkers for fertilization failure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caizhu Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Guangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanning, 530003, Guangxi, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Guangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanning, 530003, Guangxi, China
| | - Zhulian Wu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Guangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanning, 530003, Guangxi, China
| | - Guiting Huang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Guangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanning, 530003, Guangxi, China
| | - Ruoyun Lin
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Guangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanning, 530003, Guangxi, China
| | - Huanhua Chen
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Guangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanning, 530003, Guangxi, China
| | - Kongrong Xu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Guangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanning, 530003, Guangxi, China
| | - Kejian Sun
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Guangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanning, 530003, Guangxi, China
| | - Hong Zhou
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Guangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanning, 530003, Guangxi, China.
| | - Jinhui Shu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Guangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanning, 530003, Guangxi, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ji H, Zhang Q, Ding L, Chen R, Liu F, Li P. Structural and metabolic cumulus cell alteration affects oocyte quality in underweight women. ZYGOTE 2024; 32:77-86. [PMID: 38130161 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199423000588] [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] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the structural and metabolic changes in cumulus cells of underweight women and their effects on oocyte maturation and fertilization. The cytoplasmic ultrastructure was analyzed by electron microscopy, mitochondrial membrane potential by immunofluorescence, and mitochondrial DNA copy number by relative quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The expression of various proteins including the oxidative stress-derived product 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) and autophagy and apoptosis markers such as Vps34, Atg-5, Beclin 1, Lc3-I, II, Bax, and Bcl-2 was assessed and compared between groups. Oocyte maturation and fertilization rates were lower in underweight women (P < 0.05), who presented with cumulus cells showing abnormal mitochondrial morphology and increased cell autophagy. Compared with the mitochondrial DNA copies of the control group, those of the underweight group increased but not significantly. The mitochondrial membrane potential was similar between the groups (P = 0.8). Vps34, Atg-5, Lc3-II, Bax, and Bcl-2 expression and 4-HNE levels were higher in the underweight group compared with the control group (P < 0.01); however, the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was lower in the underweight group compared with the control group (P = 0.031). Additionally, Beclin 1 protein levels were higher in the underweight group compared with the control group but without statistical significance. In conclusion, malnutrition and other conditions in underweight women may adversely affect ovulation, and the development, and fertilization of oocytes resulting from changes to the intracellular structure of cumulus cells and metabolic processes. These changes may lead to reduced fertility or unsatisfactory reproduction outcomes in women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong Ji
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Zhenhai Road 10, 361003 Xiamen, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, Zhenhai Road 10, 361003, Xiamen, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Zhenhai Road 10, 361003 Xiamen, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, Zhenhai Road 10, 361003, Xiamen, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu Ding
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Zhenhai Road 10, 361003 Xiamen, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, Zhenhai Road 10, 361003, Xiamen, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Rongjuan Chen
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Zhenhai Road 10, 361003 Xiamen, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, Zhenhai Road 10, 361003, Xiamen, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Fu Liu
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histoembryology, Xiamen Medical College, Guankou Middle Road 1999, 361023, Xiamen, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Zhenhai Road 10, 361003 Xiamen, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, Zhenhai Road 10, 361003, Xiamen, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bioinformatic Analysis of Human Cumulus Cells to Unravel Cellular's Processes that Could Be Used to Establish Oocyte Quality Biomarkers with Clinical Application. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:642-655. [PMID: 35882717 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-01046-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Metadata analysis of public microarray datasets using bioinformatics tools has been successfully used in several biomedical fields in the search for biomarkers. In reproductive science, there is an urgent need for the establishment of oocyte quality biomarkers that could be used in the clinical environment to increase the chances of successful outcomes in treatment cycles. Adaptive cellular processes observed in cumulus oophorus cells reflect the conditions of the follicular microenvironment and may thus bring relevant information of oocyte's conditions. Here we analyzed human cumulus cells gene expression datasets in search of predictors of oocyte quality, a strategy which uncovered several cellular processes positively and negatively associated with embryo development and pregnancy potential. Secondly, the expression levels of genes that were present in the majority of processes observed were validated in house with clinical samples. Our data confirmed the association of the selected biomarkers with blastocyst formation and pregnancy potential rates, independently of patients' clinical characteristics such as diagnosis, age, BMI, and stimulation protocol applied. This study shows that bioinformatic analysis of cellular processes can be successfully used to elucidate possible oocyte quality biomarkers. Our data reinforces the need to consider clinical characteristics of patients when selecting relevant biomarkers to be used in the clinical environment and suggests a combination of positive (PTGS2) and negative (CYPB1) quality biomarkers as a robust strategy for a complementary oocyte selection tool, potentially increasing assisted reproduction success rates. Also, GPX4 expression as pregnancy potential biomarker is indicated here as a possibility for further investigations.
Collapse
|
4
|
Martínez-Moro Á, González-Brusi L, Lamas-Toranzo I, González-Dosal P, Rodríguez-Juárez F, Bermejo-Álvarez P. The human cumulus cell transcriptome provides poor predictive value for embryo transfer outcome. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 46:783-791. [PMID: 36922313 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.01.012] [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: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Is the transcriptome of cumulus cells a good predictor of the embryo's developmental competence? DESIGN Cumulus cells were collected from donor oocytes and their transcriptome was analysed by RNA sequencing analysis at >30 × 106 reads in samples grouped according to the developmental potential of their enclosed oocyte: not able to develop to the blastocyst stage (Bl-), able to develop to the blastocyst stage but failing to establish a pregnancy (P-), or able to develop to the blastocyst stage and to establish a clinical pregnancy (P+). RESULTS The cumulus cell trancriptome was largely independent of the developmental potential as, using a false dscovery rate-adjusted P-value of <0.05, only 10, 11 and 5 genes were differentially expressed for the comparisons P+ versus P-, P+ versus Bl-, and P- versus Bl-, respectively, out of a total of 17,469 genes expressed. Between the differentially expressed genes, those showing little overlap between samples from different groups were CHAC1, up-regulated in the P- and P+ groups compared with the Bl- group, and CENPE, CD93, PECAM1 and HSPA1B, which showed the opposite expression pattern. Focusing on the pregnancy potential, only EPN3 was consistently downregulated in the P+ compared with the P- and Bl- groups. CONCLUSIONS The cumulus cell transcriptome is largely unrelated to the establishment of clinical pregnancy following embryo transfer, although the expression level of a subset of genes in cumulus cells may indicate the ability to develop to the blastocyst stage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Álvaro Martínez-Moro
- Animal Reproduction Department, INIA, CSIC, Madrid, Spain; IVF Spain Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Govahi A, Nasr-Esfahani MH, Amjadi F, Mahdevar M, Mehdizadeh R, Mehdizadeh M. Cutting-edge techniques provide insights regarding repeated implantation failure patients. Reprod Biomed Online 2022; 46:687-696. [PMID: 36792416 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2022.12.013] [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: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Can time-lapse parameters and the transcriptional profile of cumulus cells be used to achieve a more stringent and non-invasive method of embryo assessment and to identify possible factors affecting the embryo's ability to implant in repeated implantation failure (RIF) patients? DESIGN A total of 190 embryos from 18 oocyte donors and 145 embryos from 15 RIF patients were evaluated based on time-lapse parameters. Three morphokinetic parameters including T5 (time to reach five cells), T3 (time to reach three cells) and CC2 (time to two to three cells) were recorded for all embryos. Embryos that had all three parameters in the normal range were graded as high quality and comparison between these parameters were compared in high-quality embryos between two groups. The transcriptional profile of cumulus cells related to high-quality embryos of both groups were analysed by RNA sequencing and compared. Finally, the possible relationship between differentially expressed genes and time-lapse parameters was examined. RESULTS T5 was significantly lower in the RIF group than the donor group (P = 0.011). The cumulus cell transcriptome analysis showed 193 genes were down-regulated and 222 genes up-regulated. The mammalian target of rapamycin and the transforming growth factor beta pathways were significantly increased in the RIF group compared to the donor group (P = 0.007 and 0.01, respectively). Vitamin B12 and fatty acid beta-oxidation pathways were also significantly reduced in the RIF group compared to the donor group (P = 0.006 and 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Differences in the transcriptomic profiles of cumulus cells and some morphokinetic parameters may be one of the main factors contributing to unexplained RIF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Azam Govahi
- Endometriosis Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Hossein Nasr-Esfahani
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Fatemehsadat Amjadi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Rana Mehdizadeh
- School of Dentistry, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Mehdizadeh
- Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Department of Anatomy, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Campbell JM, Mahbub SB, Bertoldo MJ, Habibalahi A, Goss DM, Ledger WL, Gilchrist RB, Wu LE, Goldys EM. Multispectral autofluorescence characteristics of reproductive aging in old and young mouse oocytes. Biogerontology 2022; 23:237-249. [PMID: 35211812 PMCID: PMC9023381 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-022-09957-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Increasing age has a major detrimental impact on female fertility, which, with an ageing population, has major sociological implications. This impact is primarily mediated through deteriorating quality of the oocyte. Deteriorating oocyte quality with biological age is the greatest rate-limiting factor to female fertility. Here we have used label-free, non-invasive multi-spectral imaging to identify unique autofluorescence profiles of oocytes from young and aged animals. Discriminant analysis demonstrated that young oocytes have a distinct autofluorescent profile which accurately distinguishes them from aged oocytes. We recently showed that treatment with the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) precursor nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) restored oocyte quality and fertility in aged animals, and when our analysis was applied to oocytes from aged animals treated with NMN, 85% of these oocytes were classified as having the autofluorescent signature of young animals. Spectral unmixing using the Robust Dependent Component Analysis (RoDECA) algorithm demonstrated that NMN treatment altered the metabolic profile of oocytes, increasing free NAD(P)H, protein bound NAD(P)H, redox ratio and the ratio of bound to free NAD(P)H. The frequency of oocytes with simultaneously high NAD(P)H and flavin content was also significantly increased in mice treated with NMN. Young and Aged + NMN oocytes had a smoother spectral distribution, with the distribution of NAD(P)H in young oocytes specifically differing from that of aged oocytes. Identifying the multispectral profile of oocyte autofluorescence during aging could have utility as a non-invasive and sensitive measure of oocyte quality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jared M Campbell
- ARC Centre of Excellence Centre for Nanoscale Biophotonics, Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales Sydney, Kensington, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
| | - Saabah B Mahbub
- ARC Centre of Excellence Centre for Nanoscale Biophotonics, Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales Sydney, Kensington, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Michael J Bertoldo
- Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Abbas Habibalahi
- ARC Centre of Excellence Centre for Nanoscale Biophotonics, Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales Sydney, Kensington, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Dale M Goss
- School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - William L Ledger
- Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Robert B Gilchrist
- Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Lindsay E Wu
- School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ewa M Goldys
- ARC Centre of Excellence Centre for Nanoscale Biophotonics, Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales Sydney, Kensington, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Accompaniment of Time-Lapse Parameters and Cumulus Cell RNA-Sequencing in Embryo Evaluation. Reprod Sci 2021; 29:395-409. [PMID: 34642913 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00748-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the use of time-lapse morphokinetic parameters and cumulus cells transcriptomic profile to achieve a more accurate and non-invasive method in embryo evaluation. Two hundred embryos from 20 couples were evaluated based on morphokinetic characteristics using time-lapse. Embryos were divided into the high-quality, moderate-quality, and bad-quality groups. Non-fertilized oocytes were considered as the fourth group. T5 (time to five cells), S2 (time from three to four cells), and CC2 (time from two to three cells) were recorded. Also, the cumulus cells of the respective oocytes were divided into high-quality, moderate-quality, bad-quality, and non-fertilized groups based on the grading of the embryos. Then their transcriptomic profiles were analyzed by RNA-sequencing. Finally, the correlation between differentially expressed genes and embryo time-lapse parameters was investigated. T5 was the only timing that showed a statistically significant difference between high-quality group and other groups. RNA-sequencing results showed that 37 genes were downregulated and 106 genes were upregulated in moderate, bad-quality, and non-fertilized groups compared to high-quality group (q value < 0.05). These genes were involved in the main biological processes such as cell cycle, DNA repair, cell signaling and communication, transcription, and cell metabolism. Embryos graded in different groups showed different transcriptomic profiles in the related cumulus cells. Therefore, it seems that embryo selection using the combination of cytokinetics and cumulus cells gene expression can improve the accuracy of the embryo selection and pregnancy rate in ART clinics.
Collapse
|
8
|
Kim MJ, Kim YS, Kim YJ, Lee HR, Choi KH, Park EA, Kang KY, Yoon TK, Hwang S, Ko JJ, Kim YS, Lee JH. Upregulation of Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor of the Steroidogenesis Pathway in the Cumulus Cells Is Associated with the Maturation of Oocytes and Achievement of Pregnancy. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092389. [PMID: 34572039 PMCID: PMC8465166 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The maturation of the oocyte is influenced by cumulus cells (CCs) and associated with pregnancy rate, whereas the influencing factors have not been completely elucidated in the CCs. In this study, we identified new regulators of CCs for high-quality oocytes and successful pregnancies during assisted reproductive techniques. CCs were collected from cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) in young (≤33 years old) and old (≥40 years old) women undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) procedures. We screened for factors differentially expressed between young vs. old CCs and pregnancy vs. non-pregnancy using whole mRNA-seq-next-generation sequencing (NGS). We characterized the transcriptome of the CCs to identify factors critical for achieving pregnancy in IVF cycles. Women in the young and old pregnancy groups exhibited the up- and downregulation of multiple genes compared with the non-pregnancy groups, revealing the differential regulation of several specific genes involved in ovarian steroidogenesis in CCs. It was shown that the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor to the steroidogenesis pathway was upregulated in CCs with higher maturity rates of oocytes in the pregnancy group. In conclusion, a higher pregnancy rate is related to the signaling pathway of steroidogenesis by the LDL receptor in infertile women undergoing IVF procedures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Myung Joo Kim
- CHA Fertility Center Seoul Station, Seoul 04637, Korea; (M.J.K.); (Y.S.K.); (H.R.L.); (K.H.C.); (E.A.P.); (K.Y.K.); (T.K.Y.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHA University School of Medicine, Seoul 04637, Korea
| | - Young Sang Kim
- CHA Fertility Center Seoul Station, Seoul 04637, Korea; (M.J.K.); (Y.S.K.); (H.R.L.); (K.H.C.); (E.A.P.); (K.Y.K.); (T.K.Y.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHA University School of Medicine, Seoul 04637, Korea
| | - Yu Jin Kim
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Molecular Medicine, CHA Fertility Center Seoul Station, Seoul 04637, Korea;
| | - Hye Ran Lee
- CHA Fertility Center Seoul Station, Seoul 04637, Korea; (M.J.K.); (Y.S.K.); (H.R.L.); (K.H.C.); (E.A.P.); (K.Y.K.); (T.K.Y.)
| | - Kyoung Hee Choi
- CHA Fertility Center Seoul Station, Seoul 04637, Korea; (M.J.K.); (Y.S.K.); (H.R.L.); (K.H.C.); (E.A.P.); (K.Y.K.); (T.K.Y.)
| | - Eun A Park
- CHA Fertility Center Seoul Station, Seoul 04637, Korea; (M.J.K.); (Y.S.K.); (H.R.L.); (K.H.C.); (E.A.P.); (K.Y.K.); (T.K.Y.)
| | - Ki Ye Kang
- CHA Fertility Center Seoul Station, Seoul 04637, Korea; (M.J.K.); (Y.S.K.); (H.R.L.); (K.H.C.); (E.A.P.); (K.Y.K.); (T.K.Y.)
| | - Tae Ki Yoon
- CHA Fertility Center Seoul Station, Seoul 04637, Korea; (M.J.K.); (Y.S.K.); (H.R.L.); (K.H.C.); (E.A.P.); (K.Y.K.); (T.K.Y.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHA University School of Medicine, Seoul 04637, Korea
| | - Sohyun Hwang
- CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam 13496, Korea;
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, Pocheon 11160, Korea
| | - Jung Jae Ko
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, Pocheon 11160, Korea
- Correspondence: (J.J.K.); (Y.S.K.); (J.H.L.); Tel.: +82-31-881-7133 (J.J.K.); +82-2-2002-0300 (Y.S.K); +82-2-2002-0406 (J.H.L.)
| | - You Shin Kim
- CHA Fertility Center Seoul Station, Seoul 04637, Korea; (M.J.K.); (Y.S.K.); (H.R.L.); (K.H.C.); (E.A.P.); (K.Y.K.); (T.K.Y.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHA University School of Medicine, Seoul 04637, Korea
- Correspondence: (J.J.K.); (Y.S.K.); (J.H.L.); Tel.: +82-31-881-7133 (J.J.K.); +82-2-2002-0300 (Y.S.K); +82-2-2002-0406 (J.H.L.)
| | - Jae Ho Lee
- CHA Fertility Center Seoul Station, Seoul 04637, Korea; (M.J.K.); (Y.S.K.); (H.R.L.); (K.H.C.); (E.A.P.); (K.Y.K.); (T.K.Y.)
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Molecular Medicine, CHA Fertility Center Seoul Station, Seoul 04637, Korea;
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, Pocheon 11160, Korea
- Correspondence: (J.J.K.); (Y.S.K.); (J.H.L.); Tel.: +82-31-881-7133 (J.J.K.); +82-2-2002-0300 (Y.S.K); +82-2-2002-0406 (J.H.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
FGF18 modulates CTGF mRNA expression in cumulus-oocyte complexes and early bovine embryos: preliminary data. ZYGOTE 2021; 30:239-243. [PMID: 34405788 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199421000599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The Hippo pathway is involved in the proliferation of intrafollicular cells and in early embryonic development, mainly because effectors of this pathway are key transcription regulators of genes such as CTGF and CYR61, which are involved in cell proliferation. Recent studies by our group found that fibroblast growth factor 18 (FGF18) is present in the fallopian tube during early embryonic development, leading to the hypothesis that FGF18 may have a role during embryonic development. Therefore, the aim of the following study was to determine whether FGF18 modulates the expression of Hippo pathway target genes, CTGF and CYR61, during oocyte maturation and early embryonic development. Three experiments were carried out, with in vitro maturation (IVM) of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) and embryo culture. In experiment one, FGF18 (100 ng/ml) induced an increase (P < 0.05) in CTGF gene expression at 12 h post-exposure. In experiment two, FGF18 (100 ng/ml) induced a reduction (P < 0.05) in CTGF expression at 3 h post-exposure. In the third experiment, day 7 embryos exposed to FGF18 during oocyte IVM expressed greater CTGF mRNA abundance, whereas FGF18 exposure during embryo in vitro embryo culture did not alter CTGF expression in comparison with untreated controls. The preliminary data presented here show that FGF18 modulates CTGF expression in critical periods of oocyte nuclear maturation, cumulus expansion and early embryonic development in cattle.
Collapse
|
10
|
Siristatidis C, Stavros S, Drakeley A, Bettocchi S, Pouliakis A, Drakakis P, Papapanou M, Vlahos N. Omics and Artificial Intelligence to Improve In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Success: A Proposed Protocol. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11050743. [PMID: 33919350 PMCID: PMC8143333 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11050743] [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: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The prediction of in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcome is an imperative achievement in assisted reproduction, substantially aiding infertile couples, health systems and communities. To date, the assessment of infertile couples depends on medical/reproductive history, biochemical indications and investigations of the reproductive tract, along with data obtained from previous IVF cycles, if any. Our project aims to develop a novel tool, integrating omics and artificial intelligence, to propose optimal treatment options and enhance treatment success rates. For this purpose, we will proceed with the following: (1) recording subfertile couples’ lifestyle and demographic parameters and previous IVF cycle characteristics; (2) measurement and evaluation of metabolomics, transcriptomics and biomarkers, and deep machine learning assessment of the oocyte, sperm and embryo; (3) creation of artificial neural network models to increase objectivity and accuracy in comparison to traditional techniques for the improvement of the success rates of IVF cycles following an IVF failure. Therefore, “omics” data are a valuable parameter for embryo selection optimization and promoting personalized IVF treatment. “Omics” combined with predictive models will substantially promote health management individualization; contribute to the successful treatment of infertile couples, particularly those with unexplained infertility or repeated implantation failures; and reduce multiple gestation rates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charalampos Siristatidis
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Aretaieion Hospital”, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Vas. Sofias 76, 11528 Athens, Greece; (M.P.); (N.V.)
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Aretaieion Hospital”, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Vas. Sofias 76, 11528 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-69-3229-4994
| | - Sofoklis Stavros
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Alexandra Hospital, 80 Vas. Sofias Av. and Lourou str., 11528 Athens, Greece; (S.S.); (P.D.)
| | - Andrew Drakeley
- Hewitt Fertility Centre, Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust, Crown Street, Liverpool L8 7SS, UK;
| | - Stefano Bettocchi
- Second Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Biomedical and Human Oncologic Science, Policlinico University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Abraham Pouliakis
- Second Department of Pathology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, “Attikon” University Hospital, Rimini 1, Chaidari, 12642 Athens, Greece;
| | - Peter Drakakis
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Alexandra Hospital, 80 Vas. Sofias Av. and Lourou str., 11528 Athens, Greece; (S.S.); (P.D.)
| | - Michail Papapanou
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Aretaieion Hospital”, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Vas. Sofias 76, 11528 Athens, Greece; (M.P.); (N.V.)
| | - Nikolaos Vlahos
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Aretaieion Hospital”, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Vas. Sofias 76, 11528 Athens, Greece; (M.P.); (N.V.)
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Aretaieion Hospital”, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Vas. Sofias 76, 11528 Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Da Luz CM, Da Broi MG, Plaça JR, Silva WA, Meola J, Navarro PA. Altered transcriptome in cumulus cells of infertile women with advanced endometriosis with and without endometrioma. Reprod Biomed Online 2021; 42:952-962. [PMID: 33736992 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2021.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Is the transcriptome of cumulus cells of infertile women with advanced endometriosis (EIII/IV), with and without endometrioma, altered? DESIGN In this prospective case-control study, next-generation RNA sequencing was used to compare the transcript profile of cumulus cells among infertile patients undergoing ovarian stimulation for intracytoplasmic sperm injection with EIII/IV, with (n = 9) and without endometrioma (n = 9), and controls (n = 9). An in-silico enrichment analysis was conducted to establish the possibly altered pathways in cumulus cells of patients with endometriosis. RESULTS Most of the differentially expressed genes (DEG) were found when cumulus cells from women with EIII/IV with endometrioma were compared with controls (DEG, n = 461). In women with EIII/IV without endometrioma, only 66 DEG were verified compared with controls. The enrichment analysis showed that some DEG in cumulus cells of endometriosis are involved in important pathways for the oocyte competence acquisition, such as oxidative phosphorylation, metabolism, mitochondrial function, acetylation and steroid biosynthesis. No DEG were found when cumulus cells from women with EIII/IV with and without endometrioma were compared. CONCLUSION RNA sequencing results suggest that cumulus cells of infertile women with EIII/IV have an altered transcriptome, regardless of endometrioma. The present findings offer a better understanding of the genes and molecular mechanisms that may be involved in endometriosis-related infertility, mostly in the oocyte competence acquisition process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline M Da Luz
- Division of Human Reproduction, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil.
| | - Michele G Da Broi
- Division of Human Reproduction, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Jessica R Plaça
- Center for Integrative Systems Biology - CISBi, NAP/USP, Ribeirão Preto São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Wilson A Silva
- Center for Integrative Systems Biology - CISBi, NAP/USP, Ribeirão Preto São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil; Center for Medical Genomics, HCFMRP/USP, Ribeirão Preto São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil; Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Juliana Meola
- Division of Human Reproduction, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Paula A Navarro
- Division of Human Reproduction, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil; National Institute of Hormones and Women's Health, CNPq, Porto Alegre Rio Grande do Sul 90035-003, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Igal RA, Sinner DI. Stearoyl-CoA desaturase 5 (SCD5), a Δ-9 fatty acyl desaturase in search of a function. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2020; 1866:158840. [PMID: 33049404 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2020.158840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A large body of research has demonstrated that human stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1), a universally expressed fatty acid Δ9-desaturase that converts saturated fatty acids (SFA) into monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), is a central regulator of metabolic and signaling pathways involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. Unlike SCD1, stearoyl-CoA desaturase 5 (SCD5), a second SCD isoform found in a variety of vertebrates, including humans, has received considerably less attention but new information on the catalytic properties, regulation and biological functions of this enzyme has begun to emerge. This review will examine the new evidence that supports key metabolic and biological roles for SCD5, as well as the potential implication of this desaturase in the mechanisms of human diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Ariel Igal
- Institute of Human Nutrition and Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 630 West 168th Street, PH 1501 East, New York City, NY 10032, United States of America.
| | - Débora I Sinner
- Neonatology and Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Lab: R4447, Office: R4445, MLC 7009, 3333 Burnet Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45229, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Sekulovski N, Whorton AE, Shi M, Hayashi K, MacLean JA. Periovulatory insulin signaling is essential for ovulation, granulosa cell differentiation, and female fertility. FASEB J 2019; 34:2376-2391. [PMID: 31908002 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201901791r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated an essential role for insulin signaling in folliculogenesis as conditional ablation of Igf1r in primary follicles elicits defective follicle-stimulating hormone responsiveness blocking development at the preantral stage. Thus the potential role of insulin action in the periovulatory window and in the corpus luteum is unknown. To examine this, we generated conditional Insr,Igf1r, and double receptor knockout mice driven by Pgr-Cre. These models escape the preantral follicle block and in response to superovulatory gonadotropins exhibit normal distribution of ovarian follicles and corpora lutea. However, single ablation of Igf1r leads to subfertility and mice lacking both receptors are infertile. Double knockout mice have impaired oocyte development and ovulation. While some oocytes are released and fertilized, subsequent embryo development is retarded, and the embryos potentially fail to thrive due to lack of luteal support. In support of this, we found reduced expression of key enzymes in the steroid synthesis pathway and reduced serum progesterone. In addition to metabolic and steroidogenic pathways, RNA-sequencing analysis revealed transcription factor-3 as an important transcription factor downstream of insulin signaling. Collectively, these results highlight the importance of growth factors of the insulin family during two distinct windows of follicular development, ovulation, and luteinization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikola Sekulovski
- Department of Physiology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Life Science III, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - Allison E Whorton
- Department of Physiology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Life Science III, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - Mingxin Shi
- Department of Physiology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Life Science III, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - Kanako Hayashi
- Department of Physiology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Life Science III, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - James A MacLean
- Department of Physiology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Life Science III, Carbondale, IL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Franchi FF, Satrapa RA, Fontes PK, Santos PH, Razza EM, Emanuelli IP, Ereno RL, Mareco EA, Nogueira MFG, Barros CM, de Souza Castilho AC. Equine chorionic gonadotropin drives the transcriptional profile of immature cumulus-oocyte complexes and in vitro-produced blastocysts of superstimulated Nelore cows. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 86:1639-1651. [PMID: 31389116 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23251] [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: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Studies have shown that the use of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG), which binds both follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) receptors, could modify the female reproductive tract. We, thus, aimed to quantify the messenger RNA (mRNA) abundance of genes related to cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) and embryo quality in Nelore cows (Bos taurus indicus) submitted to ovarian superstimulation using only FSH (FSH group; n = 10) or replacement of the last two doses of FSH by eCG (FSH/eCG group; n = 10). All animals were slaughtered and the ovarian antral follicles from both groups (10-14 mm in diameter) were aspirated for cumulus, oocyte and in vitro embryo production gene expression analysis. The relative mRNA abundance of 96 genes related to COCs development and embryo quality was measured by RT-qPCR. We found that oocytes are more affected by eCG use and that 35 genes involved in lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, transcriptional control, and cellular development were upregulated in the FSH/eCG group. In blastocysts, lipid metabolism seems to be the main pathway regulated by eCG use. We suggest that these multiple effects could be due to the ability of eCG to bind LHR and FSHR, which could activate multiple signal transduction pathways in the superstimulated ovary, further impacting the transcriptional profile of COCs and blastocysts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Fagali Franchi
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rafael Augusto Satrapa
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Kubo Fontes
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Priscila Helena Santos
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Montanari Razza
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Isabele Picada Emanuelli
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ronaldo Luiz Ereno
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Ciro Moraes Barros
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | |
Collapse
|