1
|
Villalba A. Queering the genome: ethical challenges of epigenome editing in same-sex reproduction. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS 2024:jme-2023-109609. [PMID: 38408852 DOI: 10.1136/jme-2023-109609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
In this article, I explore the ethical dimensions of same-sex reproduction achieved through epigenome editing-an innovative and transformative technique. For the first time, I analyse the potential normativity of this disruptive approach for reproductive purposes, focusing on its implications for lesbian couples seeking genetically related offspring. Epigenome editing offers a compelling solution to the complex ethical challenges posed by traditional gene editing, as it sidesteps genome modifications and potential long-term genetic consequences. The focus of this article is to systematically analyse the bioethical issues related to the use of epigenome editing for same-sex reproduction. I critically assess the ethical acceptability of epigenome editing with reproductive purposes from multiple angles, considering harm perspectives, the comparison of ethical issues related to gene and epigenome editing, and feminist theories. This analysis reveals that epigenome editing emerges as an ethically acceptable means for lesbian couples to have genetically related children. Moreover, the experiments of a reproductive use of epigenome editing discussed in this article transcend bioethics, shedding light on the broader societal implications of same-sex reproduction. It challenges established notions of biological reproduction and prompts a reevaluation of how we define the human embryo, while poses some issues in the context of gender self-identification and family structures. In a world that increasingly values inclusivity and diversity, this article aims to reveal a progressive pathway for reproductive medicine and bioethics, as well as underscores the need for further philosophical research in this emerging and fertile domain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Villalba
- Department of Philosophy I, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
- Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Aguila L, Nociti RP, Sampaio RV, Therrien J, Meirelles FV, Felmer RN, Smith LC. Haploid androgenetic development of bovine embryos reveals imbalanced WNT signaling and impaired cell fate differentiation†. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:821-838. [PMID: 37788061 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad124] [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: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Haploid embryos have contributed significantly to our understanding of the role of parental genomes in development and can be applied to important biotechnology for human and animal species. However, development to the blastocyst stage is severely hindered in bovine haploid androgenetic embryos (hAE). To further our understanding of such developmental arrest, we performed a comprehensive comparison of the transcriptomic profile of morula-stage embryos, which were validated by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) of transcripts associated with differentiation in haploid and biparental embryos. Among numerous disturbances, results showed that pluripotency pathways, especially the wingless-related integration site (WNT) signaling, were particularly unbalanced in hAE. Moreover, transcript levels of KLF4, NANOG, POU5F1, SOX2, CDX2, CTNNBL1, AXIN2, and GSK3B were noticeably altered in hAE, suggesting disturbance of pluripotency and canonical WNT pathways. To evaluate the role of WNT on hAE competence, we exposed early Day-5 morula stage embryos to the GSK3B inhibitor CHIR99021. Although no alterations were observed in pluripotency and WNT-related transcripts, exposure to CHIR99021 improved their ability to reach the blastocysts stage, confirming the importance of the WNT pathway in the developmental outcome of bovine hAE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luis Aguila
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fértilité (CRRF), Département de biomédecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
- Laboratory of Reproduction, Centre of Reproductive Biotechnology (CEBIOR-BIOREN), Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Ricardo P Nociti
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fértilité (CRRF), Département de biomédecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rafael V Sampaio
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fértilité (CRRF), Département de biomédecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
| | - Jacinthe Therrien
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fértilité (CRRF), Département de biomédecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
| | - Flavio V Meirelles
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ricardo N Felmer
- Laboratory of Reproduction, Centre of Reproductive Biotechnology (CEBIOR-BIOREN), Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Lawrence C Smith
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fértilité (CRRF), Département de biomédecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Shin H, Kim S, Kim M, Lee J, Jin D. Quantitative analysis of mitochondrial DNA in porcine-mouse cloned embryos. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2023; 65:767-778. [PMID: 37970504 PMCID: PMC10640950 DOI: 10.5187/jast.2023.e2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the research is to identify that porcine oocytes can function as recipients for interspecies cloning and have the ability to develop to blastocysts. Furthermore each mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in interspecises cloned embryos was analyzed. For the study, mouse-porcine and porcine-porcine cloned embryos were produced with mouse fetal fibroblasts (MFF) and porcine fetal fibroblasts (PFF), respectively, introduced as donor cells into enucleated porcine oocytes. The developmental rate and cell numbers of blastocysts between intraspecies porcine-porcine and interspecies mouse-porcine cloned embryos were compared and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed for the estimate of mouse and porcine mtDNA copy number in mouse-porcine cloned embryos at different stages.There was no significant difference in the developmental rate or total blastocyst number between mouse-porcine cloned embryos and porcine-porcine cloned embryos (11.1 ± 0.9%, 25 ± 3.5 vs. 10.1 ± 1.2%, 24 ± 6.3). In mouse-porcine reconstructed embryos, the copy numbers of mouse somatic cell-derived mtDNA decreased between the 1-cell and blastocyst stages, whereas the copy number of porcine oocyte-derived mtDNA significantly increased during this period, as assessed by real-time PCR analysis. In our real-time PCR analysis, we improved the standard curve construction-based method to analyze the level of mtDNA between mouse donor cells and porcine oocytes using the copy number of mouse beta-actin DNA as a standard. Our findings suggest that mouse-porcine cloned embryos have the ability to develop to blastocysts in vitro and exhibit mitochondrial heteroplasmy from the 1-cell to blastocyst stages and the mouse-derived mitochondria can be gradually replaced with those of the porcine oocyte in the early developmental stages of mouse-porcine cloned embryos.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyeonyeong Shin
- Division of Animal & Dairy Science,
Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Soyeon Kim
- Division of Animal & Dairy Science,
Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Myungyoun Kim
- Division of Animal & Dairy Science,
Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Jaeeun Lee
- Division of Animal & Dairy Science,
Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Dongil Jin
- Division of Animal & Dairy Science,
Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yanagimachi R. Mysteries and unsolved problems of mammalian fertilization and related topics. Biol Reprod 2022; 106:644-675. [PMID: 35292804 PMCID: PMC9040664 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian fertilization is a fascinating process that leads to the formation of a new individual. Eggs and sperm are complex cells that must meet at the appropriate time and position within the female reproductive tract for successful fertilization. I have been studying various aspects of mammalian fertilization over 60 years. In this review, I discuss many different aspects of mammalian fertilization, some of my laboratory's contribution to the field, and discuss enigmas and mysteries that remain to be solved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryuzo Yanagimachi
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology, University of Hawaii Medical School, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Li X, Zou C, Li M, Fang C, Li K, Liu Z, Li C. Transcriptome Analysis of In Vitro Fertilization and Parthenogenesis Activation during Early Embryonic Development in Pigs. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12101461. [PMID: 34680856 PMCID: PMC8535918 DOI: 10.3390/genes12101461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Parthenogenesis activation (PA), as an important artificial breeding method, can stably preserve the dominant genotype of a species. However, the delayed development of PA embryos is still overly severe and largely leads to pre-implantation failure in pigs. The mechanisms underlying the deficiencies of PA embryos have not been completely understood. For further understanding of the molecular mechanism behind PA embryo failure, we performed transcriptome analysis among pig oocytes (meiosis II, MII) and early embryos at three developmental stages (zygote, morula, and blastocyst) in vitro fertilization (IVF) and PA group. Totally, 11,110 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), 4694 differentially expressed lincRNAs (DELs) were identified, and most DEGs enriched the regulation of apoptotic processes. Through cis- and trans-manner functional prediction, we found that hub lincRNAs were mostly involved in abnormal parthenogenesis embryonic development. In addition, twenty DE imprinted genes showed that some paternally imprinted genes in IVF displayed higher expression than that in PA. Notably, we identified that three DELs of imprinted genes (MEST, PLAGL1, and DIRAS3) were up regulated in IVF, and there was no significant change in PA group. Disordered expression of key genes for embryonic development might play key roles in abnormal parthenogenesis embryonic development. Our study indicates that embryos derived from different production techniques have varied in vitro development to the blastocyst stage, and they also affect the transcription level of corresponding genes, such as imprinted genes. This work will help future research on these genes and molecular-assisted breeding for pig parthenotes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (X.L.); (C.Z.); (M.L.); (C.F.)
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Cheng Zou
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (X.L.); (C.Z.); (M.L.); (C.F.)
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Mengxun Li
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (X.L.); (C.Z.); (M.L.); (C.F.)
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Chengchi Fang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (X.L.); (C.Z.); (M.L.); (C.F.)
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Kui Li
- Agricultural Genome Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China;
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhiguo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
- Correspondence: (Z.L.); (C.L.)
| | - Changchun Li
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (X.L.); (C.Z.); (M.L.); (C.F.)
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China
- Correspondence: (Z.L.); (C.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Barley AJ, Reeder TW, Nieto-Montes de Oca A, Cole CJ, Thomson RC. A New Diploid Parthenogenetic Whiptail Lizard from Sonora, Mexico, Is the "Missing Link" in the Evolutionary Transition to Polyploidy. Am Nat 2021; 198:295-309. [PMID: 34260872 DOI: 10.1086/715056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
AbstractTransitions between sexual and unisexual reproductive modes have significant consequences for the evolutionary trajectories of species. These transitions have occurred numerous times in vertebrates and are frequently mediated by hybridization events. Triploid unisexual vertebrates are thought to arise through hybridization between individuals of a diploid unisexual lineage and a sexual species, although additional evidence that confirms this mechanism is needed in numerous groups. North American whiptail lizards (Aspidoscelis) are notable for being one of the largest radiations of unisexual vertebrates, and the most diverse group of Aspidoscelis includes numerous triploid lineages that have no known diploid unisexual ancestors. This pattern of "missing" ancestors may result from the short evolutionary life span of unisexual lineages or the selective advantages of polyploidy, or it could suggest that alternative mechanisms of triploid formation are operating in nature. We leverage genomic, morphological, and karyotypic data to describe a new diploid unisexual whiptail and show that it is likely the unisexual progenitor of an extant triploid lineage, A. opatae. We also resolve patterns of polyploidization within the A. sexlineatus species group and test predictions about the phenotypic outcomes of hybridization.
Collapse
|
7
|
|
8
|
Pennarossa G, Gandolfi F, Brevini TAL. "Biomechanical Signaling in Oocytes and Parthenogenetic Cells". Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:646945. [PMID: 33644079 PMCID: PMC7905081 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.646945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Oocyte-specific competence remains one of the major targets of current research in the field of reproduction. Several mechanisms are involved in meiotic maturation and the molecular signature of an oocyte is considered to reflect its quality and to predict its subsequent developmental and functional capabilities. In the present minireview, we focus on the possible role of mechanotransduction and mechanosensor signaling pathways, namely the Hippo and the RhoGTPase, in the maturing oocyte. Due to the limited access to female gametes, we propose the use of cells isolated from parthenogenetic embryos as a promising model to characterize and dissect the oocyte distinctive molecular signatures, given their exclusive maternal origin. The brief overview here reported suggests a role of the mechanosensing related pathways in oocyte quality and developmental competence and supports the use of uniparental cells as a useful tool for oocyte molecular signature characterization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Pennarossa
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety and Center for Stem Cell Research, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Fulvio Gandolfi
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences - Production, Landscape, Agroenergy and Center for Stem Cell Research, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Tiziana A L Brevini
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety and Center for Stem Cell Research, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Avidor-Reiss T, Mazur M, Fishman EL, Sindhwani P. The Role of Sperm Centrioles in Human Reproduction - The Known and the Unknown. Front Cell Dev Biol 2019; 7:188. [PMID: 31632960 PMCID: PMC6781795 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Each human spermatozoon contains two remodeled centrioles that it contributes to the zygote. There, the centrioles reconstitute a centrosome that assembles the sperm aster and participate in pronuclei migration and cleavage. Thus, centriole abnormalities may be a cause of male factor infertility and failure to carry pregnancy to term. However, the precise mechanisms by which sperm centrioles contribute to embryonic development in humans are still unclear, making the search for a link between centriole abnormalities and impaired male fecundity particularly difficult. Most previous investigations into the role of mammalian centrioles during fertilization have been completed in murine models; however, because mouse sperm and zygotes appear to lack centrioles, these studies provide information that is limited in its applicability to humans. Here, we review studies that examine the role of the sperm centrioles in the early embryo, with particular emphasis on humans. Available literature includes case studies and case-control studies, with a few retrospective studies and no prospective studies reported. This literature has provided some insight into the morphological characteristics of sperm centrioles in the zygote and has allowed identification of some centriole abnormalities in rare cases. Many of these studies suggest centriole involvement in early embryogenesis based on phenotypes of the embryo with only indirect evidence for centriole abnormality. Overall, these studies suggest that centriole abnormalities are present in some cases of sperm with asthenoteratozoospermia and unexplained infertility. Yet, most previously published studies have been restricted by the laborious techniques (like electron microscopy) and the limited availability of centriolar markers, resulting in small-scale studies and the lack of solid causational evidence. With recent progress in sperm centriole biology, such as the identification of the unique composition of sperm centrioles and the discovery of the atypical centriole, it is now possible to begin to fill the gaps in sperm centriole epidemiology and to identify the etiology of sperm centriole dysfunction in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomer Avidor-Reiss
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States.,Department of Urology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Matthew Mazur
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States.,Department of Urology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Emily L Fishman
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Puneet Sindhwani
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States.,Department of Urology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
RANJAN R, SINGH R, KUMAR K, SARKAR M, DAS BC, BAG S. Paternally and maternally imprinted gene perturbed expression in parthenogenetic diploid embryos in Capra hircus. THE INDIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2018. [DOI: 10.56093/ijans.v88i11.85027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The present research work was undertaken to compare the expression of paternally imprinted (P57KIP2, Grb10 and Xist) and maternally imprinted gene (Dlk1) among diploid parthenogenetic (DIP), female sexed in vivo and female sexed in vitro produced embryonic cell colony. The good quality caprine oocytes were matured in presence of cytochalasin B (CCB) and activated by ethanol (7%) for 5 min followed by incubation with 2 mM 6-dimethyl amino purine (DMAP) for 4 h for DIP embryos production. In vivo embryo was collected by surgical method from 10 super ovulated goats using Pluset®. In vitro embryos were produced by maturation of good quality oocyte followed by fertilization with superior male germplasm from the institute flock. Embryonic cell colony were developed from 8 to 16 and morula stage DIP, IVF and in vivo derived embryos. These colonies were used for studying the paternal and maternal imprinted genes expression. Karyotyping and sexing of embryonic cell colony was done to get only female sexed colony for this purpose. Paternally imprinted genes (P57KIP2, Grb10 and Xist) showed more expression in DIP compared to in vivo and IVF derived embryonic cell colony. The expression of maternally imprinted genes (Dlk1) was low in DIP compared to in vivo and IVF derived embryonic cell colony. The present study demonstrated that the expression profile of both paternal and maternally imprinted genes were perturbed, which may be responsible for developmental failure of parthenogenetic embryos to full term following parthenogenetic embryo transfer in goat.
Collapse
|
11
|
Ramachandran R, McDaniel CD. Parthenogenesis in birds: a review. Reproduction 2018; 155:R245-R257. [PMID: 29559496 DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Parthenogenesis or 'virgin birth' is embryonic development in unfertilized eggs. It is a routine means of reproduction in many invertebrates. However, even though parthenogenesis occurs naturally in even more advanced vertebrates, like birds, it is mostly abortive in nature. In fact, multiple limiting factors, such as delayed and unorganized development as well as unfavorable conditions developing within the unfertilized egg upon incubation, are associated with termination of progressive development of parthenogenetic embryos. In birds, diploid parthenogenesis is automictic and facultative producing only males. However, the mechanisms controlling parthenogenesis in birds are not clearly elucidated. Additionally, it appears from even very recent research that these mechanisms may hinder the normal fertilization process and subsequent embryonic development. For instance, virgin quail and turkey hens exhibiting parthenogenesis have reduced reproductive performance following mating. Also, genetic selection and environmental factors, such as live virus vaccinations, are known to trigger the process of parthenogenesis in birds. Therefore, parthenogenesis has a plausible negative impact on the poultry industry. Hence, a better understanding of parthenogenesis and the mechanisms that control it could benefit commercial poultry production. In this context, the aim of this review is to provide a complete overview of the process of parthenogenesis in birds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Ramachandran
- Department of Poultry Science, Mississippi State UniversityMississippi State, Mississippi, USA
| | - C D McDaniel
- Department of Poultry Science, Mississippi State UniversityMississippi State, Mississippi, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Schwander T, Oldroyd BP. Androgenesis: where males hijack eggs to clone themselves. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2017; 371:rstb.2015.0534. [PMID: 27619698 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2015.0534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgenesis is a form of quasi-sexual reproduction in which a male is the sole source of the nuclear genetic material in the embryo. Two types of androgenesis occur in nature. Under the first type, females produce eggs without a nucleus and the embryo develops from the male gamete following fertilization. Evolution of this type of androgenesis is poorly understood as the parent responsible for androgenesis (the mother) gains no benefit from it. Ultimate factors driving the evolution of the second type of androgenesis are better understood. In this case, a zygote is formed between a male and a female gamete, but the female genome is eliminated. When rare, androgenesis with genome elimination is favoured because an androgenesis-determining allele has twice the reproductive success of an allele that determines sexual reproduction. Paradoxically, except in hermaphrodites, a successful androgenetic strain can drive such a male-biased sex ratio that the population goes extinct. This likely explains why androgenesis with genome elimination appears to be rarer than androgenesis via non-nucleate eggs, although both forms are either very rare or remain largely undetected in nature. Nonetheless, some highly invasive species including ants and freshwater clams are androgenetic, for reasons that are largely unexplained.This article is part of the themed issue 'Weird sex: the underappreciated diversity of sexual reproduction'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Schwander
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin P Oldroyd
- Behaviour and Genetics of Social Insects Lab, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Macleay Building A12, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Dagg JL. How counterfactuals of Red-Queen theory shed light on science and its historiography. STUDIES IN HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES 2017; 64:53-64. [PMID: 28683340 DOI: 10.1016/j.shpsc.2017.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2016] [Revised: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/05/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
A historical episode of evolutionary theory, which has lead to the Red Queen theory of the evolutionary maintenance of sex, includes two striking contingencies. These are used to explore alternative what-if scenarios, in order to test some common opinions about such counterfactuals. This sheds new light on the nature of science and its historiography. One counterfactual leads to an unexpected convergence of its result to that of the actual science but, nevertheless, differs in its causal structure. The other diverges towards an incompatible alternative, but this requires further contingent choices that also diverge from actual science. The convergence in the first counterfactual is due to a horizontal transfer of knowledge. Similar transfers of knowledge are typical for innovations of actual science. This suggests that contingent choices can merge as well as fork research traditions both in actual research and counterfactual history. Neither the paths of the actual history of science nor those of its counterfactual alternatives will form a tree of exclusively diverging bifurcations, but a network instead. Convergencies in counterfactuals may, therefore, be due to the web-structure of science as much as to the aims of the historians in question. Furthermore, the difference in causal structure between the actual science and its convergent counterfactual might become diagnostic for external factors rather than internal aims forcing a historian towards convergence.
Collapse
|
14
|
Wang S, Liu B, Liu W, Xiao Y, Zhang H, Yang L. The effects of melatonin on bovine uniparental embryos development in vitro and the hormone secretion of COCs. PeerJ 2017; 5:e3485. [PMID: 28698819 PMCID: PMC5502088 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.3485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Melatonin is a unique multifunctional molecule that mediates reproductive functions in animals. In this study, we investigated the effects of melatonin on bovine parthenogenetic and androgenetic embryonic development, oocyte maturation, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in parthenogenetic and androgenetic embryos and cumulus—oocyte complexes (COCs) hormone secretion with melatonin supplementation at four concentrations (0, 10, 20, and 30 pmol/mL), respectively. The results showed that melatonin significantly promoted the rates of bovine parthenogenetic and androgenetic embryonic cleavage and morula and blastocysts development (P < 0.05). The rate of cleavage was higher in the androgenetic embryo than that in the parthenogenetic embryo. Compared with the parthenogenetic embryos, the androgenetic embryos had a poor developmental competence from morula to blastocyst stage. Moreover, the levels of ROS were significantly lower in the parthenogenetic and androgenetic embryoes with melatonin-treated group than that of the control group (P < 0.05). Melatonin supplemented significantly increased the maturation rate of oocyte in vitro (P < 0.05). More importantly, melatonin significantly promoted the secretion of progesterone and estradiol by COCs (P < 0.05). To reveal the regulatory mechanism of melatonin on steroids synthesis, we found that steroidogenic genes (CYP11A1, CYP19A1 and StAR) were upregulated, suggesting that melatonin regulated estradiol and progesterone secretion through mediating the expression of steroidogenic genes (CYP11A1, CYP19A1 and StAR). In addition, MT1 and MT2 were identified in bovine early parthenogenetic and androgenetic embryos using western blot. It could be concluded that melatonin had beneficial effects on bovine oocyte in vitro maturation, COC hormone secretion, early development of subsequent parthenogenetic and androgenetic embryos. It is inferred that melatonin could be used to enhance the efficiency of in vitro developed embryos.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shujuan Wang
- College of Animal Science, Anhui Science and Technology University, Bengbu, Anhui, China.,Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agriculture University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Baoru Liu
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agriculture University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wenju Liu
- College of Animal Science, Anhui Science and Technology University, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Yao Xiao
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agriculture University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Hualin Zhang
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agriculture University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Liguo Yang
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agriculture University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Cui J, Xie X. Non-coding RNAs: emerging regulatory factors in the derivation and differentiation of mammalian parthenogenetic embryonic stem cells. Cell Biol Int 2017; 41:476-483. [PMID: 28220611 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.10751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Parthenogenetic embryonic stem cells (PESCs) are ESCs derived from early parthenogenetic embryos. Haploid PESCs, containing haploid DNA, originate from a single sperm or occyte, while, diploid PESCs originate from two fused occytes. Most PESC lines used so far are diploid. PESCs exhibit representative pluripotent stem cell features, such as the capacity for self-renewal and the pariticular molecular signatures. Whereas, PESCs display distinctive properties, such as differential regulation of X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) and divergent monitor of genes involved in multiple biological processes. PESCs are considered promising in the regeneration medicine and developmental biology. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), especially miRNAs and lncRNAs, have garnered increasing attention over the past 2 decades. They are now known to be involved in almost all cellular processes due to their full-range regulation of gene expression. Numerous studies have indicated that embryonic stem cells (ESCs) displayed distinct signatures of ncRNA genes, which play key roles in the pluripotency and self renewal of ESCs. However, the expression pattern of ncRNAs in PESCs and their roles in the derivation and differentiation of PESCs were rarely reported. In this paper, we reviewed recent research on the derivation and differentiation of PESCs and describe the emerging role of ncRNAs in these processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jihong Cui
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China (Northwest University), Ministry of Education, Xi'an, 710069, China.,College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Xin Xie
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China (Northwest University), Ministry of Education, Xi'an, 710069, China.,College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China.,Institute for Integrated Medical Information (IIMI), Xi'an, 710018, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Schneider G, Sellers ZP, Ratajczak MZ. Parentally imprinted genes regulate hematopoiesis-new evidence from the Dlk1-Gtl2 locus. Stem Cell Investig 2016; 3:29. [PMID: 27580759 DOI: 10.21037/sci.2016.06.09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Schneider
- Stem Cell Institute at James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Zachariah Payne Sellers
- Stem Cell Institute at James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Mariusz Z Ratajczak
- Stem Cell Institute at James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA;; Department of Regenerative Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Straube N, Lampert KP, Geiger MF, Weiß JD, Kirchhauser JX. First record of second-generation facultative parthenogenesis in a vertebrate species, the whitespotted bambooshark Chiloscyllium plagiosum. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2016; 88:668-675. [PMID: 26727105 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.12862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 11/06/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
In this study, two parthenogenetic events within a family of the whitespotted bambooshark Chiloscyllium plagiosum are reported. A captive female produced multiple parthenogens. Unexpectedly, a single specimen of a total of nine parthenogens displayed external claspers characterizing the male sex in chondrichthyans. Upon dissection, internal sexual organs of this specimen were malformed or absent; however, the presence of claspers in this study challenges the as yet assumed sex determination system in this shark species. Even more remarkable was that one of the female parthenogens reproduced asexually again producing viable offspring. As far as is known, this is the first genetically confirmed evidence for second-generation facultative parthenogenesis in vertebrates. These results support the evolutionary significance of parthenogenesis as an alternative to sexual reproduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N Straube
- Zoologische Staatssammlung München, Münchhausenstrasse 21, 81247, München, Germany
- Friedrich Schiller Universität Jena, Institut für Spezielle Zoologie und Evolutionsbiologie, mit Phyletischem Museum, Erbertstr. 1, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - K P Lampert
- Department of Animal Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Universitaetsstrasse 150, 44780, Bochum, Germany
| | - M F Geiger
- Zoologisches Forschungsmuseum Alexander Koenig Bonn, Adenauerallee 160, 53113, Bonn, Germany
| | - J D Weiß
- Zoologische Staatssammlung München, Münchhausenstrasse 21, 81247, München, Germany
| | - J X Kirchhauser
- Staatliches Museum für Naturkunde Karlsruhe, Erbprinzenstrasse 13, 76133, Karlsruhe, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Breckwoldt K, Weinberger F, Eschenhagen T. Heart regeneration. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2015; 1863:1749-59. [PMID: 26597703 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2015.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2015] [Revised: 11/06/2015] [Accepted: 11/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Regenerating an injured heart holds great promise for millions of patients suffering from heart diseases. Since the human heart has very limited regenerative capacity, this is a challenging task. Numerous strategies aiming to improve heart function have been developed. In this review we focus on approaches intending to replace damaged heart muscle by new cardiomyocytes. Different strategies for the production of cardiomyocytes from human embryonic stem cells or human induced pluripotent stem cells, by direct reprogramming and induction of cardiomyocyte proliferation are discussed regarding their therapeutic potential and respective advantages and disadvantages. Furthermore, different methods for the transplantation of pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes are described and their clinical perspectives are discussed. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Cardiomyocyte Biology: Integration of Developmental and Environmental Cues in the Heart edited by Marcus Schaub and Hughes Abriel.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaja Breckwoldt
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Cardiovascular Research Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Germany
| | - Florian Weinberger
- Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Thomas Eschenhagen
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Cardiovascular Research Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Simonson OE, Domogatskaya A, Volchkov P, Rodin S. The safety of human pluripotent stem cells in clinical treatment. Ann Med 2015; 47:370-80. [PMID: 26140342 DOI: 10.3109/07853890.2015.1051579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) have practically unlimited proliferation potential and a capability to differentiate into any cell type in the human body. Since the first derivation in 1998, they have been an attractive source of cells for regenerative medicine. Numerous ethical, technological, and regulatory complications have been hampering hPSC use in clinical applications. Human embryonic stem cells (ESCs), parthenogenetic human ESCs, human nuclear transfer ESCs, and induced pluripotent stem cells are four types of hPSCs that are different in many clinically relevant features such as propensity to epigenetic abnormalities, generation methods, and ability for development of autologous cell lines. Propensity to genetic mutations and tumorigenicity are common features of all pluripotent cells that complicate hPSC-based therapies. Several recent advances in methods of derivation, culturing, and monitoring of hPSCs have addressed many ethical concerns and technological challenges in development of clinical-grade hPSC lines. Generation of banks of such lines may be useful to minimize immune rejection of hPSC-derived allografts. In this review, we discuss different sources of hPSCs available at the moment, various safety risks associated with them, and possible solutions for successful use of hPSCs in the clinic. We also discuss ongoing clinical trials of hPSC-based treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oscar E Simonson
- a Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Anesthesiology, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery , Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital , 171 77 Stockholm , Sweden
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Li J, He J, Lin G, Lu G. Inducing human parthenogenetic embryonic stem cells into islet‑like clusters. Mol Med Rep 2014; 10:2882-90. [PMID: 25241773 PMCID: PMC4227434 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2014.2588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2014] [Accepted: 07/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to determine whether human parthenogenetic embryonic stem (hpES) cells have the potential to differentiate into functional cells, a modified four-step protocol was used to induce the hpES cells into islet-like clusters (ILCs) in vitro. Growth factors activin A, retinoic acid, nicotinamide, Exendin-4 and betacellulin were added sequentially to the hpES cells at each step. The terminally differentiated cells were shown to gather into ILCs. Immunohistochemistry and semi quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses demonstrated that the ILCs expressed islet specific hormones and functional markers. Furthermore, an insulin release test indicated that the clusters had the same physiological function as islets. The ILCs derived from hpES cells shared similar characteristics with islets. These results indicate that hpES cell-derived ILCs may be used as reliable material for the treatment of type I diabetes mellitus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jin Li
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, P.R. China
| | - Jingjing He
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, P.R. China
| | - Ge Lin
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, P.R. China
| | - Guangxiu Lu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Benagiano G, Dallapiccola B. Can modern biology interpret the mystery of the birth of Christ? J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2014; 28:240-4. [DOI: 10.3109/14767058.2014.907264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
|
22
|
Neiman M, Sharbel TF, Schwander T. Genetic causes of transitions from sexual reproduction to asexuality in plants and animals. J Evol Biol 2014; 27:1346-59. [DOI: 10.1111/jeb.12357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2013] [Revised: 02/17/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Neiman
- Department of Biology; University of Iowa; Iowa City IA USA
| | - T. F. Sharbel
- Apomixis Research Group; Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK); Gatersleben Germany
| | - T. Schwander
- Department of Ecology and Evolution; University of Lausanne; Lausanne Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Daughtry B, Mitalipov S. Concise review: parthenote stem cells for regenerative medicine: genetic, epigenetic, and developmental features. Stem Cells Transl Med 2014; 3:290-8. [PMID: 24443005 DOI: 10.5966/sctm.2013-0127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) have the potential to provide unlimited cells and tissues for regenerative medicine. ESCs derived from fertilized embryos, however, will most likely be rejected by a patient's immune system unless appropriately immunomatched. Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) genetically identical to a patient can now be established by reprogramming of somatic cells. However, practical applications of PSCs for personalized therapies are projected to be unfeasible because of the enormous cost and time required to produce clinical-grade cells for each patient. ESCs derived from parthenogenetic embryos (pESCs) that are homozygous for human leukocyte antigens may serve as an attractive alternative for immunomatched therapies for a large population of patients. In this study, we describe the biology and genetic nature of mammalian parthenogenesis and review potential advantages and limitations of pESCs for cell-based therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brittany Daughtry
- Departments of Cell and Developmental Biology and Molecular and Medical Genetics, and Program in Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, School of Medicine, and Divisions of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, and Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Autuoro JM, Pirnie SP, Carmichael GG. Long noncoding RNAs in imprinting and X chromosome inactivation. Biomolecules 2014; 4:76-100. [PMID: 24970206 PMCID: PMC4030979 DOI: 10.3390/biom4010076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2013] [Revised: 12/18/2013] [Accepted: 12/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The field of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) research has been rapidly advancing in recent years. Technological advancements and deep-sequencing of the transcriptome have facilitated the identification of numerous new lncRNAs, many with unusual properties, however, the function of most of these molecules is still largely unknown. Some evidence suggests that several of these lncRNAs may regulate their own transcription in cis, and that of nearby genes, by recruiting remodeling factors to local chromatin. Notably, lncRNAs are known to exist at many imprinted gene clusters. Genomic imprinting is a complex and highly regulated process resulting in the monoallelic silencing of certain genes, based on the parent-of-origin of the allele. It is thought that lncRNAs may regulate many imprinted loci, however, the mechanism by which they exert such influence is poorly understood. This review will discuss what is known about the lncRNAs of major imprinted loci, and the roles they play in the regulation of imprinting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph M Autuoro
- Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, 400 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030, USA.
| | - Stephan P Pirnie
- Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, 400 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030, USA.
| | - Gordon G Carmichael
- Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, 400 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
de Vienne DM, Giraud T, Gouyon PH. Lineage Selection and the Maintenance of Sex. PLoS One 2013; 8:e66906. [PMID: 23825582 PMCID: PMC3688966 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0066906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2013] [Accepted: 05/12/2013] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex predominates in eukaryotes, despite its short-term disadvantage when compared to asexuality. Myriad models have suggested that short-term advantages of sex may be sufficient to counterbalance its twofold costs. However, despite decades of experimental work seeking such evidence, no evolutionary mechanism has yet achieved broad recognition as explanation for the maintenance of sex. We explore here, through lineage-selection models, the conditions favouring the maintenance of sex. In the first model, we allowed the rate of transition to asexuality to evolve, to determine whether lineage selection favoured species with the strongest constraints preventing the loss of sex. In the second model, we simulated more explicitly the mechanisms underlying the higher extinction rates of asexual lineages than of their sexual counterparts. We linked extinction rates to the ecological and/or genetic features of lineages, thereby providing a formalisation of the only figure included in Darwin's "The origin of species". Our results reinforce the view that the long-term advantages of sex and lineage selection may provide the most satisfactory explanations for the maintenance of sex in eukaryotes, which is still poorly recognized, and provide figures and a simulation website for training and educational purposes. Short-term benefits may play a role, but it is also essential to take into account the selection of lineages for a thorough understanding of the maintenance of sex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Damien M. de Vienne
- Bionformatics and Genomics Programme, Center for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona, Spain
- Bionformatics and Genomics Programme, University Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Tatiana Giraud
- Ecologie, Systématique et Evolution, CNRS UMR 8079, Orsay, France
- Ecologie, Systématique et Evolution, Université Paris-Sud, Orsay, France
| | - Pierre-Henri Gouyon
- Département Systématique et Evolution, Origine, Structure, Evolution de la Biodiversité, UMR 7205 CNRS-MNHN, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Cui XS, Shen XH, Sun SC, Cho SW, Heo YT, Kang YK, Wakayama T, Kim NH. Identifying MicroRNA and mRNA expression profiles in embryonic stem cells derived from parthenogenetic, androgenetic and fertilized blastocysts. J Genet Genomics 2013; 40:189-200. [PMID: 23618402 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2013.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2012] [Revised: 03/13/2013] [Accepted: 03/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of highly conserved small non-coding RNA molecules that play a pivotal role in several cellular functions. In this study, miRNA and messenger RNA (mRNA) profiles were examined by Illumina microarray in mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) derived from parthenogenetic, androgenetic, and fertilized blastocysts. The global analysis of miRNA-mRNA target pairs provided insight into the role of miRNAs in gene expression. Results showed that a total of 125 miRNAs and 2394 mRNAs were differentially expressed between androgenetic ESCs (aESCs) and fertilized ESCs (fESCs), a total of 42 miRNAs and 87 mRNAs were differentially expressed between parthenogenetic ESCs (pESCs) and fESCs, and a total of 99 miRNAs and 1788 mRNAs were differentially expressed between aESCs and pESCs. In addition, a total of 575, 5 and 376 miRNA-mRNA target pairs were observed in aESCs vs. fESCs, pESCs vs. fESCs, and aESCs vs. pESCs, respectively. Furthermore, 15 known imprinted genes and 16 putative uniparentally expressed miRNAs with high expression levels were confirmed by both microarray and real-time RT-PCR. Finally, transfection of miRNA inhibitors was performed to validate the regulatory relationship between putative maternally expressed miRNAs and target mRNAs. Inhibition of miR-880 increased the expression of Peg3, Dyrk1b, and Prrg2 mRNA, inhibition of miR-363 increased the expression of Nfat5 and Soat1 mRNA, and inhibition of miR-883b-5p increased Nfat5, Tacstd2, and Ppapdc1 mRNA. These results warrant a functional study to fully understand the underlying regulation of genomic imprinting in early embryo development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Shun Cui
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Gaeshin-dong, Cheongju, Chungbuk 361-763, South Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Uniparental embryos in the study of genomic imprinting. Methods Mol Biol 2012; 925:3-19. [PMID: 22907487 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-62703-011-3_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Nuclear transplantation has been used to study genomic imprinting. Available nuclear transfer methods include pronuclear transfer (PNT), intracytoplasmic sperm injection, and round spermatid injection. By generating uniparental embryos that have exclusively paternal or maternal genomes, it is possible to study the functions of the parental genomes separately. It is possible to compare functions in haploid and diploid states. In addition, nuclear transfer allows the effects of the ooplasm, including mitochondria, to be distinguished from effects of the maternally inherited chromosomes. PNTs can also be used to study epigenetic modifications of the parental genomes by the ooplasm. This chapter reviews the methods employed to generate uniparental embryonic constructs for these purposes.
Collapse
|
28
|
Rabeling C, Kronauer DJC. Thelytokous parthenogenesis in eusocial Hymenoptera. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 2012; 58:273-292. [PMID: 23072461 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ento-120811-153710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Female parthenogenesis, or thelytoky, is particularly common in solitary Hymenoptera. Only more recently has it become clear that many eusocial species also regularly reproduce thelytokously, and here we provide a comprehensive overview. Especially in ants, thelytoky underlies a variety of idiosyncratic life histories with unique evolutionary and ecological consequences. In all eusocial species studied, thelytoky probably has a nuclear genetic basis and the underlying cytological mechanism retains high levels of heterozygosity. This is in striking contrast to many solitary wasps, in which thelytoky is often induced by cytoplasmic bacteria and results in an immediate loss of heterozygosity. These differences are likely related to differences in haplodiploid sex determination mechanisms, which in eusocial species usually require heterozygosity for female development. At the same time, haplodiploidy might account for important preadaptations that can help explain the apparent ease with which Hymenoptera transition between sexual and asexual reproduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Rabeling
- Museum of Comparative Zoology Labs, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Reynolds RG, Booth W, Schuett GW, Fitzpatrick BM, Burghardt GM. Successive virgin births of viable male progeny in the checkered gartersnake,Thamnophis marcianus. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2012. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1095-8312.2012.01954.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R. Graham Reynolds
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; University of Tennessee; 569 Dabney Hall Knoxville TN 37996-1610 USA
| | - Warren Booth
- Department of Entomology; W. M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology; North Carolina State University; Box 7613 Raleigh NC 27695 USA
| | - Gordon W. Schuett
- Department of Biology; Center for Behavioral Neuroscience; Georgia State University; 33 Gilmer Street, SE, Unit 8 Atlanta GA 30303-3088 USA
| | - Benjamin M. Fitzpatrick
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; University of Tennessee; 569 Dabney Hall Knoxville TN 37996-1610 USA
| | - Gordon M. Burghardt
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; University of Tennessee; 569 Dabney Hall Knoxville TN 37996-1610 USA
- Department of Psychology; University of Tennessee; 1404 Circle Drive Knoxville TN 37996-0900 USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Altered cell cycle gene expression and apoptosis in post-implantation dog parthenotes. PLoS One 2012; 7:e41256. [PMID: 22905100 PMCID: PMC3419697 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0041256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2011] [Accepted: 06/22/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Mature oocytes can be parthenogenetically activated by a variety of methods and the resulting embryos are valuable for studies of the respective roles of paternal and maternal genomes in early mammalian development. In the present study, we report the first successful development of parthenogenetic canine embryos to the post-implantation stage. Nine out of ten embryo transfer recipients became pregnant and successful in utero development of canine parthenotes was confirmed. For further evaluation of these parthenotes, their fetal development was compared with artificially inseminated controls and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were compared using ACP RT-PCR, histological analysis and immunohistochemistry. We found formation of the limb-bud and no obvious differences in histological appearance of the canine parthenote recovered before degeneration occurred; however canine parthenotes were developmentally delayed with different cell cycle regulating-, mitochondria-related and apoptosis-related gene expression patterns compared with controls. In conclusion, our protocols were suitable for activating canine oocytes artificially and supported early fetal development. We demonstrated that the developmental abnormalities in canine parthenotes may result from defective regulation of apoptosis and aberrant gene expression patterns, and provided evidence that canine parthenotes can be a useful tool for screening and for comparative studies of imprinted genes.
Collapse
|
31
|
Meirmans S, Meirmans PG, Kirkendall LR. The costs of sex: facing real-world complexities. QUARTERLY REVIEW OF BIOLOGY 2012; 87:19-40. [PMID: 22518931 DOI: 10.1086/663945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the maintenance of sexual reproduction constitutes a difficult problem for evolutionary biologists because of the immediate costs that sex seems to incur. Typically, general benefits to sex and recombination are investigated that might outweigh these costs. However, several factors can strongly influence the complex balance between costs and benefits of sex; these include constraints on the evolution of asexuality, ecological differentiation, and certain lif-history traits. We review these factors and their empirical support for the first time in a unified framework and find that they can reduce the costs of sex, circumvent them, or make them inapplicable. These factors can even tip the scales to a net benefit for sex. The reviewed factors affect species and species groups differently, and we conclude consequently that understanding the maintenance of sex could turn out to be more species-specific than commonly assumed. Interestingly, our study suggests that, in some species, no general benefits to sex and recombination might be needed to understand the maintenance of sex, as in our case study of dandelions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Meirmans
- Centre for the Study of the Sciences and the Humanities and Department of Biology, University of Bergen 5020 Bergen, Norway.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
|
33
|
Shan ZY, Wu YS, Shen XH, Li X, Xue Y, Zheng Z, Wang ZD, Liu CJ, Sun RZ, Li ZY, Shen JL, Liu ZH, Lei L. Aggregation of pre-implantation embryos improves establishment of parthenogenetic stem cells and expression of imprinted genes. Dev Growth Differ 2012; 54:481-8. [PMID: 22435468 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-169x.2012.01335.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2011] [Revised: 02/02/2012] [Accepted: 02/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Parthenogenetic embryonic stem cells (PgES) might advance cell replacement therapies and provide a valuable in vitro model system to study the genomic imprinting. However, the differential potential of PgES cells was limited. It could result from relative low heterology of PgES cells compared with ES cells from fertilization (fES), which produce different expression of most imprinted genes. Here, we described the establishment of PgES cells by aggregating parthenogenetic embryos at the 8-cell stage (aPgES cells), which may increase heterozygy. We found that derivation of aPgES cells in association with an increased number of inner cell mass cells by aggregating was more efficient than that of PgES cells from a single parthenogenetic blastocyst. The aPgES cells have normal karyotype, stain positive for alkaline phosphatase, express high levels of ES cell markers and can differentiate into teratomas composed of the three germ layers. Moreover, compared with PgES cells, the more highly upregulated paternally expressed imprinted genes were observed in aPgES cells, the same change was not shown in aPg blastocysts. This suggested that the aggregation induced effect could modify the expression of paternally expressed imprinted genes. Our studies showed that aPgES cells, the expression of imprinted genes in which more closely resemble fES cells than PgES cells, would contribute to all organs and avoiding immuno-rejection, which may provide invaluable material for regeneration medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Yan Shan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Ragina NP, Schlosser K, Knott JG, Senagore PK, Swiatek PJ, Chang EA, Fakhouri WD, Schutte BC, Kiupel M, Cibelli JB. Downregulation of H19 improves the differentiation potential of mouse parthenogenetic embryonic stem cells. Stem Cells Dev 2011; 21:1134-44. [PMID: 21793658 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2011.0152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Parthenogenetic embryonic stem cells (P-ESCs) offer an alternative source of pluripotent cells, which hold great promise for autologous transplantation and regenerative medicine. P-ESCs have been successfully derived from blastocysts of several mammalian species. However, compared with biparental embryonic stem cells (B-ESCs), P-ESCs are limited in their ability to fully differentiate into all 3 germ layers. For example, it has been observed that there is a differentiation bias toward ectoderm derivatives at the expense of endoderm and mesoderm derivatives-muscle in particular-in chimeric embryos, teratomas, and embryoid bodies. In the present study we found that H19 expression was highly upregulated in P-ESCs with more than 6-fold overexpression compared with B-ESCs. Thus, we hypothesized that manipulation of the H19 gene in P-ESCs would alleviate their limitations and allow them to function like B-ESCs. To test this hypothesis we employed a small hairpin RNA approach to reduce the amount of H19 transcripts in mouse P-ESCs. We found that downregulation of H19 led to an increase of mesoderm-derived muscle and endoderm in P-ESCs teratomas similar to that observed in B-ESCs teratomas. This phenomenon coincided with upregulation of mesoderm-specific genes such as Myf5, Myf6, and MyoD. Moreover, H19 downregulated P-ESCs differentiated into a higher percentage of beating cardiomyocytes compared with control P-ESCs. Collectively, these results suggest that P-ESCs are amenable to molecular modifications that bring them functionally closer to true ESCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neli P Ragina
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
O'Connell MJ, Loughran NB, Walsh TA, Donoghue MTA, Schmid KJ, Spillane C. A phylogenetic approach to test for evidence of parental conflict or gene duplications associated with protein-encoding imprinted orthologous genes in placental mammals. Mamm Genome 2010; 21:486-98. [PMID: 20931201 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-010-9283-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2010] [Accepted: 09/01/2010] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
There are multiple theories on the evolution of genomic imprinting. We investigated whether the molecular evolution of true orthologs of known imprinted genes provides support for theories based on gene duplication or parental conflicts (where mediated by amino-acid changes). Our analysis of 34 orthologous genes demonstrates that the vast majority of mammalian imprinted genes have not undergone any subsequent significant gene duplication within placental species, suggesting that selection pressures against gene duplication events could be operating for imprinted loci. As antagonistic co-evolution between imprinted genes can regulate offspring growth, proteins mediating this interaction could be subject to rapid evolution via positive selection. Supporting this, we detect evidence of site specific positive selection for the imprinted genes OSBPL5 (and GNASXL), and detect lineage-specific positive selection for 14 imprinted genes where it is known that the gene is imprinted in a specific lineage, namely for: PLAGL1, IGF2, SLC22A18, OSBPL5, DCN, DLK1, RASGRF1, IGF2R, IMPACT, GRB10, NAPIL4, UBE3A, GATM and GABRG3. However, there is an overall lack of concordance between the known imprinting status of each gene (i.e. whether the gene is imprinted or biallelically expressed in a particular mammalian lineage) and positive selection. While only a small number of orthologs of imprinted loci display evidence of positive selection, we observe that the majority of orthologs of imprinted loci display high levels of micro-synteny conservation and have undergone very few cis- or trans-duplications in placental mammalian lineages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary J O'Connell
- Genetics and Biotechnology Lab, Department of Biochemistry and Biosciences Institute, University College Cork (UCC), Lee Maltings 2.10, Cork, Ireland.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Liu N, Enkemann SA, Liang P, Hersmus R, Zanazzi C, Huang J, Wu C, Chen Z, Looijenga LHJ, Keefe DL, Liu L. Genome-wide gene expression profiling reveals aberrant MAPK and Wnt signaling pathways associated with early parthenogenesis. J Mol Cell Biol 2010; 2:333-44. [PMID: 20926514 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjq029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian parthenogenesis could not survive but aborted during mid-gestation, presumably because of lack of paternal gene expression. To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the failure of parthenogenesis at early stages of development, we performed global gene expression profiling and functional analysis of parthenogenetic blastocysts in comparison with those of blastocysts from normally fertilized embryos. Parthenogenetic blastocysts exhibited changes in the expression of 749 genes, of which 214 had lower expression and 535 showed higher expressions than fertilized embryos using a minimal 1.8-fold change as a cutoff. Genes important for placenta development were decreased in their expression in parthenote blastocysts. Some maternally expressed genes were up-regulated and paternal-related genes were down-regulated. Moreover, aberrantly increased Wnt signaling and reduced mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling were associated with early parthenogenesis. The protein level of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (ERK2) was low in parthenogenetic blastocysts compared with that of fertilized blastocysts 120 h after fertilization. 6-Bromoindirubin-3'-oxime, a specific glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) inhibitor, significantly decreased embryo hatching. The expression of several imprinted genes was altered in parthenote blastocysts. Gene expression also linked reduced expression of Xist to activation of X chromosome. Our findings suggest that failed X inactivation, aberrant imprinting, decreased ERK/MAPK signaling and possibly elevated Wnt signaling, and reduced expression of genes for placental development collectively may contribute to abnormal placenta formation and failed fetal development in parthenogenetic embryos.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Na Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Differentiation diversity of mouse parthenogenetic embryonic stem cells in chimeric mice. Theriogenology 2010; 74:135-45. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2010.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2009] [Revised: 01/16/2010] [Accepted: 01/30/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
38
|
Imprinting evolution and human health. Mamm Genome 2009; 20:563-72. [PMID: 19830403 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-009-9229-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2009] [Accepted: 09/16/2009] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
|
39
|
Kawahara M, Morita S, Takahashi N, Kono T. Defining contributions of paternally methylated imprinted genes at the Igf2-H19 and Dlk1-Gtl2 domains to mouse placentation by transcriptomic analysis. J Biol Chem 2009; 284:17751-65. [PMID: 19380578 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m109.000299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Parental genome functions in ontogeny are determined by interactions among transcripts from the maternal and paternal genomes, which contain many genes whose expression is strictly dependent on their parental origin as a result of genomic imprinting. Comprehensive recognition of the interactions between parental genomes is important for understanding genomic imprinting in mammalian development. The placenta is a key organ for exploring the biological significance of genomic imprinting. To decipher the unknown roles of paternally methylated imprinted genes on chromosomes 7 and 12 in mouse placentation, we performed a transcriptomic analysis on placentae in three types of bimaternal conceptuses that contained genomes derived from both non-growing and fully grown oocytes. Furthermore, we used the Ingenuity pathway analysis software to predict key networks and identify functions specific to paternally methylated imprinted genes regulated by the Igf2-H19 imprinting control region and Dlk1-Dio3 imprinting control region. The data suggested that dynamic conversion of the gene expression profile by restoring the expression of paternally methylated imprinted genes resulted in phenotypic improvements in bimaternal placentae. These results provide a framework to further explore the role of epigenetic modifications in paternal genome during mouse placentation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manabu Kawahara
- Department of BioScience, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8502, Japan
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Teramura T, Onodera Y, Murakami H, Ito S, Mihara T, Takehara T, Kato H, Mitani T, Anzai M, Matsumoto K, Saeki K, Fukuda K, Sagawa N, Osoi Y. Mouse androgenetic embryonic stem cells differentiated to multiple cell lineages in three embryonic germ layers in vitro. J Reprod Dev 2009; 55:283-92. [PMID: 19305126 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.20146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The embryos of some rodents and primates can precede early development without the process of fertilization; however, they cease to develop after implantation because of restricted expressions of imprinting genes. Asexually developed embryos are classified into parthenote/gynogenote and androgenote by their genomic origins. Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) derived from asexual origins have also been reported. To date, ESCs derived from parthenogenetic embryos (PgESCs) have been established in some species, including humans, and the possibility to be alternative sources for autologous cell transplantation in regenerative medicine has been proposed. However, some developmental characteristics, which might be important for therapeutic applications, such as multiple differentiation capacity and transplantability of the ESCs of androgenetic origin (AgESCs) are uncertain. Here, we induced differentiation of mouse AgESCs and observed derivation of neural cells, cardiomyocytes and hepatocytes in vitro. Following differentiated embryoid body (EB) transplantation in various mouse strains including the strain of origin, we found that the EBs could engraft in theoretically MHC-matched strains. Our results indicate that AgESCs possess at least two important characteristics, multiple differentiation properties in vitro and transplantability after differentiation, and suggest that they can also serve as a source of histocompatible tissues for transplantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Teramura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Abstract
A reliable nuclear transfer method was first reported in 1983; it provided definite evidence that parthenogenetic embryos are lethal at early postimplantation in mammals. Subsequently, nuclear transfer has been extensively used as an important and versatile tool for investigating embryo and somatic-cell cloning and nucleo-cytoplasmic interactions. Further development of this technique has enabled the generation of bimaternal embryos containing two haploid sets of maternal genomes from female germ cells of different origins. By using a 2-d nuclear transfer system for oocyte reconstruction, viable mice can be produced solely from maternal genomes, without the participation of the paternal genome. This oocyte reconstruction system, as described in this protocol, could provide valuable guidelines for exploring the potential endowments of gametes and for conferring novel properties to them.
Collapse
|
42
|
|
43
|
Ross PJ, Beyhan Z, Iager AE, Yoon SY, Malcuit C, Schellander K, Fissore RA, Cibelli JB. Parthenogenetic activation of bovine oocytes using bovine and murine phospholipase C zeta. BMC DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2008; 8:16. [PMID: 18284699 PMCID: PMC2266721 DOI: 10.1186/1471-213x-8-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2007] [Accepted: 02/19/2008] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During natural fertilization, sperm fusion with the oocyte induces long lasting intracellular calcium oscillations which in turn are responsible for oocyte activation. PLCZ1 has been identified as the factor that the sperm delivers into the egg to induce such a response. We tested the hypothesis that PLCZ1 cRNA injection can be used to activate bovine oocytes. RESULTS Mouse and bovine PLCZ1 cRNAs were injected into matured bovine oocytes at different concentrations. Within the concentrations tested, mouse PLCZ1 injection activated bovine oocytes at a maximum rate when the pipette concentration of cRNA ranged from 0.25 to 1 mug/muL, while bovine PLCZ1 was optimal at 0.1 mug/muL. At their most effective concentrations, PLCZ1 induced parthenogenetic development at rates similar to those observed using other activation stimuli such as Ionomycin/CHX and Ionomycin/DMAP. Injection of mouse and bovine PLCZ1 cRNA induced dose-dependent sperm-like calcium oscillations whose frequency increased over time. Injection of bovine and mouse PLCZ1 cRNA also induced IP3R-1 degradation, although bovine PLCZ1 cRNA evoked greater receptor degradation than its mouse counterpart. CONCLUSION Injection of PLCZ1 cRNA efficiently activated bovine oocytes by inducing a sperm-like calcium oscillatory pattern. Importantly, the high rate of aneuploidy encountered in parthenogenetic embryos activated by certain chemical means was not observed in PLCZ1 activated embryos.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pablo J Ross
- Cellular Reprogramming Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Garnier O, Laouiellé-Duprat S, Spillane C. Genomic imprinting in plants. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2008; 626:89-100. [PMID: 18372793 DOI: 10.1007/978-0-387-77576-0_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Garnier
- Genetics and Biotechnology Lab, Department of Biochemistry, Biosciences Institute, University College Cork, Ireland
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Chapman DD, Shivji MS, Louis E, Sommer J, Fletcher H, Prodöhl PA. Virgin birth in a hammerhead shark. Biol Lett 2007; 3:425-7. [PMID: 17519185 PMCID: PMC2390672 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2007.0189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Parthenogenesis has been documented in all major jawed vertebrate lineages except mammals and cartilaginous fishes (class Chondrichthyes: sharks, batoids and chimeras). Reports of captive female sharks giving birth despite being held in the extended absence of males have generally been ascribed to prior matings coupled with long-term sperm storage by the females. Here, we provide the first genetic evidence for chondrichthyan parthenogenesis, involving a hammerhead shark (Sphyrna tiburo). This finding also broadens the known occurrence of a specific type of asexual development (automictic parthenogenesis) among vertebrates, extending recently raised concerns about the potential negative effect of this type of facultative parthenogenesis on the genetic diversity of threatened vertebrate species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Demian D Chapman
- Guy Harvey Research Institute, Oceanographic Centre, Nova Southeastern University8000 North Ocean Drive, Dania Beach, FL 33004, USA
| | - Mahmood S Shivji
- Guy Harvey Research Institute, Oceanographic Centre, Nova Southeastern University8000 North Ocean Drive, Dania Beach, FL 33004, USA
| | - Ed Louis
- Centre for Conservation and Research, Henry Doorly Zoo3701 South 10th Street, Omaha, NE 68107, USA
| | - Julie Sommer
- Centre for Conservation and Research, Henry Doorly Zoo3701 South 10th Street, Omaha, NE 68107, USA
| | - Hugh Fletcher
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Paulo A Prodöhl
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
- Author for correspondence ()
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Gao T, Zheng J, Xing F, Fang H, Sun F, Yan A, Gong X, Ding H, Tang F, Sheng HZ. Nuclear reprogramming: the strategy used in normal development is also used in somatic cell nuclear transfer and parthenogenesis. Cell Res 2007; 17:135-50. [PMID: 17287828 DOI: 10.1038/cr.2007.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) and parthenogenesis are alternative forms of reproduction and development, building new life cycles on differentiated somatic cell nuclei and duplicated maternal chromatin, respectively. In the preceding paper (Sun F, et al., Cell Res 2007; 17:117-134.), we showed that an "erase-and-rebuild" strategy is used in normal development to transform the maternal gene expression profile to a zygotic one. Here, we investigate if the same strategy also applies to SCNT and parthenogenesis. The relationship between chromatin and chromatin factors (CFs) during SCNT and parthenogenesis was examined using immunochemical and GFP-fusion protein assays. Results from these studies indicated that soon after nuclear transfer, a majority of CFs dissociated from somatic nuclei and were redistributed to the cytoplasm of the egg. The erasure process in oogenesis is recaptured during the initial phase in SCNT. Most CFs entered pseudo-pronuclei shortly after their formation. In parthenogenesis, all parthenogenotes underwent normal oogenesis, and thus had removed most CFs from chromosomes before the initiation of development. The CFs were subsequently re-associated with female pronuclei in time and sequence similar to that in fertilized embryos. Based on these data, we conclude that the "erase-and-rebuild" process observed in normal development also occurs in SCNT and in parthenogenesis, albeit in altered fashions. The process is responsible for transcription reprogramming in these procedures. The "erase" process in SCNT is compressed and the efficiency is compromised, which likely contribute to the developmental defects often observed in nuclear transfer (nt) embryos. Furthermore, results from this study indicated that the cytoplasm of an egg contains most, if not all, essential components for assembling the zygotic program and can assemble them onto appropriate diploid chromatin of distinct origins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tianlong Gao
- Program for Graduation Studies, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
|