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Weatherbee BAT, Weberling A, Gantner CW, Iwamoto-Stohl LK, Barnikel Z, Barrie A, Campbell A, Cunningham P, Drezet C, Efstathiou P, Fishel S, Vindel SG, Lockwood M, Oakley R, Pretty C, Chowdhury N, Richardson L, Mania A, Weavers L, Christie L, Elder K, Snell P, Zernicka-Goetz M. Distinct pathways drive anterior hypoblast specification in the implanting human embryo. Nat Cell Biol 2024; 26:353-365. [PMID: 38443567 PMCID: PMC10940163 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-024-01367-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Development requires coordinated interactions between the epiblast, which generates the embryo proper; the trophectoderm, which generates the placenta; and the hypoblast, which forms both the anterior signalling centre and the yolk sac. These interactions remain poorly understood in human embryogenesis because mechanistic studies have only recently become possible. Here we examine signalling interactions post-implantation using human embryos and stem cell models of the epiblast and hypoblast. We find anterior hypoblast specification is NODAL dependent, as in the mouse. However, while BMP inhibits anterior signalling centre specification in the mouse, it is essential for its maintenance in human. We also find contrasting requirements for BMP in the naive pre-implantation epiblast of mouse and human embryos. Finally, we show that NOTCH signalling is important for human epiblast survival. Our findings of conserved and species-specific factors that drive these early stages of embryonic development highlight the strengths of comparative species studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bailey A T Weatherbee
- Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Center for Stem Cell and Organoid Medicine, Perinatal Institute, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Antonia Weberling
- Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- All Souls College, Oxford, UK
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Carlos W Gantner
- Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Lisa K Iwamoto-Stohl
- Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Lucy Richardson
- Herts & Essex Fertility Centre, Bishops College, Cheshunt, UK
| | | | | | | | - Kay Elder
- Bourn Hall Fertility Clinic, Bourn, UK
| | | | - Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz
- Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Stem Cells Self-Organization Group, Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA.
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Wang L, Wang Y, Li B, Zhang Y, Song S, Ding W, Xu D, Zhao Z. BMP6 regulates AMH expression via SMAD1/5/8 in goat ovarian granulosa cells. Theriogenology 2023; 197:167-176. [PMID: 36525856 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.11.045] [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: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is produced by ovarian granulosa cells (GCs)and plays a major role in inhibiting the recruitment of primordial follicles and reducing the sensitivity of growing follicles to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Bone morphogenetic protein 6 (BMP6) has similar spatiotemporal expression to AMH during follicular development, suggesting that BMP6 may regulate AMH expression. However, the specific mechanism by which BMP6 regulates AMH expression remains unclear. The objectives of this study were to examine the molecular pathway by which BMP6 regulates AMH expression. The results showed that BMP6 promoted the secretion and expression of AMH in goat ovarian GCs. Mechanistically, BMP6 upregulated the expression of sex-determining region Y-box 9 (SOX9) and GATA-binding factor 4 (GATA4), which was associated with the transcriptional initiation of AMH. AMH expression was significantly decreased by GATA4 knockdown. Moreover, BMP6 treatment promoted the phosphorylation of SMAD1/5/8, whereas inhibiting the SMAD1/5/8 signaling pathway significantly abolished BMP6-induced upregulation of AMH and GATA4 expression. Interestingly, the activation of SMAD1/5/8 alone did not affect the expression of AMH or GATA4. The results suggested that BMP6 upregulated GATA4 through the SMAD1/5/8 signaling pathway, which in turn promoted AMH expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University,Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, PR China
| | - Yukun Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University,Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, PR China
| | - Bijun Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University,Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, PR China
| | - Yiyu Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University,Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, PR China
| | - Shuaifei Song
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University,Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, PR China
| | - Wenfei Ding
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University,Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, PR China
| | - Dejun Xu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University,Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, PR China.
| | - Zhongquan Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University,Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, PR China.
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Liu Y, Chen M, Zhao X, Ren X, Shao S, Zou M, Zhang L. Bone morphogenetic protein 6 expression in cumulus cells is negatively associated with oocyte maturation. HUM FERTIL 2019; 24:290-297. [PMID: 31495245 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2019.1660003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic protein 6 (BMP6) is a regulatory peptide secreted by oocytes and granulosa cells that locally regulates folliculogenesis and follicular development. To determine BMP6 location, we studied BMP6 expression in human follicles using immunohistochemistry, real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot analysis. RT-PCR was performed on 354 individual cumulus cell (CC) masses from 48 women to investigate the relationship between BMP6 mRNA expression in CCs and oocyte developmental potential. Results showed that BMP6 protein was mainly located in oocytes from preantral follicles and in granulosa cells from antral follicles. BMP6 mRNA expression was much higher in oocytes than in CCs and mural granulosa cells (mGCs) from preovulatory follicles (p < 0.01), and BMP6 protein level was higher in CCs than in mGCs (p < 0.05). BMP6 mRNA expression was higher in CCs from immature oocytes than in those from mature oocytes (p < 0.05). However, BMP6 mRNA expression in CCs was not associated with oocyte fertilization, embryo morphological grading, or implantation. In conclusion, BMP6 was mainly expressed in oocytes at all human follicular developmental stages and BMP6 mRNA expression in CCs may be negatively correlated with oocyte maturation. BMP6 expression could therefore be used as a biomarker of oocyte maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Liu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Mei Chen
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Xue Zhao
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Xinling Ren
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Shumin Shao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Min Zou
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China.,Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
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4
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Krisher RL. Maternal age affects oocyte developmental potential at both ends of the age spectrum. Reprod Fertil Dev 2019; 31:1-9. [PMID: 32188537 DOI: 10.1071/rd18340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal age has a significant effect on oocyte developmental competence. Overall, evidence suggests that oocytes from both prepubertal females and reproductively aged females are inherently less competent. Reduced oocyte quality in both age groups is problematic for human medicine and agriculture. Some of the cellular mechanisms implicated in poor oocyte quality associated with maternal age are mitochondrial function and location, reduction of oxygen radicals, balance of metabolic pathways, regulation of maternal mRNAs and appropriate communication between the oocyte and cumulus cells. However, additional knowledge must be gained about the deficiencies present in prepubertal and reproductively aged oocytes that result in poor developmental potential before significant improvement can be achieved. This review discusses the evidence currently available regarding oocyte quality at both ends of the maternal age spectrum, what we know, or hypothesise, about the mechanisms involved and current thoughts regarding potential treatment for improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Krisher
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, 10290 RidgeGate Circle, Lone Tree, CO 80124, USA. Email
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Abstract
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) constitute the largest subdivision of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β family of ligands and exert most of their effects through the canonical effectors Smad1, 5, and 8. Appropriate regulation of BMP signaling is critical for the development and homeostasis of numerous human organ systems. Aberrations in BMP pathways or their regulation are increasingly associated with diverse human pathologies, and there is an urgent and growing need to develop effective approaches to modulate BMP signaling in the clinic. In this review, we provide a wide perspective on diseases and/or conditions associated with dysregulated BMP signal transduction, outline the current strategies available to modulate BMP pathways, highlight emerging second-generation technologies, and postulate prospective avenues for future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan W Lowery
- Division of Biomedical Science, Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46222
| | - Vicki Rosen
- Department of Developmental Biology, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
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6
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Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) signaling in animal reproductive system development and function. Dev Biol 2017; 427:258-269. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2017.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Revised: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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7
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Regan SLP, Knight PG, Yovich JL, Stanger JD, Leung Y, Arfuso F, Dharmarajan A, Almahbobi G. Dysregulation of granulosal bone morphogenetic protein receptor 1B density is associated with reduced ovarian reserve and the age-related decline in human fertility. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 425:84-93. [PMID: 26805635 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Revised: 01/18/2016] [Accepted: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Reproductive ageing is linked to the depletion of ovarian primordial follicles, which causes an irreversible change to ovarian cellular function and the capacity to reproduce. The current study aimed to profile the expression of bone morphogenetic protein receptor, (BMPR1B) in 53 IVF patients exhibiting different degrees of primordial follicle depletion. The granulosa cell receptor density was measured in 403 follicles via flow cytometry. A decline in BMPR1B density occurred at the time of dominant follicle selection and during the terminal stage of folliculogenesis in the 23-30 y good ovarian reserve patients. The 40+ y poor ovarian reserve patients experienced a reversal of this pattern. The results demonstrate an association between age-induced depletion of the ovarian reserve and BMPR1B receptor density at the two critical time points of dominant follicle selection and pre-ovulatory follicle maturation. Dysregulation of BMP receptor signalling may inhibit the normal steroidogenic differentiation required for maturation in older patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheena L P Regan
- Stem Cell and Cancer Biology Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Australia.
| | - Phil G Knight
- School of Biological Sciences, Hopkins Building, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6UB, UK
| | | | | | - Yee Leung
- Western Australian Gynaecologic Cancer Service, King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women, Perth, Australia
| | - Frank Arfuso
- Stem Cell and Cancer Biology Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Arun Dharmarajan
- Stem Cell and Cancer Biology Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Ghanim Almahbobi
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
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Abstract
The bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) family consists of several growth factor proteins that belong to the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily. BMPs bind to type I and type II serine-threonine kinase receptors, and transduce signals through the Smad signalling pathway. BMPs have been identified in mammalian ovaries, and functional studies have shown that they are involved in the regulation of oogenesis and folliculogenesis. This review summarizes the role of the BMP system during formation, growth and maturation of ovarian follicles in mammals.
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Joo BS, Jung IK, Park MJ, Joo JK, Kim KH, Lee KS. Differential expression of pluripotent and germ cell markers in ovarian surface epithelium according to age in female mice. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2014; 12:113. [PMID: 25421381 PMCID: PMC4280751 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-12-113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2014] [Accepted: 09/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many studies have proposed that putative ovarian stem cells (OSCs) derived from the ovarian surface epithelium (OSE) layer of adult mammalian ovaries can produce oocytes. Few studies have reported that ovaries of aged mammalian females including mice and women possess rare premeiotic germ cells that can generate oocytes. However, no studies have reported the changes of OSCs according to the age of the female. Therefore, this study evaluated pluripotent and germ cell marker expression in the intact ovary, scraped OSE, and postcultured OSE according to age in female mice. METHODS C57BL/6 female mice of 2 age groups (6-8 and 28-31 weeks) were superovulated by injection with 5 IU equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG). Both ovaries were removed after 48 hours and scrapped to obtain OSE. Gene expressions of pluripotent (Oct-4, Sox-2, Nanog) and germ cell markers (c-Kit, GDF-9, and VASA) were evaluated by RT-PCR. VASA and GDF-9 were immune-localized in oocyte-like structures. RESULTS Expressions of germ cell markers in the intact ovary were significantly decreased in aged females, whereas expressions of pluripotent markers were not detected, regardless of age. Scraped OSE expression of all pluripotent and germ cell markers, except for c-Kit, was similar between both age groups. Three weeks postcultured OSE had significantly decreased expression of GDF-9 and VASA , but not c-Kit, in old mice, as compared to young mice; however there was no difference in the expression of other genes. The number of positively stained Oct-4 by immunohistochemistry in postcultured OSE was 2.5 times higher in young mice than aged mice. Oocyte-like structure was spontaneously produced in postcultured OSE. However, while that of young mice revealed a prominent nucleus, zona pellucida-like structure and cytoplasmic organelles, these features were not observed in old mice. CONCLUSIONS These results show that aged female mice have putative OSCs in OSE, but their differentiation potential, as well as the number of OSCs differs from those of young mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Sun Joo
- Research Center for Anti-Aging Technology Development, Pusan National University, Busan, Korea
| | - In Kook Jung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Min Jung Park
- Research Center for Anti-Aging Technology Development, Pusan National University, Busan, Korea
| | - Jong Kil Joo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Ki Hyung Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Kyu-Sup Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Korea
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Akiyama I, Yoshino O, Osuga Y, Shi J, Takamura M, Harada M, Koga K, Hirota Y, Hirata T, Fujii T, Saito S, Kozuma S. The role of bone morphogenetic protein 6 in accumulation and regulation of neutrophils in the human ovary. Reprod Sci 2014; 21:772-7. [PMID: 24406789 DOI: 10.1177/1933719113518988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) cytokine is known to regulate ovulation, as BMP-6 null mice exhibit a decrease in the number of ovulatory follicles without effect on either the morphology or the dynamics of follicular development. In the present study, the role of BMP-6 in ovulatory process was investigated using human granulosa-lutein cells (GCs). Granulosa-lutein cells, obtained from in vitro fertilization patients, were cultured with BMP-6 followed by RNA extraction. The neutrophil-chemotactic activity of the supernatant of cultured GC was investigated. Bone morphogenetic protein 6 significantly increased growth-regulated oncogene α (GRO-α) messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression in GC. In the neutrophil-chemotaxis assay, the GC supernatant cultured with BMP-6 attracted more neutrophils than control samples, which was negated with anti-GRO-α neutralizing antibody. Bone morphogenetic protein 6 also suppressed the relative expression of the protease inhibitors, secretory leukocyte peptidase inhibitor, and whey acid protein 14 mRNA in GC. Bone morphogenetic protein 6 might play a role in ovulation by increasing the accumulation of neutrophils in the ovulatory follicle and suppressing the effect of protease inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ikumi Akiyama
- 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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