1
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Wetten PA, Klinsky OG, Michaut MA. Dithiothreitol prevents the spontaneous release of cortical granules in in vitro aged mouse oocytes by protecting regulatory proteins of cortical granules exocytosis and thickening the cortical actin cytoskeleton. Theriogenology 2024; 229:53-65. [PMID: 39163803 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024]
Abstract
In assisted fertility protocols, in vitro culture conditions mimic physiological conditions to preserve gametes in the best conditions. After collection, oocytes are maintained in a culture medium inside the incubator until in vitro fertilization (IVF) is performed. This time outside natural and physiological conditions exposes oocytes to an oxidative stress that renders in vitro aging. It has been described that in vitro aging produces a spontaneous cortical granule (CG) release decreasing the fertilization rate of oocytes. Nevertheless, this undesirable phenomenon has not been investigated, let alone prevented. In this work, we characterized the spontaneous CG secretion in in vitro aged oocytes. Using immunofluorescence indirect, quantification, and functional assays, we showed that the expression of regulatory proteins of CG exocytosis was affected. Our results demonstrated that in vitro oocyte aging by 4 and 8 h altered the expression and localization of alpha-SNAP and reduced the expression of NSF and Complexin. These alterations were prevented by supplementing culture medium with dithiothreitol (DTT), which in addition to having a protective effect on those proteins, also had an unexpected effect on the actin cytoskeleton. Indeed, DTT addition thickened the cortical layer of fibrillar actin. Both DTT effects, together, prevented the spontaneous secretion of CG and recovered the IVF rate in in vitro aged oocytes. We propose the use of DTT in culture media to avoid the spontaneous CG secretion and to improve the success rate of IVF protocols in in vitro aged oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Alida Wetten
- Laboratorio de Biología Reproductiva y Molecular (LaBRYM), Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM), Universidad Nacional de Cuyo-CONICET, Mendoza, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina.
| | - Omar Guillermo Klinsky
- Laboratorio de Biología Reproductiva y Molecular (LaBRYM), Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM), Universidad Nacional de Cuyo-CONICET, Mendoza, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina.
| | - Marcela Alejandra Michaut
- Laboratorio de Biología Reproductiva y Molecular (LaBRYM), Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM), Universidad Nacional de Cuyo-CONICET, Mendoza, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina.
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2
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Wassarman PM, Litscher ES. Female fertility and the mammalian egg's zona pellucida. Histol Histopathol 2024; 39:1273-1284. [PMID: 38487866 DOI: 10.14670/hh-18-728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
All mammalian eggs are surrounded by a relatively thick extracellular matrix (ECM) or zona pellucida (ZP) to which free-swimming sperm bind in a species-restricted manner during fertilization. The ZP consists of either three (e.g., Mus musculus) or four (e.g., Homo sapiens) glycosylated proteins, called ZP1-4. These proteins are unlike those found in somatic cell ECM, are encoded by single-copy genes on different chromosomes, and are well conserved among different mammals. Mammalian ZP proteins are synthesized as polypeptide precursors by growing oocytes that will become ovulated, unfertilized eggs. These precursors are processed to remove a signal-sequence and carboxy-terminal propeptide and are secreted into the extracellular space. Secreted ZP proteins assemble into long, crosslinked fibrils that exhibit a structural repeat due to the presence of ZP2-ZP3 dimers every 140 Å or so along fibrils. Fibrils are crosslinked by ZP1 and are oriented either perpendicular, parallel, or randomly to the plasma membrane of eggs depending on their position in the ZP. Free-swimming mouse sperm recognize and bind to ZP2 or ZP3 that serve as sperm receptors. Acrosome-intact sperm bind to ZP3 oligosaccharides and acrosome-reacted sperm bind to ZP2 polypeptide. ZP fibrils fail to assemble in the absence of either nascent ZP2 or ZP3 and results in mouse eggs that lack a ZP and female infertility. Gene sequence variations due to point, missense, or frameshift mutations in genes encoding ZP1-4 result in human eggs that lack a ZP or have an abnormal ZP and female infertility. These and other features of the mouse and human egg's ZP are discussed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul M Wassarman
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA.
| | - Eveline S Litscher
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA.
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3
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Campagna AA, Fabra MC, Seoane A, Furnus CC, Carranza-Martin AC, Nikoloff N. Impact of fluazuron on oocyte maturation: May the antiparasitic affect bovine reproduction? Theriogenology 2024; 227:92-101. [PMID: 39047407 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Fluazuron is a novel veterinary pour-on antitick formulation which can be applied simultaneously with bovine reproduction management strategies. Considering the economic importance of the livestock industry in many countries, it is important to know whether antiparasitics such as fluazuron may cause embryonic loss. The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxicological effect of fluazuron on bovine oocytes during in vitro maturation. The best fluazuron concentrations were determined in a preliminary experiment on Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)-K1 cells and further used to compare fluazuron toxicity in both study models. Results of the annexin V and alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis assays demonstrated that fluazuron caused cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in bovine cumulus cells at all the concentrations tested (50, 75 and 100 μg fluazuron/mL). The evaluation of cortical granules and mitochondria distribution showed that cytoplasmic maturation was not affected by fluazuron treatment. However, a decrease in metaphase II + polar body, degenerate oocytes as well as disorganized chromatin in polar body were observed at all concentrations tested. Whereas the fertilization process was not altered by 50 μg/mL fluazuron, the embryo development rate decreased significantly. No significant differences were observed in any of the oxidative stress parameters assessed. This study contributes to a better understanding of fluazuron in bovines, suggesting that the antiparasitic may affect bovine reproduction and might cause embryo loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anabella Andrea Campagna
- IGEVET - Instituto de Genética Veterinaria "Ing. Fernando N. Dulout" (UNLP-CONICET LA PLATA), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariana Carolina Fabra
- IGEVET - Instituto de Genética Veterinaria "Ing. Fernando N. Dulout" (UNLP-CONICET LA PLATA), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Analía Seoane
- IGEVET - Instituto de Genética Veterinaria "Ing. Fernando N. Dulout" (UNLP-CONICET LA PLATA), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Cecilia Cristina Furnus
- IGEVET - Instituto de Genética Veterinaria "Ing. Fernando N. Dulout" (UNLP-CONICET LA PLATA), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ana Cristina Carranza-Martin
- IGEVET - Instituto de Genética Veterinaria "Ing. Fernando N. Dulout" (UNLP-CONICET LA PLATA), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Noelia Nikoloff
- IGEVET - Instituto de Genética Veterinaria "Ing. Fernando N. Dulout" (UNLP-CONICET LA PLATA), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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4
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Machaty Z. The signal that stimulates mammalian embryo development. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1474009. [PMID: 39355121 PMCID: PMC11442298 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1474009] [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: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 09/05/2024] [Indexed: 10/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Embryo development is stimulated by calcium (Ca2+) signals that are generated in the egg cytoplasm by the fertilizing sperm. Eggs are formed via oogenesis. They go through a cell division known as meiosis, during which their diploid chromosome number is halved and new genetic combinations are created by crossing over. During formation the eggs also acquire cellular components that are necessary to produce the Ca2+ signal and also, to support development of the newly formed embryo. Ionized calcium is a universal second messenger used by cells in a plethora of biological processes and the eggs develop a "toolkit", a set of molecules needed for signaling. Meiosis stops twice and these arrests are controlled by a complex interaction of regulatory proteins. The first meiotic arrest lasts until after puberty, when a luteinizing hormone surge stimulates meiotic resumption. The cell cycle proceeds to stop again in the middle of the second meiotic division, right before ovulation. The union of the female and male gametes takes place in the oviduct. Following gamete fusion, the sperm triggers the release of Ca2+ from the egg's intracellular stores which in mammals is followed by repetitive Ca2+ spikes known as Ca2+ oscillations in the cytosol that last for several hours. Downstream sensor proteins help decoding the signal and stimulate other molecules whose actions are required for proper development including those that help to prevent the fusion of additional sperm cells to the egg and those that assist in the release from the second meiotic arrest, completion of meiosis and entering the first mitotic cell division. Here I review the major steps of egg formation, discuss the signaling toolkit that is essential to generate the Ca2+ signal and describe the steps of the signal transduction mechanism that activates the egg's developmental program and turns it into an embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoltan Machaty
- Department of Animal Sciences Purdue University West Lafayette, West Lafayette, IN, United States
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5
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Dhori X, Gioiosa S, Gonfloni S. An integrated analysis of multiple datasets reveals novel gene signatures in human granulosa cells. Sci Data 2024; 11:972. [PMID: 39242561 PMCID: PMC11379948 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-024-03715-0] [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: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Granulosa cells (GCs) play crucial roles in oocyte maturation. Through gap junctions and extracellular vesicles, they mediate the exchange of molecules such as microRNAs and messenger RNAs. Different ovarian cell types exhibit unique gene expression profiles, reflecting their specialized functions and stages. By combining RNA-seq data from various cell types forming the follicle, we aimed at capturing a wide range of expression patterns, offering insights into the functional diversity and complexity of the transcriptome regulation across GCs. Herein, we performed an integrated bioinformatics analysis of RNA sequencing datasets present in public databases, with a unique and standardized workflow., By combining the data from different studies, we successfully increased the robustness and reliability of our findings and discovered novel genes, miRNAs, and signaling pathways associated with GCs function and oocyte maturation. Moreover, our results provide a valuable resource for further wet-lab research on GCs biology and their impact on oocyte development and competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xhulio Dhori
- CINECA, Super Computing Applications and Innovation Department, Via dei Tizii 6B, 000185, Roma, Italy
- Department of Biology, University of Roma, via della Ricerca Scientifica 00133, Roma, Italy
| | - Silvia Gioiosa
- CINECA, Super Computing Applications and Innovation Department, Via dei Tizii 6B, 000185, Roma, Italy.
| | - Stefania Gonfloni
- Department of Biology, University of Roma, via della Ricerca Scientifica 00133, Roma, Italy.
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6
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Fuentes R, Marlow FL, Abrams EW, Zhang H, Kobayashi M, Gupta T, Kapp LD, DiNardo Z, Heller R, Cisternas R, García-Castro P, Segovia-Miranda F, Montecinos-Franjola F, Vought W, Vejnar CE, Giraldez AJ, Mullins MC. Maternal regulation of the vertebrate oocyte-to-embryo transition. PLoS Genet 2024; 20:e1011343. [PMID: 39052672 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Maternally-loaded factors in the egg accumulate during oogenesis and are essential for the acquisition of oocyte and egg developmental competence to ensure the production of viable embryos. However, their molecular nature and functional importance remain poorly understood. Here, we present a collection of 9 recessive maternal-effect mutants identified in a zebrafish forward genetic screen that reveal unique molecular insights into the mechanisms controlling the vertebrate oocyte-to-embryo transition. Four genes, over easy, p33bjta, poached and black caviar, were found to control initial steps in yolk globule sizing and protein cleavage during oocyte maturation that act independently of nuclear maturation. The krang, kazukuram, p28tabj, and spotty genes play distinct roles in egg activation, including cortical granule biology, cytoplasmic segregation, the regulation of microtubule organizing center assembly and microtubule nucleation, and establishing the basic body plan. Furthermore, we cloned two of the mutant genes, identifying the over easy gene as a subunit of the Adaptor Protein complex 5, Ap5m1, which implicates it in regulating intracellular trafficking and yolk vesicle formation. The novel maternal protein Krang/Kiaa0513, highly conserved in metazoans, was discovered and linked to the function of cortical granules during egg activation. These mutant genes represent novel genetic entry points to decipher the molecular mechanisms functioning in the oocyte-to-embryo transition, fertility, and human disease. Additionally, our genetic adult screen not only contributes to the existing knowledge in the field but also sets the basis for future investigations. Thus, the identified maternal genes represent key players in the coordination and execution of events prior to fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Fuentes
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Florence L Marlow
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Elliott W Abrams
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Biology, Purchase College, State University of New York, Purchase, New York, United States of America
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Manami Kobayashi
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Tripti Gupta
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Lee D Kapp
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Zachary DiNardo
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Ronald Heller
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Ruth Cisternas
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Priscila García-Castro
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Fabián Segovia-Miranda
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Felipe Montecinos-Franjola
- Laboratory of Cell Structure and Dynamics, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - William Vought
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Charles E Vejnar
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Antonio J Giraldez
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Mary C Mullins
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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7
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Tian Q, Yin Y, Tian Y, Wang Y, Wang Y, Fukunaga R, Fujii T, Liao A, Li L, Zhang W, He X, Xiang W, Zhou L. Chromatin Modifier EP400 Regulates Oocyte Quality and Zygotic Genome Activation in Mice. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2308018. [PMID: 38493496 PMCID: PMC11132066 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202308018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetic modifiers that accumulate in oocytes, play a crucial role in steering the developmental program of cleavage embryos and initiating life. However, the identification of key maternal epigenetic regulators remains elusive. In the findings, the essential role of maternal Ep400, a chaperone for H3.3, in oocyte quality and early embryo development in mice is highlighted. Depletion of Ep400 in oocytes resulted in a decline in oocyte quality and abnormalities in fertilization. Preimplantation embryos lacking maternal Ep400 exhibited reduced major zygotic genome activation (ZGA) and experienced developmental arrest at the 2-to-4-cell stage. The study shows that EP400 forms protein complex with NFYA, occupies promoters of major ZGA genes, modulates H3.3 distribution between euchromatin and heterochromatin, promotes transcription elongation, activates the expression of genes regulating mitochondrial functions, and facilitates the expression of rate-limiting enzymes of the TCA cycle. This intricate process driven by Ep400 ensures the proper execution of the developmental program, emphasizing its critical role in maternal-to-embryonic transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Tian
- Institute of Reproductive HealthTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430030China
- Department of Gynecology and ObstetricsZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanHubei430071China
| | - Ying Yin
- Department of PhysiologySchool of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430030China
- Center for Genomics and Proteomics ResearchSchool of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430030China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Pharmacodynamic EvaluationHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430030China
| | - Yu Tian
- Institute of Reproductive HealthTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430030China
| | - Yufan Wang
- Institute of Reproductive HealthTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430030China
| | - Yong‐feng Wang
- Institute of Reproductive HealthTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430030China
| | - Rikiro Fukunaga
- Department of BiochemistryOsaka Medical and Pharmaceutical UniversityTakatsukiOsaka569‐1094Japan
| | - Toshihiro Fujii
- Department of BiochemistryOsaka Medical and Pharmaceutical UniversityTakatsukiOsaka569‐1094Japan
| | - Ai‐hua Liao
- Institute of Reproductive HealthTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430030China
| | - Lei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Gynecology and ObstetricsZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanHubei430071China
| | - Ximiao He
- Department of PhysiologySchool of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430030China
- Center for Genomics and Proteomics ResearchSchool of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430030China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Pharmacodynamic EvaluationHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430030China
| | - Wenpei Xiang
- Institute of Reproductive HealthTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430030China
| | - Li‐quan Zhou
- Institute of Reproductive HealthTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430030China
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8
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Marei WFA, Mohey-Elsaeed O, Pintelon I, Leroy JLMR. Risks of using mitoquinone during in vitro maturation and its potential protective effects against lipotoxicity-induced oocyte mitochondrial stress. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:371-383. [PMID: 38146030 PMCID: PMC10894804 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02994-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction play central roles in reduced oocyte quality and infertility in obese patients. Mitochondria-targeted treatments containing co-enzyme Q10 such as mitoquinone (MitoQ) can increase mitochondrial antioxidative capacity; however, their safety and efficiency when supplemented to oocytes under lipotoxic conditions have not been described. METHODS We tested the effect of different concentrations of MitoQ or its cationic carrier (TPP) (0, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0 μM each) during bovine oocyte IVM. Then, we tested the protective capacity of MitoQ (0.1 μM) against palmitic acid (PA)-induced lipotoxicity and mitochondrial dysfunction in oocytes. RESULTS Exposure to MitoQ, or TPP only, at 1 μM significantly (P<0.05) reduced oocyte mitochondrial inner membrane potential (JC-1 staining) and resulted in reduced cleavage and blastocyst rates compared with solvent control. Lower concentrations of MitoQ or TPP had no effects on embryo development under control (PA-free) conditions. As expected, PA increased the levels of MMP and ROS in oocytes (CellROX staining) and reduced cleavage and blastocyst rates compared with the controls (P<0.05). These negative effects were ameliorated by 0.1 μM MitoQ. In contrast, 0.1 μM TPP alone had no protective effects. MitoQ also normalized the expression of HSP10 and TFAM, and partially normalized HSP60 in the produced blastocysts, indicating at least a partial alleviation of PA-induced mitochondrial stress. CONCLUSION Oocyte exposure to MitoQ may disturb mitochondrial bioenergetic functions and developmental capacity due to a TPP-induced cationic overload. A fine-tuned concentration of MitoQ can protect against lipotoxicity-induced mitochondrial stress during IVM and restore developmental competence and embryo quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waleed F A Marei
- Gamete Research Centre, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.
| | - Omnia Mohey-Elsaeed
- Department of Histology and Cytology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Isabel Pintelon
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jo L M R Leroy
- Gamete Research Centre, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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9
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Cañón-Beltrán K, García-García RM, Cajas YN, Fierro N, Lorenzo PL, Arias-Álvarez M. Improvement of oocyte competence and in vitro oocyte maturation with EGF and IGF-I in Guinea pig model. Theriogenology 2024; 214:206-214. [PMID: 37907035 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
In vitro maturation (IVM) system is an alternative method to superovulation protocols to obtain mature oocytes. Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) and Insulin-like Growth Factor I (IGF-I) have been widely used in IVM medium in different species. Although the guinea pig is a valuable animal model for reproductive studies, IVM is rarely used. We aimed to establish a suitable in vitro production system using EGF and/or IGF-I during IVM to improve oocyte competence. Firstly, immunolocalization of EGF and IGF-I receptors in the ovary was assessed. An IVM dose-response experiment was performed with cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) supplemented with: 1) EGF [0, 10, 50, 100 ng/mL or 10% fetal calf serum (FCS)]; 2) IGF-I [0, 50, 100, 200 ng/mL or 10% FCS]; or 3) the concentrations of EGF and IGF-I which showed the best IVM index in the previous experiments, with or without Fetal Calf Serum (FCS). Cortical granule and mitochondria distribution patterns were determined in in vivo and in vitro-matured oocytes for the first time in this species. Apoptotic rate after IVM and oocyte competence by in vitro embryo development were evaluated. Immunohistochemistry results showed positive immunostaining of EGF and IGF receptors in corpus luteum, oocytes, granulosa and theca cells in follicles in all stages of development. Supplementation of IVM medium with 50 ng/mL EGF or 100 ng/mL IGF-I or their combination with FCS successfully led to oocyte nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation and reduced the apoptotic rate. Both growth factors improved oocyte competence during IVM in this species since early embryos were in vitro developed, showing better results when FCS was used in the IVM medium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Cañón-Beltrán
- Department of Physiology, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid - UCM, 28040, Spain; Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja - UTPL, Loja, 11-01-608, Ecuador.
| | - Rosa M García-García
- Department of Physiology, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid - UCM, 28040, Spain
| | - Yulia N Cajas
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología de la Reproducción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad de Cuenca (UC), Cuenca, EC010205, Ecuador
| | - Natacha Fierro
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja - UTPL, Loja, 11-01-608, Ecuador
| | - Pedro L Lorenzo
- Department of Physiology, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid - UCM, 28040, Spain
| | - María Arias-Álvarez
- Department of Animal Production, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid - UCM, 28040, Spain.
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10
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Teplitz GM, Lorenzo MS, Cruzans PR, Olea GB, Salamone DF, Bastien A, Robert C, Sirard MA, Lombardo DM. Coculture with porcine luteal cells during in vitro porcine oocyte maturation affects lipid content, cortical reaction and zona pellucida ultrastructure. Reprod Fertil Dev 2024; 36:NULL. [PMID: 38096792 DOI: 10.1071/rd23150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT In pigs, in vitro fertilisation (IVF) is associated with high polyspermy rates, and for this reason, in vitro embryo production (IVP) is still an inefficient biotechnology. Coculture with somatic cells is an alternative to improve suboptimal in vitro maturation (IVM) conditions. AIM This study was conducted to test a coculture system of porcine luteal cells (PLC) and cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) to improve oocyte metabolism. METHODS COC were matured in vitro with PLC. Oocyte lipid content, mitochondrial activity, zona pellucida (ZP) digestibility and pore size, cortical reaction and in vitro embryo development were assessed. KEY RESULTS Coculture reduced cytoplasmic lipid content in the oocyte cytoplasm without increasing mitochondrial activity. Although ZP digestibility and ZP pore number were not different between culture systems, ZP pores were smaller in the coculture. Coculture impacted the distribution of cortical granules as they were found immediately under the oolemma, and more of them had released their content in the ZP. Coculture with porcine luteal cells during IVM increased monospermic penetration and embryo development after IVF. CONCLUSIONS The coculture of COC with PLC affects the metabolism of the oocyte and benefits monospermic penetration and embryo development. IMPLICATIONS The coculture system with PLC could be an alternative for the conventional maturation medium in pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M Teplitz
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, Buenos Aires C1425FQB, Argentina; and Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal, Cátedra de Histología y Embriología, Chorroarín 280, Buenos Aires C1427CWO, Argentina
| | - M S Lorenzo
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, Buenos Aires C1425FQB, Argentina; and Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal, Cátedra de Histología y Embriología, Chorroarín 280, Buenos Aires C1427CWO, Argentina
| | - P R Cruzans
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, Buenos Aires C1425FQB, Argentina; and Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal, Cátedra de Histología y Embriología, Chorroarín 280, Buenos Aires C1427CWO, Argentina
| | - G B Olea
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, Buenos Aires C1425FQB, Argentina; and Universidad Nacional del Nordeste, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Cátedra de Histología y Embriología, Cabral 2139, Corrientes C.P. 3400, Argentina
| | - D F Salamone
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, Buenos Aires C1425FQB, Argentina; and Laboratorio de Biotecnología Animal, Facultad de Agronomia, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Avenue San Martin 4453, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1417DSE, Argentina
| | - A Bastien
- Departement des Sciences Animales, Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Inter-générationnelle (CRDSI). Pavillon Des Services, local 2732, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - C Robert
- Departement des Sciences Animales, Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Inter-générationnelle (CRDSI). Pavillon Des Services, local 2732, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - M A Sirard
- Departement des Sciences Animales, Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Inter-générationnelle (CRDSI). Pavillon Des Services, local 2732, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - D M Lombardo
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, Buenos Aires C1425FQB, Argentina; and Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal, Cátedra de Histología y Embriología, Chorroarín 280, Buenos Aires C1427CWO, Argentina
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11
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Sorensen Turpin CG, Sloan D, LaForest M, Klebanow LU, Mitchell D, Severson AF, Bembenek JN. Securin Regulates the Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Separase. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.12.571338. [PMID: 38168402 PMCID: PMC10760073 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.12.571338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Separase is a key regulator of the metaphase to anaphase transition with multiple functions. Separase cleaves cohesin to allow chromosome segregation and localizes to vesicles to promote exocytosis in mid-anaphase. The anaphase promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) activates separase by ubiquitinating its inhibitory chaperone, securin, triggering its degradation. How this pathway controls the exocytic function of separase has not been investigated. During meiosis I, securin is degraded over several minutes, while separase rapidly relocalizes from kinetochore structures at the spindle and cortex to sites of action on chromosomes and vesicles at anaphase onset. The loss of cohesin coincides with the relocalization of separase to the chromosome midbivalent at anaphase onset. APC/C depletion prevents separase relocalization, while securin depletion causes precocious separase relocalization. Expression of non-degradable securin inhibits chromosome segregation, exocytosis, and separase localization to vesicles but not to the anaphase spindle. We conclude that APC/C mediated securin degradation controls separase localization. This spatiotemporal regulation will impact the effective local concentration of separase for more precise targeting of substrates in anaphase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher G. Sorensen Turpin
- Current Address: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Dillon Sloan
- Current Address: Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Marian LaForest
- Current Address: Columbia University, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, NYC, New York, United States of America
| | | | - Diana Mitchell
- Current Address: Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, United States of America
| | - Aaron F. Severson
- Current Address: Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease and Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Joshua N. Bembenek
- Current Address: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
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12
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Akizawa H, Lopes EM, Fissore RA. Zn 2+ is essential for Ca 2+ oscillations in mouse eggs. eLife 2023; 12:RP88082. [PMID: 38099643 PMCID: PMC10723796 DOI: 10.7554/elife.88082] [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] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Changes in the intracellular concentration of free calcium (Ca2+) underpin egg activation and initiation of development in animals and plants. In mammals, the Ca2+ release is periodical, known as Ca2+ oscillations, and mediated by the type 1 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R1). Another divalent cation, zinc (Zn2+), increases exponentially during oocyte maturation and is vital for meiotic transitions, arrests, and polyspermy prevention. It is unknown if these pivotal cations interplay during fertilization. Here, using mouse eggs, we showed that basal concentrations of labile Zn2+ are indispensable for sperm-initiated Ca2+ oscillations because Zn2+-deficient conditions induced by cell-permeable chelators abrogated Ca2+ responses evoked by fertilization and other physiological and pharmacological agonists. We also found that chemically or genetically generated eggs with lower levels of labile Zn2+ displayed reduced IP3R1 sensitivity and diminished ER Ca2+ leak despite the stable content of the stores and IP3R1 mass. Resupplying Zn2+ restarted Ca2+ oscillations, but excessive Zn2+ prevented and terminated them, hindering IP3R1 responsiveness. The findings suggest that a window of Zn2+ concentrations is required for Ca2+ responses and IP3R1 function in eggs, ensuring optimal response to fertilization and egg activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Akizawa
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts AmherstAmherstUnited States
| | - Emily M Lopes
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts AmherstAmherstUnited States
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of MassachusettsAmherstUnited States
| | - Rafael A Fissore
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts AmherstAmherstUnited States
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13
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Gong X, Shen L, Zhang H, Ai J, Gilchrist RB, Zhao Y. CAPA-IVM improves the cytoplasmic quality of in vitro-matured oocytes from unstimulated mice. Theriogenology 2023; 212:117-128. [PMID: 37717515 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.09.004] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian tissue oocyte (OTO) in vitro maturation (IVM) is a strategy to improve fertility preservation efficiency. Here, the effects of capacitation IVM (CAPA-IVM) on OTO function were investigated. Immature cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) from unstimulated 28-day-old mouse ovaries (mimicking OTOs) underwent CAPA-IVM, standard IVM (S-IVM) or in vivo maturation following ovarian stimulation (OS; positive control), and oocyte meiotic maturation and cytoplasmic quality were assessed. CAPA-IVM resulted in improved oocyte meiotic maturation (P < 0.05) and cumulus expansion (P < 0.0001) compared to S-IVM, with expansion comparable to the OS group. MII OTO ROS was lower after CAPA-IVM than S-IVM (P < 0.0001) but not as low as in the OS group (P = 0.036). CAPA-IVM resulted in a better oocyte mitochondrial distribution than S-IVM (P < 0.05) and was similar to the OS group (P > 0.05). Mitochondrial membrane potential in MII OTOs was higher after CAPA-IVM than S-IVM and OS (P < 0.0001). Compared with S-IVM, CAPA-IVM resulted in lower rates of spindle/chromosome configuration and cortical granule distribution abnormalities (P < 0.05), which were similar to OS levels (P > 0.05). MII OTO intracellular Ca2+ levels were similar in the CAPA-IVM and OS groups (P > 0.05), while S-IVM decreased intracellular Ca2+ (P < 0.05). CAPA-IVM and S-IVM decreased mitochondrial Ca2+ levels (P < 0.05). CAPA-IVM increased expression of antioxidant genes (Sod2 and Sirt1) and Egfr (P < 0.05) but not apoptotic genes (Bcl2, Bax and Bcl2/Bax; P > 0.05). CAPA-IVM increased the OTO maturation rate and quality of oocytes from unstimulated mice to the extent that many features of oocyte cytoplasmic quality were comparable to superovulated in vivo matured oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqi Gong
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Lin Shen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Hanwang Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jihui Ai
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Robert B Gilchrist
- Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Yiqing Zhao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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14
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Miglietta S, Cristiano L, Battaglione E, Macchiarelli G, Nottola SA, De Marco MP, Costanzi F, Schimberni M, Colacurci N, Caserta D, Familiari G. Heavy Metals in Follicular Fluid Affect the Ultrastructure of the Human Mature Cumulus-Oocyte Complex. Cells 2023; 12:2577. [PMID: 37947655 PMCID: PMC10650507 DOI: 10.3390/cells12212577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
It is known that exposure to heavy metal such as lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) has several adverse effects, particularly on the human reproductive system. Pb and Cd have been associated with infertility in both men and women. In pregnant women, they have been associated with spontaneous abortion, preterm birth, and impairment of the development of the fetus. Since these heavy metals come from both natural and anthropogenic activities and their harmful effects have been observed even at low levels of exposure, exposure to them remains a public health issue, especially for the reproductive system. Given this, the present study aimed to investigate the potential reproductive effects of Pb and Cd levels in the follicular fluid (FF) of infertile women and non-smokers exposed to heavy metals for professional reasons or as a result of living in rural areas near landfills and waste disposal areas in order to correlate the intrafollicular presence of these metals with possible alterations in the ultrastructure of human cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs), which are probably responsible for infertility. Blood and FF metals were measured using atomic absorption spectrometry. COCs corresponding to each FF analyzed were subjected to ultrastructural analyses using transmission electron microscopy. We demonstrated for the first time that intrafollicular levels of Pb (0.66 µg/dL-0.85 µg/dL) and Cd (0.26 µg/L-0.41 µg/L) could be associated with morphological alterations of both the oocyte and cumulus cells' (CCs) ultrastructure. Since blood Cd levels (0.54 µg/L-1.87 µg/L) were above the current reference values established by the guidelines of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (0.4 µg/L), whereas blood Pb levels (1.28 µg/dL-3.98 µg/dL) were below the ATSDR reference values (≤5 µg/dL), we believe that these alterations could be due especially to Cd, even if we cannot exclude a possible additional effect of Pb. Our results highlighted that oocytes were affected in maturation and quality, whereas CCs showed scarcely active steroidogenic elements. Regressing CCs, with cytoplasmic alterations, were also numerous. According to Cd's endocrine-disrupting activity, the poor steroidogenic activity of CCs might correlate with delayed oocyte cytoplasmic maturation. So, we conclude that levels of heavy metals in the blood and the FF might negatively affect fertilization, embryo development, and pregnancy, compromising oocyte competence in fertilization both directly and indirectly, impairing CC steroidogenic activity, and inducing CC apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selenia Miglietta
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Sapienza University, 00165 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (S.A.N.); (G.F.)
| | - Loredana Cristiano
- Department of Life Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (L.C.); (G.M.)
| | - Ezio Battaglione
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Sapienza University, 00165 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (S.A.N.); (G.F.)
| | - Guido Macchiarelli
- Department of Life Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (L.C.); (G.M.)
| | - Stefania Annarita Nottola
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Sapienza University, 00165 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (S.A.N.); (G.F.)
| | - Maria Paola De Marco
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant’Andrea University Hospital, Via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189 Rome, Italy; (M.P.D.M.); (F.C.); (D.C.)
| | - Flavia Costanzi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant’Andrea University Hospital, Via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189 Rome, Italy; (M.P.D.M.); (F.C.); (D.C.)
| | - Mauro Schimberni
- GENERA Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Clinica Valle Giulia, 00197 Rome, Italy;
| | - Nicola Colacurci
- Department of Woman Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Donatella Caserta
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant’Andrea University Hospital, Via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189 Rome, Italy; (M.P.D.M.); (F.C.); (D.C.)
| | - Giuseppe Familiari
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Sapienza University, 00165 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (S.A.N.); (G.F.)
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15
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Pei Z, Deng K, Xu C, Zhang S. The molecular regulatory mechanisms of meiotic arrest and resumption in Oocyte development and maturation. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2023; 21:90. [PMID: 37784186 PMCID: PMC10544615 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-023-01143-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In human female primordial germ cells, the transition from mitosis to meiosis begins from the fetal stage. In germ cells, meiosis is arrested at the diplotene stage of prophase in meiosis I (MI) after synapsis and recombination of homologous chromosomes, which cannot be segregated. Within the follicle, the maintenance of oocyte meiotic arrest is primarily attributed to high cytoplasmic concentrations of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). Depending on the specific species, oocytes can remain arrested for extended periods of time, ranging from months to even years. During estrus phase in animals or the menstrual cycle in humans, the resumption of meiosis occurs in certain oocytes due to a surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) levels. Any factor interfering with this process may lead to impaired oocyte maturation, which in turn affects female reproductive function. Nevertheless, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon has not been systematically summarized yet. To provide a comprehensive understanding of the recently uncovered regulatory network involved in oocyte development and maturation, the progress of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of oocyte nuclear maturation including meiosis arrest and meiosis resumption is summarized. Additionally, the advancements in understanding the molecular cytoplasmic events occurring in oocytes, such as maternal mRNA degradation, posttranslational regulation, and organelle distribution associated with the quality of oocyte maturation, are reviewed. Therefore, understanding the pathways regulating oocyte meiotic arrest and resumption will provide detailed insight into female reproductive system and provide a theoretical basis for further research and potential approaches for novel disease treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenle Pei
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics & IVF Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Ke Deng
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics & IVF Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Congjian Xu
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics & IVF Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Shuo Zhang
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics & IVF Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China.
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16
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Kang I, Koo M, Yoon H, Park BS, Jun JH, Lee J. Ovastacin: An oolemma protein that cleaves the zona pellucida to prevent polyspermy. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2023; 50:154-159. [PMID: 37643828 PMCID: PMC10477413 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2023.05981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Monospermy occurs in the process of normal fertilization where a single sperm fuses with the egg, resulting in the formation of a diploid zygote. During the process of fertilization, the sperm must penetrate the zona pellucida (ZP), the outer layer of the egg, to reach the egg's plasma membrane. Once a sperm binds to the ZP, it undergoes an acrosomal reaction, which involves the release of enzymes from the sperm's acrosome that help it to penetrate the ZP. Ovastacin is one of the enzymes that is involved in breaking down the ZP. Studies have shown that ovastacin is necessary for the breakdown of the ZP and for successful fertilization to occur. However, the activity of ovastacin is tightly regulated to ensure that only one sperm can fertilize the egg. One way in which ovastacin helps to prevent polyspermy (the fertilization of an egg by more than one sperm) is by rapidly degrading the ZP after a sperm has penetrated it. This makes it difficult for additional sperm to penetrate the ZP and fertilize the egg. Ovastacin is also thought to play a role in the block to polyspermy, a mechanism that prevents additional sperm from fusing with the egg's plasma membrane after fertilization has occurred. In summary, the role of ovastacin in monospermic fertilization is to help ensure that only one sperm can fertilize the egg, while preventing polyspermy and ensuring successful fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inyoung Kang
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Eulji University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Myoungjoo Koo
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Eulji University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyejin Yoon
- Department of Senior Healthcare, Graduate School of Eulji University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Beom Seok Park
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Eulji University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
- Department of Senior Healthcare, Graduate School of Eulji University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Hyun Jun
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Eulji University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
- Department of Senior Healthcare, Graduate School of Eulji University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
- Eulji Medi-Bio Research Institute (EMBRI), Eulji University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaewang Lee
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Eulji University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
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17
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Yi S, Feng Y, Wang Y, Ma F. Sialylation: fate decision of mammalian sperm development, fertilization, and male fertility†. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:137-155. [PMID: 37379321 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm development, maturation, and successful fertilization within the female reproductive tract are intricate and orderly processes that involve protein translation and post-translational modifications. Among these modifications, sialylation plays a crucial role. Any disruptions occurring throughout the sperm's life cycle can result in male infertility, yet our current understanding of this process remains limited. Conventional semen analysis often fails to diagnose some infertility cases associated with sperm sialylation, emphasizing the need to comprehend and investigate the characteristics of sperm sialylation. This review reanalyzes the significance of sialylation in sperm development and fertilization and evaluates the impact of sialylation damage on male fertility under pathological conditions. Sialylation serves a vital role in the life journey of sperm, providing a negatively charged glycocalyx and enriching the molecular structure of the sperm surface, which is beneficial to sperm reversible recognition and immune interaction. These characteristics are particularly crucial during sperm maturation and fertilization within the female reproductive tract. Moreover, enhancing the understanding of the mechanism underlying sperm sialylation can promote the development of relevant clinical indicators for infertility detection and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiqi Yi
- Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ying Feng
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Fang Ma
- Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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18
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He Q, Zhang X, Yang X. Glutathione Mitigates Meiotic Defects in Porcine Oocytes Exposed to Beta-cypermethrin by Regulating ROS Levels. Toxicology 2023; 494:153592. [PMID: 37442269 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2023.153592] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Beta-cypermethrin (β-CYP) is a commonly used insecticide that is potentially toxic and has adverse effects on the health of both animals and humans. Studies have indicated that β-CYP damages organs like the liver, thyroid, intestinal tract, and uterus. However, the underlying mechanisms that β-CYP affects oocyte quality are poorly understood. According to our research, β-CYP exposure led to the aberrant assembly of spindles and alignment of chromosomes, resulting in porcine oocytes' defective nuclear maturation. Concurrently, β-CYP exposure perturbed the cytoplasmic maturation by disturbing the cortical granules (CGs), endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and mitochondrial integrity. It also led to accumulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis. We found that supplementation with glutathione (GSH) mitigated the meiotic defects induced by β-CYP exposure via regulating ROS levels. Our observations illustrate that β-CYP exposure adversely impacts oocyte meiotic maturation, and taking GSH supplementation is an effective strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinyuan He
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210003, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xian Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210022, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaojun Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu, China.
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19
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Shamipour S, Hofmann L, Steccari I, Kardos R, Heisenberg CP. Yolk granule fusion and microtubule aster formation regulate cortical granule translocation and exocytosis in zebrafish oocytes. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3002146. [PMID: 37289834 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Dynamic reorganization of the cytoplasm is key to many core cellular processes, such as cell division, cell migration, and cell polarization. Cytoskeletal rearrangements are thought to constitute the main drivers of cytoplasmic flows and reorganization. In contrast, remarkably little is known about how dynamic changes in size and shape of cell organelles affect cytoplasmic organization. Here, we show that within the maturing zebrafish oocyte, the surface localization of exocytosis-competent cortical granules (Cgs) upon germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) is achieved by the combined activities of yolk granule (Yg) fusion and microtubule aster formation and translocation. We find that Cgs are moved towards the oocyte surface through radially outward cytoplasmic flows induced by Ygs fusing and compacting towards the oocyte center in response to GVBD. We further show that vesicles decorated with the small Rab GTPase Rab11, a master regulator of vesicular trafficking and exocytosis, accumulate together with Cgs at the oocyte surface. This accumulation is achieved by Rab11-positive vesicles being transported by acentrosomal microtubule asters, the formation of which is induced by the release of CyclinB/Cdk1 upon GVBD, and which display a net movement towards the oocyte surface by preferentially binding to the oocyte actin cortex. We finally demonstrate that the decoration of Cgs by Rab11 at the oocyte surface is needed for Cg exocytosis and subsequent chorion elevation, a process central in egg activation. Collectively, these findings unravel a yet unrecognized role of organelle fusion, functioning together with cytoskeletal rearrangements, in orchestrating cytoplasmic organization during oocyte maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shayan Shamipour
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Klosterneuburg, Austria
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Laura Hofmann
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Irene Steccari
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Roland Kardos
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Klosterneuburg, Austria
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20
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Speckhart SL, Oliver MA, Ealy AD. Developmental Hurdles That Can Compromise Pregnancy during the First Month of Gestation in Cattle. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1760. [PMID: 37889637 PMCID: PMC10251927 DOI: 10.3390/ani13111760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Several key developmental events are associated with early embryonic pregnancy losses in beef and dairy cows. These developmental problems are observed at a greater frequency in pregnancies generated from in-vitro-produced bovine embryos. This review describes critical problems that arise during oocyte maturation, fertilization, early embryonic development, compaction and blastulation, embryonic cell lineage specification, elongation, gastrulation, and placentation. Additionally, discussed are potential remediation strategies, but unfortunately, corrective actions are not available for several of the problems being discussed. Further research is needed to produce bovine embryos that have a greater likelihood of surviving to term.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alan D. Ealy
- School of Animal Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (S.L.S.); (M.A.O.)
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21
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Fiorentino G, Cimadomo D, Innocenti F, Soscia D, Vaiarelli A, Ubaldi FM, Gennarelli G, Garagna S, Rienzi L, Zuccotti M. Biomechanical forces and signals operating in the ovary during folliculogenesis and their dysregulation: implications for fertility. Hum Reprod Update 2023; 29:1-23. [PMID: 35856663 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Folliculogenesis occurs in the highly dynamic environment of the ovary. Follicle cyclic recruitment, neo-angiogenesis, spatial displacement, follicle atresia and ovulation stand out as major events resulting from the interplay between mechanical forces and molecular signals. Morphological and functional changes to the growing follicle and to the surrounding tissue are required to produce oocytes capable of supporting preimplantation development to the blastocyst stage. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review will summarize the ovarian morphological and functional context that contributes to follicle recruitment, growth and ovulation, as well as to the acquisition of oocyte developmental competence. We will describe the changes occurring during folliculogenesis to the ovarian extracellular matrix (ECM) and to the vasculature, their influence on the mechanical properties of the ovarian tissue, and, in turn, their influence on the regulation of signal transduction. Also, we will outline how their dysregulation might be associated with pathologies such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis or premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). Finally, for each of these three pathologies, we will highlight therapeutic strategies attempting to correct the altered biomechanical context in order to restore fertility. SEARCH METHODS For each area discussed, a systematic bibliographical search was performed, without temporal limits, using PubMed Central, Web of Science and Scopus search engines employing the keywords extracellular matrix, mechanobiology, biomechanics, vasculature, angiogenesis or signalling pathway in combination with: ovary, oogenesis, oocyte, folliculogenesis, ovarian follicle, theca, granulosa, cumulus, follicular fluid, corpus luteum, meiosis, oocyte developmental competence, preimplantation, polycystic ovary syndrome, premature ovarian insufficiency or endometriosis. OUTCOMES Through search engines queries, we yielded a total of 37 368 papers that were further selected based on our focus on mammals and, specifically, on rodents, bovine, equine, ovine, primates and human, and also were trimmed around each specific topic of the review. After the elimination of duplicates, this selection process resulted in 628 papers, of which 287 were cited in the manuscript. Among these, 89.2% were published in the past 22 years, while the remaining 8.0%, 2.4% or 0.3% were published during the 1990s, 1980s or before, respectively. During folliculogenesis, changes occur to the ovarian ECM composition and organization that, together with vasculature modelling around the growing follicle, are aimed to sustain its recruitment and growth, and the maturation of the enclosed oocyte. These events define the scenario in which mechanical forces are key to the regulation of cascades of molecular signals. Alterations to this context determine impaired folliculogenesis and decreased oocyte developmental potential, as observed in pathological conditions which are causes of infertility, such as PCOS, endometriosis or POI. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The knowledge of these mechanisms and the rules that govern them lay a sound basis to explain how follicles recruitment and growth are modulated, and stimulate insights to develop, in clinical practice, strategies to improve follicular recruitment and oocyte competence, particularly for pathologies like PCOS, endometriosis and POI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Fiorentino
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Center for Health Technologies, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | | | - Daria Soscia
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GeneraLife IVF, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Gianluca Gennarelli
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Physiopathology of Reproduction and IVF Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, Sant'Anna Hospital, University of Torino, Turin, Italy.,Livet, GeneraLife IVF, Turin, Italy
| | - Silvia Garagna
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Center for Health Technologies, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Laura Rienzi
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GeneraLife IVF, Rome, Italy.,Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy
| | - Maurizio Zuccotti
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Center for Health Technologies, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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22
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Chen YY, Chen S, Ok K, Duncan FE, O’Halloran TV, Woodruff TK. Zinc dynamics regulate early ovarian follicle development. J Biol Chem 2022; 299:102731. [PMID: 36423685 PMCID: PMC9800340 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Zinc fluctuations regulate key steps in late oocyte and preimplantation embryo development; however, roles for zinc in preceding stages in early ovarian follicle development, when cooperative interactions exist between the oocyte and somatic cells, are unknown. To understand the roles of zinc during early follicle development, we applied single cell X-ray fluorescence microscopy, a radioactive zinc tracer, and a labile zinc probe to measure zinc in individual mouse oocytes and associated somatic cells within early follicles. Here, we report a significant stage-specific increase and compartmental redistribution in oocyte zinc content upon the initiation of early follicle growth. The increase in zinc correlates with the increased expression of specific zinc transporters, including two that are essential in oocyte maturation. While oocytes in follicles exhibit high tolerance to pronounced changes in zinc availability, somatic survival and proliferation are significantly more sensitive to zinc chelation or supplementation. Finally, transcriptomic, proteomic, and zinc loading analyses reveal enrichment of zinc targets in the ubiquitination pathway. Overall, these results demonstrate that distinct cell type-specific zinc regulations are required for follicle growth and indicate that physiological fluctuation in the localization and availability of this inorganic cofactor has fundamental functions in early gamete development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ying Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Si Chen
- X-ray Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois, USA
| | - Kiwon Ok
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Francesca E. Duncan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Thomas V. O’Halloran
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA,Department of Chemistry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA,Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA,The Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA,For correspondence: Thomas V. O’Halloran; Teresa K. Woodruff
| | - Teresa K. Woodruff
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA,For correspondence: Thomas V. O’Halloran; Teresa K. Woodruff
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23
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Abstract
In sexually reproducing organisms, the genetic information is transmitted from one generation to the next via the merger of male and female gametes. Gamete fusion is a two-step process involving membrane recognition and apposition through ligand-receptor interactions and lipid mixing mediated by fusion proteins. HAP2 (also known as GCS1) is a bona fide gamete fusogen in flowering plants and protists. In vertebrates, a multitude of surface proteins have been demonstrated to be pivotal for sperm-egg fusion, yet none of them exhibit typical fusogenic features. In this Cell Science at a Glance article and the accompanying poster, we summarize recent advances in the mechanistic understanding of gamete fusion in eukaryotes, with a particular focus on mammalian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonggang Lu
- Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Laboratory of Reproductive Systems Biology, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
- Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
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24
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Sun JT, Liu JH, Jiang XQ, Luo X, Yuan JD, Zhang Q, Qi XY, Lee S, Liu ZH, Jin JX. Tannin Reduces the Incidence of Polyspermic Penetration in Porcine Oocytes. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11102027. [PMID: 36290750 PMCID: PMC9598560 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11102027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Tannin (TA) improves porcine oocyte cytoplasmic maturation and subsequent embryonic development after in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, the mechanism through which TA blocks polyspermy after IVF remains unclear. Hence, the biological function of organelles (cortical granule [CG], Golgi apparatus, endoplasmic reticulum [ER], and mitochondria) and the incidence of polyspermic penetration were examined. We found no significant difference in oocyte nuclear maturation among the 1 µg/mL, 10 µg/mL TA, and control groups. Moreover, 100 μg/mL TA significantly reduced 1st polar body formation rate compared to the other groups. Additionally, 1 and 10 μg/mL TA significantly increased the protein levels of GDF9, BMP15, and CDK1 compared to the control and 100 μg/mL TA groups. Interestingly, 1 and 10 μg/mL TA improved the normal distribution of CGs, Golgi, ER, and mitochondria by upregulating organelle-related gene expression and downregulating ER stress (CHOP) gene expression. Simultaneously, 1 and 10 μg/mL TA significantly increased the proportion of normal fertilized oocytes (2 pronuclei; 2 PN) and blastocyst formation rate compared to the control, as well as that of 100 μg/mL TA after IVF by upregulating polyspermy-related genes. In conclusion, TA during IVM enhances 2PN and blastocyst formation rates by regulating organelles’ functions and activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Tao Sun
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetics Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Jia-Hui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetics Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Xi-Qing Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetics Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Xin Luo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetics Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Jin-Dong Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetics Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetics Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Xin-Yue Qi
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetics Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Sanghoon Lee
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Zhong-Hua Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetics Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
- Correspondence: (Z.-H.L.); (J.-X.J.)
| | - Jun-Xue Jin
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetics Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
- Correspondence: (Z.-H.L.); (J.-X.J.)
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25
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Zhang M, Sun L, Zhang Z, Shentu L, Zhang Y, Li Z, Zhang Y, Zhang Y. Alpha-lipoic acid supplementation restores the meiotic competency and fertilization capacity of porcine oocytes induced by arsenite. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:943757. [PMID: 36263016 PMCID: PMC9574060 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.943757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Arsenite is known as a well-known endocrine disrupting chemicals, and reported to be associated with an increased incidence of negative health effects, including reproductive disorders and dysfunction of the endocrine system. However, it still lacks of the research regarding the beneficial effects of ALA on arsenite exposed oocytes, and the underlying mechanisms have not been determined. Here, we report that supplementation of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), a strong antioxidant naturally present in all cells of the humans, is able to restore the declined meiotic competency and fertilization capacity of porcine oocytes induced by arsenite. Notably, ALA recovers the defective nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation of porcine oocytes caused by arsenite exposure, including the impaired spindle formation and actin polymerization, the defective mitochondrion integrity and cortical granules distribution. Also, ALA recovers the compromised sperm binding ability to maintain the fertilization potential of arsenite-exposed oocytes. Importantly, ALA suppresses the oxidative stress by reducing the levels of ROS and inhibits the occurrence of DNA damage along with apoptosis. Above all, we provide a new perspective for the application of ALA in effectively preventing the declined oocyte quality induced by environmental EDCs.
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26
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Supplementation of porcine in vitro maturation medium with FGF2, LIF, and IGF1 enhances cytoplasmic maturation in prepubertal gilts oocytes and improves embryo quality. ZYGOTE 2022; 30:801-808. [PMID: 36047469 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199422000284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
In porcine in vitro production (IVP) systems, the use of oocytes derived from prepubertal gilts, whilst being commercially attractive, remains challenging due to their poor developmental competence following in vitro maturation (IVM). Follicular fluid contains important growth factors and plays a key role during oocyte maturation; therefore, it is a common supplementation for porcine IVM medium. However, follicular fluid contains many poorly characterized components, is batch variable, and its use raises biosecurity concerns. In an effort to design a defined IVM system, growth factors such as cytokines have been previously tested. These include leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF), fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), the combination of which is termed 'FLI'. Here, using abattoir-derived oocytes in a well established porcine IVP system, we compared follicular fluid and FLI supplementation during both IVM and embryo culture to test the hypothesis that FLI can substitute for follicular fluid without compromising oocyte nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation. We demonstrate that in oocytes derived from prepubertal gilts, FLI supplementation enhances oocyte meiotic maturation and has a positive effect on the quality and developmental competence of embryos. Moreover, for the first time, we studied the effects of follicular fluid and FLI combined showing no synergistic effects.
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27
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Transglutaminase 2 crosslinks zona pellucida glycoprotein 3 to prevent polyspermy. Cell Death Differ 2022; 29:1466-1473. [PMID: 35017645 PMCID: PMC9345939 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-022-00933-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Soon after fertilization, the block mechanisms are developed in the zona pellucida (ZP) and plasma membrane of the egg to prevent any additional sperm from binding, penetration, and fusion. However, the molecular basis and underlying mechanism for the post-fertilization block to sperm penetration through ZP has not yet been determined. Here, we find that transglutaminase 2 (Tgm2), an enzyme that catalyzes proteins by the formation of an isopeptide bond within or between polypeptide chains, crosslinks zona pellucida glycoprotein 3 (ZP3) to result in the ZP hardening after fertilization and thus prevents polyspermy. Tgm2 abundantly accumulates in the subcortical region of the oocytes and vanishes upon fertilization. Both inhibition of Tgm2 activity in oocytes by the specific inhibitor in vitro and genetic ablation of Tgm2 in vivo cause the presence of additional sperm in the perivitelline space of fertilized eggs, consequently leading to the polyploid embryos. Biochemically, recombinant Tgm2 binds to and crosslinks ZP3 proteins in vitro, and incubation of oocytes with recombinant Tgm2 protein inhibits the polyspermy. Altogether, our data identify Tgm2 as a participant of zona block to the post-fertilization sperm penetration via hardening ZP surrounding fertilized eggs, extending our current understanding about the molecular basis of block to polyspermy.
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28
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Piras AR, Ariu F, Maltana A, Leoni GG, Martino NA, Mastrorocco A, Dell'Aquila ME, Bogliolo L. Protective effect of resveratrol against cadmium-induced toxicity on ovine oocyte in vitro maturation and fertilization. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2022; 13:83. [PMID: 35864507 PMCID: PMC9306212 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-022-00731-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Heavy metal cadmium (Cd) is a widespread environmental contaminant with a potential toxicity that might negatively affect female reproduction and fertility. It has been reported that Cd exposure impaired the quality of oocytes and led to a defective maturation and fertilization, through oxidative stress induction. Resveratrol (Res) is a natural polyphenol with strong antioxidant properties that exhibited protective role in preventing oocyte redox homeostasis disruption and quality decline. Here, we explored whether the addition of Res to in vitro maturation (IVM) medium might act as a protection against Cd-induced toxicity on ovine oocyte maturation and fertilization. Firstly, we evaluated the effect of supplementing IVM medium with two different Res concentrations (1 and 2 μmol/L) on nuclear maturation and fertilization of oocytes matured under CdCl2 (2 μmol/L) exposure. Therefore, the concentration of 1 μmol/L Res was selected to analyse the effects of this compound on intracellular ROS levels, mitochondrial (mt) distribution and activity, chromatin configuration, cytoskeleton morphology, cortical granules (CGs) distribution and mRNA expression of genes associated with cellular response to oxidative stress (i.e. SIRT1, SOD 1, GPX1, GSR, CAT) in Cd-exposed in vitro matured oocytes. Results We found that 1 μmol/L Res restored the reduced oocyte meiotic competence induced by Cd exposure as well as, Res sustained oocyte ability to be normally fertilized and decreased polyspermic fertilization at both tested concentrations. Moreover, we demonstrated that 1 μmol/L Res mitigated Cd-induced alterations of oocyte cytoplasmic maturation by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, preventing mt dysfunction, maintaining the correct meiotic spindle and cortical F-actin assembly and the normal cortical granule distribution as well as up-regulating SIRT1, SOD1 and GPX1 genes. Conclusions Taken together, our findings highlighted the beneficial influence exerted by Res in preventing Cd-induced disturbance of nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation and subsequent fertilization in ovine oocytes. Res treatment may help to establish defence strategies counteracting Cd-induced toxicity on the female gamete.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Rita Piras
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, 07100, Sassari, Sardinia, Italy
| | - Federica Ariu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, 07100, Sassari, Sardinia, Italy
| | - Alessio Maltana
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, 07100, Sassari, Sardinia, Italy
| | | | - Nicola Antonio Martino
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies & Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonella Mastrorocco
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies & Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Dell'Aquila
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies & Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Luisa Bogliolo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, 07100, Sassari, Sardinia, Italy.
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29
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Pan C, Chen J, Chen Y, Lu Y, Liang X, Xiong B, Lu Y. Mogroside V ameliorates the oxidative stress-induced meiotic defects in porcine oocytes in vitro. Reprod Toxicol 2022; 111:148-157. [PMID: 35597324 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2022.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
It has been reported that environmental factors, such as industrial pollution, environmental toxins, environmental hormones, and global warming contribute to the oxidative stress-induced deterioration of oocyte quality and female fertility. However, the prevention or improvement approaches have not been fully elucidated. Here, we explored the mechanism regarding how Mogroside V (MV), a main extract of Siraitia grosvenorii, improves the oxidative stress-induced meiotic defects in porcine oocytes. Our results showed that MV supplementation restores the defective oocyte maturation and cumulus cell expansion caused by H2O2 treatment. We further found that MV supplementation promoted the oocyte cytoplasmic maturation through preventing cortical granules from the aberrant distribution, and drove the nuclear maturation by maintaining the cytoskeleton structure. Notably, our single-cell RNA sequencing data indicated that H2O2-treated oocytes led to the oxidative stress primarily through two pathways 'meiosis' and 'oxidative phosphorylation'. Lastly, we evaluated the effects of MV supplementation on the mitochondrial distribution pattern and membrane potential in H2O2-treated oocytes, revealing that MV supplementation eliminated the excessive ROS induced by the mitochondrial abnormalities and consequently suppressed the apoptosis. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that MV supplementation is an effective approach to ameliorate the oxidative stress-induced meiotic defects via recovering the mitochondrial integrity in porcine oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Pan
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, Guangxi, China
| | - Jingyue Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Special Economic Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, 130112, China
| | - Ying Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Yajuan Lu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xingwei Liang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, Guangxi, China
| | - Bo Xiong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.
| | - Yangqing Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, Guangxi, China.
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30
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Lu Y, Tang H, Xu J, Sun F. Toxic effects of 4-methylimidazole on the maturation and fertilization of mouse oocytes. Food Chem Toxicol 2022; 164:113051. [PMID: 35460824 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2022.113051] [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: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Individuals of all ages, including children and teenagers, consume 4-methylimidazole (4-MI) in their food. 4-MI is a caramel-colored waste product that has previously been linked to human carcinogenesis and has shown possible signs of reproductive toxicity. This study aimed to determine whether 4-MI is harmful to oocytes during meiosis and fertilization. Female mice were intragastrically administered 0, 50, or 100 mg/kg body weight of 4-MI daily for 10 days. We found that 4-MI affects the quality of oocytes by affecting their meiotic ability and fertility potential. Specifically, 4-MI rendered the meiotic spindles and chromosomes less stable, which halted oocyte maturation and resulted in aneuploidy. 4-MI also slowed the decrease in the levels of cortical granules and their component ovastacin; consequently, sperms could not be bound and fertilization could not occur. We also found that mitochondrial dysfunction was associated with oocytes deterioration. This led to reactive oxygen species accumulation and cell death. Altogether, our findings reveal that the poor condition of oocytes subjected to 4-MI is primarily attributable to mitochondrial malfunction and redox alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajuan Lu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hanyu Tang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu, China
| | - Junjie Xu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu, China.
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31
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Fang T, Wu ZW, Wang Y, Wang F, Du ZQ, Yang CX. Comparative transcriptome analysis identifies important maternal molecules and associated biological pathways for pig and human mature oocytes. Reprod Domest Anim 2022; 57:643-652. [PMID: 35244301 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Recent researches reveal that during oocyte maturation, species-specific molecular profile exists, and has important functional roles. However, molecular differences between pig (a larger animal model for human reproduction) and human mature oocytes remain unknown. Here, by comparative transcriptome analyses of single cell RNA-seq data, we aimed to identify the common and unique maternal factors and associated biological processes between in vivo and in vitro matured pig oocytes, and between in vitro matured human and pig oocytes. Annotated protein coding mRNAs were identified in pig in vivo (11147) and in vitro (11997), and human in vitro (14491) MII oocytes, respectively. For in vivo and in vitro derived pig MII oocytes, 10551 annotated maternal mRNAs were common, mainly enriched in signaling pathways such as cell cycle, oocyte meiosis, microtubule cytoskeleton, MAPK, RNA processing/binding. Besides, in vivo (596) and in vitro (1446) pig MII-specific mRNAs and their involved signaling pathways (in vivo: Bmp, calcium-mediated signaling, PI3K-Akt; in vitro: growth factor activity, JAK-STAT, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, calcium signaling pathway) were also found. As for in vitro derived human and pig MII oocytes, 10285 annotated mRNAs were common, enriched in a variety of signaling pathways (cell cycle, oocyte meiosis, microtubule, AMPK, RNA splicing, protein serine/threonine kinase activity, etc). In vitro MII-specific mRNAs were found for humans (4206) and pigs (1712), which were also enriched in species-specific signaling pathways (humans: golgi related terms, transcription repressor and hormone activity; pigs: ATP biosynthetic process, G protein-coupled peptide receptor activity, animoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis), respectively. These findings improve our understanding on oocyte maturation, and also the limitations of pig model for human oocyte maturation and fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Fang
- College of Animal Science, Yangtze University, JingZhou, 434025, Hubei, China
| | - Zi-Wei Wu
- College of Animal Science, Yangtze University, JingZhou, 434025, Hubei, China
| | - Yi Wang
- College of Animal Science, Yangtze University, JingZhou, 434025, Hubei, China
| | - Fang Wang
- College of Animal Science, Yangtze University, JingZhou, 434025, Hubei, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Du
- College of Animal Science, Yangtze University, JingZhou, 434025, Hubei, China
| | - Cai-Xia Yang
- College of Animal Science, Yangtze University, JingZhou, 434025, Hubei, China
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Tang Y, Zhang Y, Liu L, Yang Y, Wang Y, Xu B. Glycine and Melatonin Improve Preimplantation Development of Porcine Oocytes Vitrified at the Germinal Vesicle Stage. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:856486. [PMID: 35281108 PMCID: PMC8907381 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.856486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipid-rich porcine oocytes are extremely sensitive to cryopreservation compared to other low-lipid oocytes. Vitrification has outperformed slowing freezing in oocyte cryopreservation and is expected to improve further by minimizing cellular osmotic and/or oxidative stresses. In this study, we compared the effects of loading porcine cumulus-oocyte complexes with glycine (an organic osmolyte) or glycine plus melatonin (an endogenous antioxidant) during vitrification, thawing and subsequent maturation to mitigate osmotic injuries or osmotic and oxidative damages on the developmental potential of porcine oocytes. Our data demonstrated that glycine treatment significantly increased the vitrification efficiency of porcine oocytes to levels comparable to those observed with glycine plus melatonin treatment. It was manifested as the thawed oocyte viability, oocyte nuclear maturation, contents of reactive oxygen species, translocation of cortical granules and apoptotic occurrence in mature oocytes, levels of ATP and transcripts of glycolytic genes in cumulus cells (markers of oocyte quality), oocyte fertilization and blastocyst development. However, the latter was more likely than the former to increase ATP contents and normal mitochondrial distribution in mature oocytes. Taken together, our results suggest that mitigating osmotic and oxidative stresses induced by vitrification and thawing can further enhance the developmental competency of vitrified porcine oocytes at the germinal vesicle stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Tang
- Institute of Special Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchu, China
- State Key Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Economic Animals, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Institute of Special Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchu, China
- State Key Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Economic Animals, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Lixiang Liu
- Institute of Special Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchu, China
- State Key Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Economic Animals, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Yifeng Yang
- Institute of Special Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchu, China
- State Key Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Economic Animals, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Institute of Special Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchu, China
- State Key Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Economic Animals, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Baozeng Xu
- Institute of Special Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchu, China
- State Key Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Economic Animals, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Baozeng Xu, ,
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Wassarman PM, Litscher ES. Mouse zona pellucida proteins as receptors for binding of sperm to eggs. TRENDS IN DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2022; 15:1-13. [PMID: 36776744 PMCID: PMC9910581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
Fertilization in mammals is initiated by species-restricted binding of free-swimming sperm to the unfertilized egg's thick extracellular matrix, the zona pellucida (ZP). Both acrosome-intact and acrosome-reacted sperm can bind to the ZP, but only the latter can penetrate the ZP, reach the egg's plasma membrane, and fuse with plasma membrane (fertilization) to produce a zygote. Following fertilization, the ZP is modified by cortical granule components such that acrosome-intact and acrosome-reacted sperm are unable to bind to fertilized eggs. Here we review some of the evidence that bears directly on the involvement of two mouse ZP proteins, mZP2 and mZP3, as receptors for binding of mouse sperm to unfertilized eggs and address some contentious issues surrounding this important initial step in the process of mammalian fertilization.
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Mitochondrial proteome of mouse oocytes and cisplatin-induced shifts in protein profile. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2021; 42:2144-2154. [PMID: 34017067 PMCID: PMC8632880 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-021-00687-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are essential organelles that provide energy for mammalian cells and participate in multiple functions, such as signal transduction, cellular differentiation, and regulation of apoptosis. Compared with the mitochondria in somatic cells, oocyte mitochondria have an additional level of importance since they are required for germ cell maturation, dysfunction in which can lead to severe inherited disorders. Thus, a systematic proteomic profile of oocyte mitochondria is urgently needed to support the basic and clinical research, but the acquisition of such a profile has been hindered by the rarity of oocyte samples and technical challenges associated with capturing mitochondrial proteins from live oocytes. Here, in this work, using proximity labeling proteomics, we established a mitochondria-specific ascorbate peroxidase (APEX2) reaction in live GV-stage mouse oocytes and identified a total of 158 proteins in oocyte mitochondria. This proteome includes intrinsic mitochondrial structural and functional components involved in processes associated with “cellular respiration”, “ATP metabolism”, “mitochondrial transport”, etc. In addition, mitochondrial proteome capture after oocyte exposure to the antitumor chemotherapeutic cisplatin revealed differential changes in the abundance of several oocyte-specific mitochondrial proteins. Our study provides the first description of a mammalian oocyte mitochondrial proteome of which we are aware, and further illustrates the dynamic shifts in protein abundance associated with chemotherapeutic agents.
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Rojas J, Hinostroza F, Vergara S, Pinto-Borguero I, Aguilera F, Fuentes R, Carvacho I. Knockin' on Egg's Door: Maternal Control of Egg Activation That Influences Cortical Granule Exocytosis in Animal Species. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:704867. [PMID: 34540828 PMCID: PMC8446563 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.704867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Fertilization by multiple sperm leads to lethal chromosomal number abnormalities, failed embryo development, and miscarriage. In some vertebrate and invertebrate eggs, the so-called cortical reaction contributes to their activation and prevents polyspermy during fertilization. This process involves biogenesis, redistribution, and subsequent accumulation of cortical granules (CGs) at the female gamete cortex during oogenesis. CGs are oocyte- and egg-specific secretory vesicles whose content is discharged during fertilization to block polyspermy. Here, we summarize the molecular mechanisms controlling critical aspects of CG biology prior to and after the gametes interaction. This allows to block polyspermy and provide protection to the developing embryo. We also examine how CGs form and are spatially redistributed during oogenesis. During egg activation, CG exocytosis (CGE) and content release are triggered by increases in intracellular calcium and relies on the function of maternally-loaded proteins. We also discuss how mutations in these factors impact CG dynamics, providing unprecedented models to investigate the genetic program executing fertilization. We further explore the phylogenetic distribution of maternal proteins and signaling pathways contributing to CGE and egg activation. We conclude that many important biological questions and genotype–phenotype relationships during fertilization remain unresolved, and therefore, novel molecular players of CG biology need to be discovered. Future functional and image-based studies are expected to elucidate the identity of genetic candidates and components of the molecular machinery involved in the egg activation. This, will open new therapeutic avenues for treating infertility in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Japhet Rojas
- Laboratorio Fisiología de la Reproducción, Departamento de Biología y Química, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile.,Escuela de Ingeniería en Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | - Fernando Hinostroza
- Laboratorio Fisiología de la Reproducción, Departamento de Biología y Química, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile.,Centro de Investigación de Estudios Avanzados del Maule (CIEAM), Vicerrectoría de Investigación y Postgrado, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile.,Centro de Investigación en Neuropsicología y Neurociencias Cognitivas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | - Sebastián Vergara
- Laboratorio Fisiología de la Reproducción, Departamento de Biología y Química, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile.,Escuela de Ingeniería en Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | - Ingrid Pinto-Borguero
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Felipe Aguilera
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Ricardo Fuentes
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Ingrid Carvacho
- Laboratorio Fisiología de la Reproducción, Departamento de Biología y Química, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
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de Paola M, Garrido F, Zanetti MN, Michaut MA. VAMPs sensitive to tetanus toxin are required for cortical granule exocytosis in mouse oocytes. Exp Cell Res 2021; 405:112629. [PMID: 34023392 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2021.112629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Fusion of cortical granules with oocyte plasma membrane is one of the most significant secretory events to prevent polyspermy during oocyte activation. Cortical granule exocytosis (CGE) is distinct from most other exocytosis because cortical granules are not renewed after secretion. However, it is thought to be mediated by SNARE complex, which mediates membrane fusion in other exocytoses. SNAREs proteins are divided into Q (glutamine)- and R (arginine)-SNAREs. Q-SNAREs include Syntaxins and SNAP25 family, and R-SNAREs include VAMPs family. In mouse oocytes, Syntaxin4 and SNAP23 have been involved in CGE; nevertheless, it is unknown if VAMP is required. Here, we demonstrated by RT-PCR and immunoblotting that VAMP1 and VAMP3 are expressed in mouse oocyte, and they localized in the cortical region of this cell. Using a functional assay to quantify CGE, we showed that tetanus toxin -which specifically cleavages VAMP1, VAMP2 or VAMP3- inhibited CGE suggesting that at least one VAMP was necessary. Function blocking assays demonstrated that only the microinjection of anti-VAMP1 or anti-VAMP3 antibodies abolished CGE in activated oocytes. These findings demonstrate that R-SNAREs sensitive to tetanus toxin, VAMP1 and VAMP3 -but not VAMP2-, are required for CGE and demonstrate that CGE is mediated by the SNARE complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matilde de Paola
- Laboratorio de Biología Reproductiva y Molecular, Instituto de Histología y Embriología, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo-CONICET, Av. Libertador 80, 5500, Mendoza, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Av. Libertador 80, 5500, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Facundo Garrido
- Laboratorio de Biología Reproductiva y Molecular, Instituto de Histología y Embriología, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo-CONICET, Av. Libertador 80, 5500, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - María N Zanetti
- Laboratorio de Biología Reproductiva y Molecular, Instituto de Histología y Embriología, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo-CONICET, Av. Libertador 80, 5500, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Marcela Alejandra Michaut
- Laboratorio de Biología Reproductiva y Molecular, Instituto de Histología y Embriología, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo-CONICET, Av. Libertador 80, 5500, Mendoza, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Padre Jorge Contreras, 1300, Mendoza, Argentina.
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37
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Current JZ, Whitaker BD. Effects of glucuronic acid and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine supplementation on the perivitelline space during the IVM of pig oocytes. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 32:941-947. [PMID: 32586424 DOI: 10.1071/rd20109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to minimise polyspermic penetration by increasing the perivitelline space (PVS) thickness through supplementation of the hyaluronic acid components glucuronic acid and N-acetyl-d-glucosamine (GlcNAc). Oocytes (n=4690) were supplemented during the first 24h and/or the remainder of maturation (final 16-18h) with 0.01mM glucuronic acid and 0.01mM GlcNAc and then evaluated for PVS thickness, hyaluronic acid, glutathione and glutathione peroxidase concentrations. Fertilised oocytes were evaluated for polyspermic penetration and embryo development. The PVS thickness and amount of hyaluronic acid was significantly (P<0.05) greater in oocytes supplemented with 0.01mM glucuronic acid and 0.01mM GlcNAc during the second part or all of maturation compared with the other treatments. In addition, polyspermic penetration was significantly (P<0.05) less in oocytes supplemented with 0.01mM glucuronic acid and 0.01mM GlcNAc during the second part or all of maturation compared with the other treatments. Supplementing 0.01mM glucuronic acid and GlcNAc during maturation significantly (P<0.05) increased the percentage of cleaved embryos by 48h after IVF and blastocysts formed by 144h after IVF compared those not supplemented. These results indicate that supplementing PVS components during maturation decreases polyspermic penetration by increasing PVS thickness.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Z Current
- Department of Animal and Pre-veterinary Studies, University of Findlay, 1000 N. Main Street, Findlay, OH 45840, USA
| | - B D Whitaker
- Department of Animal and Pre-veterinary Studies, University of Findlay, 1000 N. Main Street, Findlay, OH 45840, USA; and Corresponding author.
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Lee J, Kim E, Hwang SU, Cai L, Kim M, Choi H, Oh D, Lee E, Hyun SH. Effect of D-Glucuronic Acid and N-acetyl-D-Glucosamine Treatment during In Vitro Maturation on Embryonic Development after Parthenogenesis and Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer in Pigs. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11041034. [PMID: 33917537 PMCID: PMC8067516 DOI: 10.3390/ani11041034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hyaluronic acid, also known as hyaluronan, is essential for the expansion of cumulus cells, the maturation of oocytes, and further embryo development. This study aimed to examine the effects of treatment with glucuronic acid and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, which are components of hyaluronic acid, during porcine oocyte in vitro maturation and embryonic development after parthenogenetic activation and somatic cell nuclear transfer. We measured the diameter of mature oocytes, the thickness of the perivitelline space, the intracellular reactive oxygen species level, and the expression of cumulus cell expansion genes and reactive oxygen species-related genes and examined the cortical granule reaction of oocytes after electrical activation. In conclusion, the addition of 0.05 mM glucuronic acid and 0.05 mM N-acetyl-D-glucosamine and during the initial 22 h of in vitro maturation in pig oocytes has beneficial effects on cumulus expansion, perivitelline space thickness, cytoplasmic maturation, reactive oxygen species level, cortical granule exocytosis, and early embryonic development after parthenogenesis and somatic cell nuclear transfer. Glucuronic acid and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine can be applied to in vitro production technology and can be used as ingredients to produce high-quality porcine blastocysts. Abstract This study aimed to examine the effects of treatment with glucuronic acid (GA) and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (AG), which are components of hyaluronic acid (HA), during porcine oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM). We measured the diameter of the oocyte, the thickness of the perivitelline space (PVS), the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, and the expression of cumulus cell expansion and ROS-related genes and examined the cortical granule (CG) reaction of oocytes. The addition of 0.05 mM GA and 0.05 mM AG during the first 22 h of oocyte IVM significantly increased oocyte diameter and PVS size compared with the control (non-treatment). The addition of GA and AG reduced the intra-oocyte ROS content and improved the CG of the oocyte. GA and AG treatment increased the expression of CD44 and CX43 in cumulus cells and PRDX1 and TXN2 in oocytes. In both the chemically defined and the complex medium (Medium-199 + porcine follicular fluid), oocytes derived from the GA and AG treatments presented significantly higher blastocyst rates than the control after parthenogenesis (PA) and somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). In conclusion, the addition of GA and AG during IVM in pig oocytes has beneficial effects on oocyte IVM and early embryonic development after PA and SCNT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joohyeong Lee
- Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Bio-technology (VETEMBIO), Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea; (J.L.); (E.K.); (S.-U.H.); (L.C.); (M.K.); (H.C.); (D.O.)
- Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Eunhye Kim
- Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Bio-technology (VETEMBIO), Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea; (J.L.); (E.K.); (S.-U.H.); (L.C.); (M.K.); (H.C.); (D.O.)
- Graduate School of Veterinary Biosecurity and Protection, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Seon-Ung Hwang
- Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Bio-technology (VETEMBIO), Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea; (J.L.); (E.K.); (S.-U.H.); (L.C.); (M.K.); (H.C.); (D.O.)
- Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Lian Cai
- Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Bio-technology (VETEMBIO), Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea; (J.L.); (E.K.); (S.-U.H.); (L.C.); (M.K.); (H.C.); (D.O.)
- Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Mirae Kim
- Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Bio-technology (VETEMBIO), Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea; (J.L.); (E.K.); (S.-U.H.); (L.C.); (M.K.); (H.C.); (D.O.)
- Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Hyerin Choi
- Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Bio-technology (VETEMBIO), Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea; (J.L.); (E.K.); (S.-U.H.); (L.C.); (M.K.); (H.C.); (D.O.)
- Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Dongjin Oh
- Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Bio-technology (VETEMBIO), Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea; (J.L.); (E.K.); (S.-U.H.); (L.C.); (M.K.); (H.C.); (D.O.)
- Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Eunsong Lee
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
- Correspondence: (E.L.); (S.-H.H.); Tel.: +82-33-250-8670 (E.L.); +82-43-261-3393 (S.-H.H.)
| | - Sang-Hwan Hyun
- Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Bio-technology (VETEMBIO), Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea; (J.L.); (E.K.); (S.-U.H.); (L.C.); (M.K.); (H.C.); (D.O.)
- Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
- Graduate School of Veterinary Biosecurity and Protection, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
- Correspondence: (E.L.); (S.-H.H.); Tel.: +82-33-250-8670 (E.L.); +82-43-261-3393 (S.-H.H.)
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Yu X, Zhang X, Zhao P, Peng X, Chen H, Bleckmann A, Bazhenova A, Shi C, Dresselhaus T, Sun MX. Fertilized egg cells secrete endopeptidases to avoid polytubey. Nature 2021; 592:433-437. [PMID: 33790463 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03387-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Upon gamete fusion, animal egg cells secrete proteases from cortical granules to establish a fertilization envelope as a block to polyspermy1-4. Fertilization in flowering plants is more complex and involves the delivery of two non-motile sperm cells by pollen tubes5,6. Simultaneous penetration of ovules by multiple pollen tubes (polytubey) is usually avoided, thus indirectly preventing polyspermy7,8. How plant egg cells regulate the rejection of extra tubes after successful fertilization is not known. Here we report that the aspartic endopeptidases ECS1 and ECS2 are secreted to the extracellular space from a cortical network located at the apical domain of the Arabidopsis egg cell. This reaction is triggered only after successful fertilization. ECS1 and ECS2 are exclusively expressed in the egg cell and transcripts are degraded immediately after gamete fusion. ECS1 and ESC2 specifically cleave the pollen tube attractor LURE1. As a consequence, polytubey is frequent in ecs1 ecs2 double mutants. Ectopic secretion of these endopeptidases from synergid cells led to a decrease in the levels of LURE1 and reduced the rate of pollen tube attraction. Together, these findings demonstrate that plant egg cells sense successful fertilization and elucidate a mechanism as to how a relatively fast post-fertilization block to polytubey is established by fertilization-induced degradation of attraction factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobo Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xuecheng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Peng Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiongbo Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Andrea Bleckmann
- Cell Biology and Plant Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Anastasiia Bazhenova
- Cell Biology and Plant Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Ce Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Thomas Dresselhaus
- Cell Biology and Plant Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Meng-Xiang Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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40
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He M, Zhang T, Yang Y, Wang C. Mechanisms of Oocyte Maturation and Related Epigenetic Regulation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:654028. [PMID: 33842483 PMCID: PMC8025927 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.654028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Meiosis is the basis of sexual reproduction. In female mammals, meiosis of oocytes starts before birth and sustains at the dictyate stage of meiotic prophase I before gonadotropins-induced ovulation happens. Once meiosis gets started, the oocytes undergo the leptotene, zygotene, and pachytene stages, and then arrest at the dictyate stage. During each estrus cycle in mammals, or menstrual cycle in humans, a small portion of oocytes within preovulatory follicles may resume meiosis. It is crucial for females to supply high quality mature oocytes for sustaining fertility, which is generally achieved by fine-tuning oocyte meiotic arrest and resumption progression. Anything that disturbs the process may result in failure of oogenesis and seriously affect both the fertility and the health of females. Therefore, uncovering the regulatory network of oocyte meiosis progression illuminates not only how the foundations of mammalian reproduction are laid, but how mis-regulation of these steps result in infertility. In order to provide an overview of the recently uncovered cellular and molecular mechanism during oocyte maturation, especially epigenetic modification, the progress of the regulatory network of oocyte meiosis progression including meiosis arrest and meiosis resumption induced by gonadotropins is summarized. Then, advances in the epigenetic aspects, such as histone acetylation, phosphorylation, methylation, glycosylation, ubiquitination, and SUMOylation related to the quality of oocyte maturation are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meina He
- Department of Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Conservation and Utilization of Special Biological Resources in the Western China, College of Life Science, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Tuo Zhang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Conservation and Utilization of Special Biological Resources in the Western China, College of Life Science, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Conservation and Utilization of Special Biological Resources in the Western China, College of Life Science, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Chao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Conservation and Utilization of Special Biological Resources in the Western China, College of Life Science, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, China
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Eum JH, Park M, Yoon JA, Yoon SY. Voltage Dependent N Type Calcium Channel in Mouse Egg Fertilization. Dev Reprod 2021; 24:297-306. [PMID: 33537516 PMCID: PMC7837419 DOI: 10.12717/dr.2020.24.4.297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Repetitive changes in the intracellular calcium concentration
([Ca2+]i) triggers egg activation, including cortical
granule exocytosis, resumption of second meiosis, block to polyspermy, and
initiating embryonic development. [Ca2+]i oscillations that
continue for several hours, are required for the early events of egg activation
and possibly connected to further development to the blastocyst stage. The
sources of Ca2+ ion elevation during [Ca2+]i
oscillations are Ca2+ release from endoplasmic reticulum
through inositol 1,4,5 tri-phosphate receptor and Ca2+ ion
influx through Ca2+ channel on the plasma membrane.
Ca2+ channels have been characterized into
voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels (VDCCs), ligand-gated
Ca2+ channel, and leak-channel. VDCCs expressed on muscle
cell or neuron is specified into L, T, N, P, Q, and R type VDCs by their
activation threshold or their sensitivity to peptide toxins isolated from cone
snails and spiders. The present study was aimed to investigate the localization
pattern of N and P/Q type voltage-dependent calcium channels in mouse eggs and
the role in fertilization. [Ca2+]i oscillation was observed in
a Ca2+ contained medium with sperm factor or adenophostin A
injection but disappeared in Ca2+ free medium.
Ca2+ influx was decreased by Lat A. N-VDCC specific
inhibitor, ω-Conotoxin CVIIA induced abnormal [Ca2+]i
oscillation profiles in SrCl2 treatment. N or P/Q type VDC were
distributed on the plasma membrane in cortical cluster form, not in the
cytoplasm. Ca2+ influx is essential for
[Ca2+]i oscillation during mammalian fertilization. This
Ca2+ influx might be controlled through the N or P/Q type
VDCCs. Abnormal VDCCs expression of eggs could be tested in fertilization
failure or low fertilization eggs in subfertility women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Hee Eum
- Fertility Center of CHA Gangnam Medical Center, Seoul 06125, Korea
| | - Miseon Park
- Fertility Center of CHA Gangnam Medical Center, Seoul 06125, Korea
| | - Jung Ah Yoon
- Fertility Center of CHA Gangnam Medical Center, Seoul 06125, Korea
| | - Sook Young Yoon
- Fertility Center of CHA Gangnam Medical Center, Seoul 06125, Korea
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Wuri L, Agca C, Agca Y. Morphometric, subcellular, in vitro fertilisation and embryonic developmental assessment of mouse oocytes produced by anti-inhibin serum or pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin superovulation. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 32:474-483. [PMID: 31972126 DOI: 10.1071/rd19131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This study compared the morphometric, subcellular characteristics, in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and embryonic developmental potential of metaphase II (MII) mouse oocytes obtained from females superovulated with either anti-inhibin serum-human chorionic gonadotrophin (AIS-hCG) or pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG)-hCG. The oocyte's quantity, quality, zona pellucida (ZP) thickness, perivitelline space (PVS), diameter, microtubules, F-actin, cortical granules (CGs) and mitochondrial distribution were determined. Superovulation using AIS-hCG resulted in a higher numbers of oocyte/donor compared with PMSG-hCG (P=0.002). There was no difference in morphologically normal and abnormal oocytes between AIS-hCG and PMSG-hCG (P=0.425 and P=0.194, respectively). The morphometric measurements showed no difference in oocyte diameter between AIS-hCG and PMSG-hCG (P=0.289). However, the thickness of the ZP of oocytes from AIS-hCG females was decreased compared with PMSG-hCG (P<0.001). The PVS of oocytes from the AIS-hCG was larger than with PMSG-hCG (P<0.001). The microtubules of oocytes from both AIS-hCG and PMSG-hCG were normal, although there was an increased fluorescence intensity in the AIS-hCG oocytes (P<0.001). The F-actin and CGs distribution in oocytes from both AIS-hCG and PMSG-hCG were similar (P=0.330 and P=0.13, respectively). Although the oocytes from PMSG-hCG females had homogenously distributed mitochondria, AIS-hCG oocytes showed more peripheral distribution with no differences in fluorescence intensity (P=0.137). The blastocyst development rates after IVF with fresh sperm showed no difference between AIS-hCG and PMSG-hCG (P=0.235). These data suggested that AIS-hCG superovulation produces high numbers of morphologically normal oocytes that also possess normal subcellular structures, good morphological characteristics and had high invitro embryonic developmental potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liga Wuri
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, 920 East Campus Drive, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
| | - Cansu Agca
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, 1600 East Rollins Street, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Yuksel Agca
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, 920 East Campus Drive, Columbia, MO 65201, USA; and College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, 1600 East Rollins Street, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; and Corresponding author.
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Kong P, Yin M, Tang C, Zhu X, Bukulmez O, Chen M, Teng X. Effects of Early Cumulus Cell Removal on Treatment Outcomes in Patients Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:669507. [PMID: 34025582 PMCID: PMC8138552 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.669507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early cumulus cell removal combined with early rescue intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has been widely practiced in many in vitro fertilization (IVF) centers in China in order to avoid total fertilization failure. However, uncertainty remains whether the pregnancy and neonatal outcomes are associated with early cumulus cell removal. OBJECTIVES To investigate if early cumulus cell removal alone after 4 hours co-incubation of gametes (4 h group), has detrimental effect on the pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in patients undergoing IVF, through a comparison with conventional cumulus cell removal after 20 hours of insemination (20 h group). METHODS This retrospective cohort study included 1784 patients who underwent their first fresh cleavage stage embryo transfer at the Centre for Assisted Reproduction of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital from June 2016 to December 2018 (4 h group, n=570; 20 h group, n=1214). A logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the independent association between early cumulus cell removal and pregnancy outcomes after adjustment for potential confounders. The neonatal outcomes between the two groups were compared. RESULTS When compared with the 20 h group, the 4 h group had similar pregnancy outcomes, including rates for biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, multiple pregnancy, live birth. There were 1073 infants delivered after embryo transfer (4 h group, n=337; 20 h group, n=736). Outcomes in both groups were similar for both singleton and twin gestations, including preterm birth rate and very preterm birth rate, mean birth weight, mean gestational age, sex ratio at birth and rate of congenital birth defects. In addition, findings pertaining to singleton gestations were also similar in the two groups for Z-scores (gestational age- and sex-adjusted birth weight), rates of small for gestational age, very small for gestational age, large for gestational age and very large for gestational age infants. CONCLUSIONS In this study early cumulus cell removal alone was not associated with adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. From this perspective, early cumulus cell removal to assess for a potential early rescue ICSI is therefore considered to be a safe option in patients undergoing IVF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengcheng Kong
- Centre for Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingru Yin
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chuanling Tang
- Centre for Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiuxian Zhu
- Centre for Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Orhan Bukulmez
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Miaoxin Chen
- Centre for Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaoming Teng, ; Miaoxin Chen,
| | - Xiaoming Teng
- Centre for Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaoming Teng, ; Miaoxin Chen,
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Luo D, Zhang JB, Li SP, Liu W, Yao XR, Guo H, Jin ZL, Jin YX, Yuan B, Jiang H, Kim NH. Imperatorin Ameliorates the Aging-Associated Porcine Oocyte Meiotic Spindle Defects by Reducing Oxidative Stress and Protecting Mitochondrial Function. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:592433. [PMID: 33409275 PMCID: PMC7779485 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.592433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Imperatorin (IMP) exhibits a variety of pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-cancer, and anti-hypertension activities. However, its effects on animal reproduction systems, especially oocyte development, maturation, and aging are not yet clear. In this study, the effects of IMP on oocyte development and aging as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms were explored. Oocytes were cultured for an additional 24 h for aging. Results revealed that the blastocyst formation and hatching rates of embryos, which were parthenogenetically activated aged oocytes, were significantly increased with IMP treatment (40 μM). Simultaneously, well-distributed cortical granules but no significant difference in zona pellucida hardness were observed after IMP treatment. During this stage, intracellular reactive oxygen species, apoptosis, and autophagy levels were decreased, while mitochondrial membrane potential, glutathione level, and activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase were increased. IMP-treated aged oocytes also showed significantly higher expression of MOS, CCNB1, BMP15, and GDF9 than non-IMP-treated aged oocytes although their levels were still lower than those in the fresh oocytes. These results suggest that IMP can effectively ameliorate the quality of aged porcine oocytes by reducing oxidative stress and protecting mitochondrial function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Luo
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea
| | - Jia-bao Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Sheng-peng Li
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wen Liu
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xue-rui Yao
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea
| | - Hao Guo
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea
| | - Zhe-long Jin
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea
| | - Yong-xun Jin
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Bao Yuan
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hao Jiang
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea
| | - Nam-Hyung Kim
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea
- School of Biotechnology and Healthcare, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, China
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McLennan HJ, Sutton-McDowall ML, Heng S, Abell AD, Thompson JG. Time-lapse confocal imaging-induced calcium ion discharge from the cumulus-oocyte complex at the time of cattle oocyte activation. Reprod Fertil Dev 2020; 32:1223-1238. [PMID: 33027608 DOI: 10.1071/rd20143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Oocyte activation, the dynamic transformation of an oocyte into an embryo, is largely driven by Ca2+ oscillations that vary in duration and amplitude across species. Previous studies have analysed intraoocyte Ca2+ oscillations in the absence of the oocyte's supporting cumulus cells. Therefore, it is unknown whether cumulus cells also produce an ionic signal that reflects fertilisation success. Time-lapse confocal microscopy and image analysis on abattoir-derived cattle cumulus-oocyte complexes coincubated with spermatozoa revealed a distinct discharge of fluorescence from the cumulus vestment. This study demonstrated that this Ca2+ fluorescence discharge was an artefact induced by the imaging procedure independently of oocyte activation success. The fluorescence discharge was a direct result of cumulus cell membrane integrity loss, and future studies should consider the long-term effect of fluorescent labels on cells in time-lapse imaging. However, this study also demonstrated that the distinctive pattern of a coordinated fluorescence discharge was associated with both the presence of spermatozoa and subsequent embryo development to the morula stage, which was affected by Ca2+ chelation and a reduction in the active efflux of the fluorophore. This indicates that the cumulus vestment may have a relationship with oocyte activation at and beyond fertilisation that requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna J McLennan
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, Australia; and Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; and Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, School of Physical Sciences, University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; and Corresponding author.
| | - Melanie L Sutton-McDowall
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, Australia; and Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; and Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, School of Physical Sciences, University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Sabrina Heng
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, Australia; and Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, School of Physical Sciences, University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; and Department of Chemistry, School of Physical Sciences, University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Andrew D Abell
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, Australia; and Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, School of Physical Sciences, University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; and Department of Chemistry, School of Physical Sciences, University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Jeremy G Thompson
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, Australia; and Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; and Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, School of Physical Sciences, University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
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De la Paz JF, Anguita-Salinas C, Díaz-Celis C, Chávez FP, Allende ML. The Zebrafish Perivitelline Fluid Provides Maternally-Inherited Defensive Immunity. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10091274. [PMID: 32899417 PMCID: PMC7564447 DOI: 10.3390/biom10091274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In the teleost egg, the embryo is immersed in an extraembryonic fluid that fills the space between the embryo and the chorion and partially isolates it from the external environment, called the perivitelline fluid (PVF). The exact composition of the PVF remains unknown in vertebrate animals. The PVF allows the embryo to avoid dehydration, to maintain a safe osmotic balance and provides mechanical protection; however, its potential defensive properties against bacterial pathogens has not been reported. In this work, we determined the global proteomic profile of PVF in zebrafish eggs and embryos, and the maternal or zygotic origin of the identified proteins was studied. In silico analysis of PVF protein composition revealed an enrichment of protein classes associated with non-specific humoral innate immunity. We found lectins, protease inhibitors, transferrin, and glucosidases present from early embryogenesis until hatching. Finally, in vitro and in vivo experiments done with this fluid demonstrated that the PVF possessed a strong agglutinating capacity on bacterial cells and protected the embryos when challenged with the pathogenic bacteria Edwardsiella tarda. Our results suggest that the PVF is a primitive inherited immune extraembryonic system that protects the embryos from external biological threats prior to hatching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javiera F. De la Paz
- FONDAP Center for Genome Regulation, Faculty of Sciences, University of Chile, RM 7800003 Santiago, Chile; (J.F.D.l.P.); (C.A.-S.)
- Laboratory of Systems Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Chile, RM 7800003 Santiago, Chile;
- Danio Biotechnologies SpA, RM 7800003 Santiago, Chile
| | - Consuelo Anguita-Salinas
- FONDAP Center for Genome Regulation, Faculty of Sciences, University of Chile, RM 7800003 Santiago, Chile; (J.F.D.l.P.); (C.A.-S.)
- Danio Biotechnologies SpA, RM 7800003 Santiago, Chile
| | - César Díaz-Celis
- Laboratory of Systems Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Chile, RM 7800003 Santiago, Chile;
| | - Francisco P. Chávez
- Laboratory of Systems Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Chile, RM 7800003 Santiago, Chile;
- Correspondence: (F.P.C.); (M.L.A.)
| | - Miguel L. Allende
- FONDAP Center for Genome Regulation, Faculty of Sciences, University of Chile, RM 7800003 Santiago, Chile; (J.F.D.l.P.); (C.A.-S.)
- Correspondence: (F.P.C.); (M.L.A.)
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Kulus M, Kranc W, Jeseta M, Sujka-Kordowska P, Konwerska A, Ciesiółka S, Celichowski P, Moncrieff L, Kocherova I, Józkowiak M, Kulus J, Wieczorkiewicz M, Piotrowska-Kempisty H, Skowroński MT, Bukowska D, Machatkova M, Hanulakova S, Mozdziak P, Jaśkowski JM, Kempisty B, Antosik P. Cortical Granule Distribution and Expression Pattern of Genes Regulating Cellular Component Size, Morphogenesis, and Potential to Differentiation are Related to Oocyte Developmental Competence and Maturational Capacity In Vivo and In Vitro. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11070815. [PMID: 32708880 PMCID: PMC7397037 DOI: 10.3390/genes11070815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyspermia is an adverse phenomenon during mammalian fertilization when more than one sperm fuses with a single oocyte. The egg cell is prepared to prevent polyspermia by, among other ways, producing cortical granules (CGs), which are specialized intracellular structures containing enzymes that aim to harden the zona pellucida and block the fusion of subsequent sperm. This work focused on exploring the expression profile of genes that may be associated with cortical reactions, and evaluated the distribution of CGs in immature oocytes and the peripheral density of CGs in mature oocytes. Oocytes were isolated and then processed for in vitro maturation (IVM). Transcriptomic analysis of genes belonging to five ontological groups has been conducted. Six genes showed increased expression after IVM (ARHGEF2, MAP1B, CXCL12, FN1, DAB2, and SOX9), while the majority of genes decreased expression after IVM. Using CG distribution analysis in immature oocytes, movement towards the cortical zone of the oocyte during meiotic competence acquisition was observed. CGs peripheral density decreased with the rise in meiotic competence during the IVM process. The current results reveal important new insights into the in vitro maturation of oocytes. Our results may serve as a basis for further studies to investigate the cortical reaction of oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Kulus
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 87-100 Torun, Poland; (M.K.); (P.A.)
| | - Wiesława Kranc
- Department of Anatomy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznan, Poland; (W.K.); (I.K.)
| | - Michal Jeseta
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital and Masaryk University, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic;
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague, 165 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Patrycja Sujka-Kordowska
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznan, Poland; (P.S.-K.); (A.K.); (S.C.); (P.C.); (L.M.)
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, University of Zielona Gora, 65-046 Zielona Gora, Poland
| | - Aneta Konwerska
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznan, Poland; (P.S.-K.); (A.K.); (S.C.); (P.C.); (L.M.)
| | - Sylwia Ciesiółka
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznan, Poland; (P.S.-K.); (A.K.); (S.C.); (P.C.); (L.M.)
| | - Piotr Celichowski
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznan, Poland; (P.S.-K.); (A.K.); (S.C.); (P.C.); (L.M.)
| | - Lisa Moncrieff
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznan, Poland; (P.S.-K.); (A.K.); (S.C.); (P.C.); (L.M.)
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Ievgeniia Kocherova
- Department of Anatomy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznan, Poland; (W.K.); (I.K.)
| | - Małgorzata Józkowiak
- Department of Toxicology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-631 Poznan, Poland; (M.J.); (H.P.-K.)
| | - Jakub Kulus
- Department of Diagnostics and Clinical Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 87-100 Torun, Poland; (J.K.); (D.B.); (J.M.J.)
| | - Maria Wieczorkiewicz
- Department of Basic and Preclinical Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 87-100 Torun, Poland; (M.W.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Hanna Piotrowska-Kempisty
- Department of Toxicology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-631 Poznan, Poland; (M.J.); (H.P.-K.)
| | - Mariusz T. Skowroński
- Department of Basic and Preclinical Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 87-100 Torun, Poland; (M.W.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Dorota Bukowska
- Department of Diagnostics and Clinical Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 87-100 Torun, Poland; (J.K.); (D.B.); (J.M.J.)
| | - Marie Machatkova
- Veterinary Research Institute, 621 00 Brno, Czech Republic; (M.M.); (S.H.)
| | - Sarka Hanulakova
- Veterinary Research Institute, 621 00 Brno, Czech Republic; (M.M.); (S.H.)
| | - Paul Mozdziak
- Prestage Department of Poultry Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA;
| | - Jędrzej M. Jaśkowski
- Department of Diagnostics and Clinical Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 87-100 Torun, Poland; (J.K.); (D.B.); (J.M.J.)
| | - Bartosz Kempisty
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 87-100 Torun, Poland; (M.K.); (P.A.)
- Department of Anatomy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznan, Poland; (W.K.); (I.K.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital and Masaryk University, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic;
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznan, Poland; (P.S.-K.); (A.K.); (S.C.); (P.C.); (L.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-61-854-6418
| | - Paweł Antosik
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 87-100 Torun, Poland; (M.K.); (P.A.)
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Ferrer-Vaquer A, Barragán M, Rodríguez A, Vassena R. Altered cytoplasmic maturation in rescued in vitro matured oocytes. Hum Reprod 2020; 34:1095-1105. [PMID: 31119269 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do culture conditions affect cytoplasmic maturation in denuded immature non-GV oocytes? SUMMARY ANSWER The maturation rate of denuded non-GV oocytes is not affected by culture media, but in vitro maturation seems to alter the mitochondrial membrane potential, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and actin cytoskeleton compared with in vivo maturation. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY In vitro maturation of denuded immature non-GV oocytes benefits cycles with poor in vivo MII oocyte collection, but maturation levels of non-GV oocytes are only scored by polar body extrusion. Since oocyte maturation involves nuclear as well as cytoplasmic maturation for full meiotic competence, further knowledge is needed about cytoplasmic maturation in in vitro culture. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This basic research study was carried out between January 2017 and September 2018. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS A total of 339 denuded immature non-GV oocytes were cultured in SAGE 1-Step (177) or G-2 PLUS (162) for 6-8 h after retrieval, and 72 in vivo matured MII oocytes were used as controls. Cultured immature non-GV oocytes were scored for polar body extrusion and analysed for mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), ER clusters, cortical granules number and distribution, spindle morphology and actin cytoskeleton organization. The obtained parameter values were compared to in vivo matured MII oocyte parameter values. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The maturation rates of oocytes cultured in G-2 PLUS and SAGE 1-Step were similar (65% vs 64.2%; P = 0.91). The differences observed in cortical granule density were not statistically significant. Also spindle morphometric parameters were mostly similar between in vitro and in vivo matured MII oocytes. However, the number of ER clusters, the ΔΨm and the cortical actin thickness showed significant differences between in vivo MII oocytes and denuded immature non-GV oocytes cultured in vitro until meiosis completion. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Frozen-thawed oocytes together with fresh oocytes were used as controls. Due to technical limitations (fixation method and fluorochrome overlap), only one or two parameters could be studied per oocyte. Thus, a global view of the maturation status for each individual oocyte could not be obtained. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Characterization of in vitro matured oocytes at the cellular level will help us to understand the differences observed in the clinical outcomes reported with rescue IVM compared to in vivo MII oocytes and to improve the culture methods applied. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by intramural funding of Clinica Eugin and by the Torres Quevedo Program to A.F.-V. from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness. No competing interests are declared.
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Abstract
The zona pellucida (ZP) is an extracellular matrix that surrounds all mammalian oocytes, eggs, and early embryos and plays vital roles during oogenesis, fertilization, and preimplantation development. The ZP is composed of three or four glycosylated proteins, ZP1–4, that are synthesized, processed, secreted, and assembled into long, cross-linked fibrils by growing oocytes. ZP proteins have an immunoglobulin-like three-dimensional structure and a ZP domain that consists of two subdomains, ZP-N and ZP-C, with ZP-N of ZP2 and ZP3 required for fibril assembly. A ZP2–ZP3 dimer is located periodically along ZP fibrils that are cross-linked by ZP1, a protein with a proline-rich N terminus. Fibrils in the inner and outer regions of the ZP are oriented perpendicular and parallel to the oolemma, respectively, giving the ZP a multilayered appearance. Upon fertilization of eggs, modification of ZP2 and ZP3 results in changes in the ZP's physical and biological properties that have important consequences. Certain structural features of ZP proteins suggest that they may be amyloid-like proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eveline S. Litscher
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA;,
| | - Paul M. Wassarman
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA;,
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Type of protein supplement in cryopreservation solutions impacts on the degree of ultrastructural damage in frozen-thawed human oocytes. Cryobiology 2020; 95:143-150. [PMID: 32243889 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2020.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Protein sources used as supplements of IVF culture media are known to have several implications for the function and stability of embryo culture environment. In fact, they i) transport biologically active molecules ii) chelate heavy metals, iii) regulate media pH, iii) scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and iv) attenuate osmotic stress to which cells are exposed in sub-optimal culture conditions. Instead, their specific relevance to the formulation of cryopreservation solutions used for gamete and embryo cryopreservation remains uncertain. In the present work, we tested the hypothesis that different protein supplements present in cryopreservation solutions, serum or plasma protein solution (PPS), or different concentrations of the same supplement (serum), are associated with different types and/or magnitude of cryopreservation-derived cell damage. To this end, using cryopreservation solutions containing serum or PPS, donated supernumerary human mature oocytes were frozen-thawed by slow freezing and compared with fresh controls. Ultrastructural markers of oocyte quality were adopted as objective measure to assess possible damage from cryopreservation. The study results indicate that the adoption of serum minimises cell damage induced by cryopreservation. Indeed, typical hallmarks of cryodamage in human oocytes, i.e. loss of cortical granules, zona pellucida hardening and above all vacuolization, were largely reduced in oocytes cryopreserved with solutions containing serum, especially if used a higher concentration. This suggest that oocyte cryopreservation still has significant margins of improvement that may derive also from composition of cryopreservation media.
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