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Silvestris E, Cormio G, Loizzi V, Corrado G, Arezzo F, Petracca EA. Fertility Preservation in BRCA1/2 Germline Mutation Carriers: An Overview. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:615. [PMID: 38792636 PMCID: PMC11122448 DOI: 10.3390/life14050615] [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: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations are responsible for a higher incidence of breast and ovarian cancer (from 55% up to 70% vs. 12% in the general population). If their functions have been widely investigated in the onset of these malignancies, still little is known about their role in fertility impairment. Cancer patients treated with antineoplastic drugs can be susceptible to their gonadotoxicity and, in women, some of them can induce apoptotic program in premature ovarian follicles, progressive depletion of ovarian reserve and, consequently, cancer treatment-related infertility (CTRI). BRCA variants seem to be associated with early infertility, thus accelerating treatment impairment of ovaries and making women face the concrete possibility of an early pregnancy. In this regard, fertility preservation (FP) procedures should be discussed in oncofertility counseling-from the first line of prevention with risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) to the new experimental ovarian stem cells (OSCs) model as a new way to obtain in vitro-differentiated oocytes, several techniques may represent a valid option to BRCA-mutated patients. In this review, we revisit knowledge about BRCA involvement in lower fertility, pregnancy feasibility, and the fertility preservation (FP) options available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Silvestris
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.C.); (V.L.); (F.A.); (E.A.P.)
| | - Gennaro Cormio
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.C.); (V.L.); (F.A.); (E.A.P.)
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine (DIM), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70121 Bari, Italy
| | - Vera Loizzi
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.C.); (V.L.); (F.A.); (E.A.P.)
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine (DIM), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70121 Bari, Italy
| | - Giacomo Corrado
- Department of Woman, Child Health and Public Health, Gynecologic Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00136 Rome, Italy;
| | - Francesca Arezzo
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.C.); (V.L.); (F.A.); (E.A.P.)
| | - Easter Anna Petracca
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.C.); (V.L.); (F.A.); (E.A.P.)
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Canosa S, Revelli A, Gennarelli G, Cormio G, Loizzi V, Arezzo F, Petracca EA, Carosso AR, Cimadomo D, Rienzi L, Vaiarelli A, Ubaldi FM, Silvestris E. Innovative Strategies for Fertility Preservation in Female Cancer Survivors: New Hope from Artificial Ovary Construction and Stem Cell-Derived Neo-Folliculogenesis. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2748. [PMID: 37893822 PMCID: PMC10606281 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11202748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in anticancer treatment have significantly improved the survival rate of young females; unfortunately, in about one third of cancer survivors the risk of ovarian insufficiency and infertility is still quite relevant. As the possibility of becoming a mother after recovery from a juvenile cancer is an important part of the quality of life, several procedures to preserve fertility have been developed: ovarian surgical transposition, induction of ovarian quiescence by gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRH-a) treatment, and oocyte and/or ovarian cortical tissue cryopreservation. Ovarian tissue cryostorage and allografting is a valuable technique that applies even to prepubertal girls; however, some patients cannot benefit from it due to the high risk of reintroducing cancer cells during allograft in cases of ovary-metastasizing neoplasias, such as leukemias or NH lymphomas. Innovative techniques are now under investigation, as in the construction of an artificial ovary made of isolated follicles inserted into an artificial matrix scaffold, and the use of stem cells, including ovarian stem cells (OSCs), to obtain neo-folliculogenesis and the development of fertilizable oocytes from the exhausted ovarian tissue. This review synthesizes and discusses these innovative techniques, which potentially represent interesting strategies in oncofertility programs and a new hope for young female cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Canosa
- IVIRMA, Global Research Alliance, LIVET, 10126 Turin, Italy; (A.R.); (G.G.)
| | - Alberto Revelli
- IVIRMA, Global Research Alliance, LIVET, 10126 Turin, Italy; (A.R.); (G.G.)
- Gynecology and Obstetrics 2U, Department of Surgical Sciences, S. Anna Hospital, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Gianluca Gennarelli
- IVIRMA, Global Research Alliance, LIVET, 10126 Turin, Italy; (A.R.); (G.G.)
- Gynecology and Obstetrics 1U, Physiopathology of Reproduction and IVF Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, S. Anna Hospital, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy;
| | - Gennaro Cormio
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.C.); (V.L.); (E.A.P.); (E.S.)
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine (DIM), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70121 Bari, Italy
| | - Vera Loizzi
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.C.); (V.L.); (E.A.P.); (E.S.)
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine (DIM), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70121 Bari, Italy
| | - Francesca Arezzo
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Easter Anna Petracca
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.C.); (V.L.); (E.A.P.); (E.S.)
| | - Andrea Roberto Carosso
- Gynecology and Obstetrics 1U, Physiopathology of Reproduction and IVF Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, S. Anna Hospital, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy;
| | - Danilo Cimadomo
- IVIRMA, Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, 00197 Rome, Italy; (D.C.); (L.R.); (A.V.); (F.M.U.)
| | - Laura Rienzi
- IVIRMA, Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, 00197 Rome, Italy; (D.C.); (L.R.); (A.V.); (F.M.U.)
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino “Carlo Bo”, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Alberto Vaiarelli
- IVIRMA, Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, 00197 Rome, Italy; (D.C.); (L.R.); (A.V.); (F.M.U.)
| | - Filippo Maria Ubaldi
- IVIRMA, Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, 00197 Rome, Italy; (D.C.); (L.R.); (A.V.); (F.M.U.)
| | - Erica Silvestris
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.C.); (V.L.); (E.A.P.); (E.S.)
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Luo YY, Jie HY, Huang KJ, Cai B, Zhou X, Liang MY, Zhou CQ, Mai QY. The dynamic expression of SOX17 in germ cells from human female foetus and adult ovaries after specification. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1124143. [PMID: 37576970 PMCID: PMC10422046 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1124143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background SOX17 has been identified as a critical factor in specification of human primordial germ cells, but whether SOX17 regulates development of germ cells after sex differentiation is poorly understood. Methods We collected specimens of gonadal ridge from an embryo (n=1), and ovaries of foetuses (n=23) and adults (n=3). Germ cells were labelled with SOX17, VASA (classic germ cells marker), phosphohistone H3 (PHH3, mitosis marker) and synaptonemal complex protein 3 (SCP3, meiosis marker). Results SOX17 was detected in both cytoplasm and nucleus of oogonia and oocytes of primordial and primary follicles from 15 to 28 gestational weeks (GW). However, it was exclusively expressed in cytoplasm of oogonia at 7 GW, and in nucleus of oocytes in secondary follicles. Co-expression rates of SOX17 in VASA+ germ cells ranged from 81.29% to 97.81% in foetuses. Co-staining rates of SOX17 and PHH3 or SCP3 were 0%-34% and 0%-57%, respectively. Interestingly, we distinguished a subpopulation of SOX17+VASA- germ cells in fetal ovaries. These cells clustered in the cortex and could be co-stained with the mitosis marker PHH3 but not the meiosis marker SCP3. Conclusions The dynamic expression of SOX17 was detected in human female germ cells. We discovered a population of SOX17+ VASA- germ cells clustering at the cortex of ovaries. We could not find a relationship between mitosis or meiosis and SOX17 or VASA staining in germ cells. Our findings provide insight into the potential role of SOX17 involving germ cells maturation after specification, although the mechanism is unclear and needs further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Yi Luo
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First People’s Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Hui-Ying Jie
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ke-Jun Huang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bing Cai
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiu Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ming-Yi Liang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Can-Quan Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qing-Yun Mai
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Patel H, Bhartiya D, Parte S. Correction: Further characterization of adult sheep ovarian stem cells and their involvement in neo-oogenesis and follicle assembly. J Ovarian Res 2023; 16:60. [PMID: 36964613 PMCID: PMC10037860 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-023-01139-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/26/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hiren Patel
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012, India
| | - Deepa Bhartiya
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012, India.
| | - Seema Parte
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012, India
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Sharma D, Bhartiya D. Dysfunctional Ovarian Stem Cells Due to Neonatal Endocrine Disruption Result in PCOS and Ovarian Insufficiency in Adult Mice. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2022; 18:2912-2927. [PMID: 35834052 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-022-10414-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common global cause of anovulatory infertility but underlying etiology leading to PCOS still remains elusive. Fetal and perinatal endocrine disruption reportedly affects germ cell nests (GCN) breakdown, meiosis, and primordial follicle (PF) assembly with unassembled oocytes in neonatal ovaries. We recently reported that very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) and ovarian stem cells (OSCs) express ERα, ERβ and FSHR, undergo distinct cyclic changes and neo-oogenesis encompassing GCN formation, meiosis, and primordial follicle (PF) assembly on regular basis in adult mice ovaries and these GCN are arrested in pre-meiotic or early meiotic stage in aged ovaries. Present study was undertaken to evaluate whether neonatal exposure to endocrine disruption (estradiol E2 or diethylstilbestrol DES) affects ovarian stem cells and their differentiation (neo-oogenesis) and PF assembly in adult 100 days old ovaries. Neonatal exposure to E2 resulted in typical features of PCOS including hyperandrogenism, infertility, increased stromal compartment, absent corpus lutea, and cystic follicles whereas DES treated ovaries showed rapid recruitment of follicles in young ovaries and multi-ovular/cystic follicles. Ovary surface epithelial cells smears showed large numbers of growth-arrested GCN in zygotene/pachytene with increased expression of Mlh-1 and Scp-1 suggesting defects at synapsis and recombination stages during prophase-1 of meiosis. Being immortal and expression of ERα and ERβ makes VSELs directly vulnerable to carry developmental endocrine insults to adult life. Dysfunction of VSELs/OSCs possibly results in oocyte defects observed in our study in PCOS/POI besides the widely reported defects in granulosa cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diksha Sharma
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR- National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, 400 012, Mumbai, India
| | - Deepa Bhartiya
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR- National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, 400 012, Mumbai, India.
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Hong W, Wang B, Zhu Y, Wu J, Qiu L, Ling S, Zhou Z, Dai Y, Zhong Z, Zheng Y. Female germline stem cells: aging and anti-aging. J Ovarian Res 2022; 15:79. [PMID: 35787298 PMCID: PMC9251950 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-022-01011-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The delay of ovarian aging and the fertility preservation of cancer patients are the eternal themes in the field of reproductive medicine. Acting as the pacemaker of female physiological aging, ovary is also considered as the principle player of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases and etc. However, its aging mechanism and preventive measures are still unclear. Some researchers attempt to activate endogenous ovarian female germline stem cells (FGSCs) to restore ovarian function, as the most promising approach. FGSCs are stem cells in the adult ovaries that can be infinitely self-renewing and have the potential of committed differention. This review aims to elucidate FGSCs aging mechanism from multiple perspectives such as niches, immune disorder, chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. Therefore, the rebuilding nichs of FGSCs, regulation of immune dysfunction, anti-inflammation and oxidative stress remission are expected to restore or replenish FGSCs, ultimately to delay ovarian aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenli Hong
- Reproductive Health Department, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, the Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, People's Republic of China.,Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, People's Republic of China
| | - Baofeng Wang
- ARTcenter, Shenzhen Hengsheng Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yasha Zhu
- Reproductive Health Department, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, the Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun'e Wu
- Reproductive Health Department, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, the Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Qiu
- Reproductive Health Department, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, the Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuyi Ling
- Reproductive Health Department, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, the Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziqiong Zhou
- Reproductive Health Department, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, the Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuqing Dai
- Reproductive Health Department, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, the Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhisheng Zhong
- Reproductive Health Department, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, the Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yuehui Zheng
- Reproductive Health Department, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, the Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, People's Republic of China.
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Oktem O. In response to: why double ovarian stimulation in an in vitro fertilization cycle is potentially unsafe? Hum Reprod 2022; 37:1945-1947. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ozgur Oktem
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Assisted Reproduction Unit, Koç University School of Medicine , Istanbul, Turkey
- The Graduate School of Health Sciences, Koç University , Istanbul, Turkey
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, Koç University , Istanbul, Turkey
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Hsu CC, Hsu I, Lee LH, Hsueh YS, Lin CY, Chang HH. Intraovarian Injection of Recombinant Human Follicle-Stimulating Hormone for Luteal-Phase Ovarian Stimulation during Oocyte Retrieval Is Effective in Women with Impending Ovarian Failure and Diminished Ovarian Reserve. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10061312. [PMID: 35740333 PMCID: PMC9219872 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
It is a challenge to obtain sufficient eggs during in vitro fertilization (IVF) in women with impending ovarian failure (IOF)/diminished ovarian reserve (DOR). Although studies have suggested that more than one wave of follicle growth exists, the efficacy of controlled ovulation stimulation (COS) in both follicular and luteal phases of the same ovarian cycle (DuoStim) is not established in women with IOF/DOR. We investigated the efficacy of DuoStim using the intraovarian injection of recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone (rhFSH) during oocyte retrieval in women with DOR. For luteal-phase stimulation, intraovarian (Group A, N = 28) or superficial subcutaneous (Group B, N = 18) injection of 300 IU rhFSH immediately after oocyte retrieval was administered as the first dose, and intermittent superficial subcutaneous addition of gonadotropins was employed accordingly for further COS in both groups. In Group A, significantly lower Gn doses, a shorter duration of COS, a greater number of antral follicle counts, and an increased number of retrieved mature and total oocytes were noted. Compared with the clinical outcomes of luteal-phase COS, the average daily doses of rhFSH used in Group A were significantly lower. In summary, the novel approach using intraovarian rhFSH injection provides an efficient treatment regimen in women with IOF/DOR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao-Chin Hsu
- Taiwan United Birth-Promoting Experts Fertility Clinic, Tainan 710, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 100, Taiwan;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan 701, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (C.-C.H.); (H.H.C.); Tel.: +886-6-3128887 (C.-C.H.); +886-6-2353535 (ext. 5683) (H.H.C.)
| | - Isabel Hsu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 100, Taiwan;
| | | | - Yuan-Shuo Hsueh
- Department of Medical Science Industries, College of Health Sciences, Chang Jung Christian University, Tainan 711, Taiwan;
| | - Chih-Ying Lin
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan;
| | - Hui Hua Chang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan;
- School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
- Department of Pharmacy, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
- Department of Pharmacy, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Dou-Liou Branch, Yunlin 640, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (C.-C.H.); (H.H.C.); Tel.: +886-6-3128887 (C.-C.H.); +886-6-2353535 (ext. 5683) (H.H.C.)
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9
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Silvestris E, Minoia C, Guarini A, Opinto G, Negri A, Dellino M, Tinelli R, Cormio G, Paradiso AV, De Palma G. Ovarian Stem Cells (OSCs) from the Cryopreserved Ovarian Cortex: A Potential for Neo-Oogenesis in Women with Cancer-Treatment Related Infertility: A Case Report and a Review of Literature. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2022; 44:2309-2320. [PMID: 35678686 PMCID: PMC9164018 DOI: 10.3390/cimb44050157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer treatment related infertility (CTRI) affects more than one third of young women undergoing anti-cancer protocols, inducing a premature exhaustion of the ovarian reserve. In addition to ovarian suppression by GnRHa, oocyte and cortex cryopreservation has gained interest in patients with estrogen-sensitive tumors for whom the hormonal burst to prompt the multiple follicular growth could provide a further pro-life tumor pulsing. On the other hand, cortex reimplantation implies a few drawbacks due to the unknown consistency of the follicles to be reimplanted or the risk of reintroducing malignant cells. The capability of ovarian stem cells (OCSs) from fresh ovarian cortex fragments to differentiate in vitro to mature oocytes provides a tool to overcome these drawbacks. In fact, since ovarian cortex sampling and cryopreservation is practicable before gonadotoxic treatments, the recruitment of OSCs from defrosted fragments could provide a novel opportunity to verify their suitability to be expanded in vitro as oocyte like cells (OLCs). Here, we describe in very preliminary experiments the consistency of an OSC population from a single cryopreserved ovarian cortex after thawing as well as both their viability and their suitability to be further explored in their property to differentiate in OLCs, thus reinforcing interest in stemness studies in the treatment of female CTRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Silvestris
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, 70124 Bari, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Carla Minoia
- Haematology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (C.M.); (A.G.); (G.O.); (A.N.)
| | - Attilio Guarini
- Haematology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (C.M.); (A.G.); (G.O.); (A.N.)
| | - Giuseppina Opinto
- Haematology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (C.M.); (A.G.); (G.O.); (A.N.)
| | - Antonio Negri
- Haematology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (C.M.); (A.G.); (G.O.); (A.N.)
| | - Miriam Dellino
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “San Paolo” Hospital, 70123 Bari, Italy;
| | - Raffaele Tinelli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Valle d’Itria” Hospital, 74015 Martina Franca, Italy;
| | - Gennaro Cormio
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Angelo Virgilio Paradiso
- Institutional BioBank, Experimental Oncology and Biobank Management Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.V.P.); (G.D.P.)
| | - Giuseppe De Palma
- Institutional BioBank, Experimental Oncology and Biobank Management Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.V.P.); (G.D.P.)
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10
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Dong MH, Kim YY, Ku SY. Identification of Stem Cell-Like Cells in the Ovary. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2022; 19:675-685. [PMID: 35119648 PMCID: PMC9294092 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-021-00424-2] [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: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the function of stem cells and cellular microenvironments in in vitro oogenesis, including ovarian folliculogenesis, is crucial for reproductive biology. Because mammalian females cannot generate oocytes after birth, the number of oocyte decreases with the progression of reproductive age. Meanwhile, there is an emerging need for the neogenesis of female germ cells to treat the increasing infertility-related issues in cancer survivors. The concept of oocytes neogenesis came from the promising results of stem cells in reproductive medicine. The stem cells that generate oocytes are defined as stem cell-like cells in the ovary (OSCs). Several recent studies have focused on the origin, isolation, and characteristic of OSCs and the differentiation of OSCs into oocytes, ovarian follicles and granulosa cells. Hence, in this review, we focus on the experimental trends in OSC research and discuss the methods of OSC isolation. We further summarized the characteristics of OSCs and discuss the markers used to identify OSCs differentiated from various cell sources. We believe that this review will be beneficial for advancing the research and clinical applications of OSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myung Hoon Dong
- grid.31501.360000 0004 0470 5905Department of Premedicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080 Korea
| | - Yoon Young Kim
- grid.412484.f0000 0001 0302 820XDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Korea ,grid.31501.360000 0004 0470 5905Institute of Reproductive Medicine and Population, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, 71 Ihwajang-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080 Korea
| | - Seung-Yup Ku
- grid.412484.f0000 0001 0302 820XDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Korea ,grid.31501.360000 0004 0470 5905Institute of Reproductive Medicine and Population, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, 71 Ihwajang-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080 Korea
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11
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Luo Y, Yu Y. Research Advances in Gametogenesis and Embryogenesis Using Pluripotent Stem Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:801468. [PMID: 35127717 PMCID: PMC8810640 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.801468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The previous studies of human gametogenesis and embryogenesis have left many unanswered questions, which hinders the understanding of the physiology of these two vital processes and the development of diagnosis and treatment strategies for related diseases. Although many results have been obtained from animal studies, particularly mouse research, the results cannot be fully applied to humans due to species differences in physiology and pathology. However, due to ethical and material limitations, the direct study of human gametes and embryos is very difficult. The emergence and rapid development of organoids allow the construction of organoid systems that simulate gametogenesis and embryogenesis in vitro, and many studies have successfully established organoid systems for some parts of or even the entire processes of gametogenesis and embryogenesis. These studies typically start with the establishment of mouse models and then modify these models to obtain human organoid models. These organoid models can be used to obtain a better understanding of the signaling pathways, molecular mechanisms, genetics, and epigenetic changes involved in gametogenesis and embryogenesis and could also be applied to clinical applications, such as drug screening. Here, we discuss the formation of primordial stem cell-like cells (PGCLCs), and in vitro-induced gametes and embryoids using pluripotent stem cells (PSCs). We also analyze their applications and limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Luo
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology and Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Yu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology and Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Stem Cell Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yang Yu,
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12
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Tocci A. Why double ovarian stimulation in an in vitro fertilization cycle is potentially unsafe. Hum Reprod 2021; 37:199-202. [PMID: 34849903 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The occurrence of two antral follicle recruitment waves in a single inter-ovulatory interval has been detected in ovaries of normal women. This data supports the claim that a double ovarian stimulation in the same cycle may benefit poor responder patients with an increased recovery of mature oocytes and good quality embryos per single cycle. The double stimulation protocol was the object of several published studies in which, surprisingly, the mechanism and the safety of the double stimulation in the same cycle were poorly addressed. We propose that in the double stimulation protocol, the first stimulation impacts more committed oocytes progenitors ready to differentiate into mature oocytes. Conversely, the protracted exposure of developmentally earlier less-committed ovarian stem cells to FSH, which occurs in the double stimulation protocol, impacts the less differentiated stem cells which take longer to differentiate into oocytes. The proposed mechanism has broad implications for the safety of the double stimulation strategy.
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13
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Li X, Yao X, Mu C, Wang Z, Hu R, Chang Y, Wu J. Serum- and Feeder-Free Culture of Juvenile Monkey Female Germline Stem Cells and Testosterone Regulation of their Self-Renewal. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2021; 18:336-345. [PMID: 34642851 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-021-10278-9] [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] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Female germline stem cells (FGSCs) have been found in mouse, rat, pig, sheep and human ovaries. However, there is no information on the isolation or long-term culture of FGSCs from non-human primates. Here, we identified the presence of FGSCs in the ovaries of juvenile (3-4-year-old) cynomolgus monkeys using DDX4 and Ki67 double immunofluorescence. Then, a long-term serum- and cell feeder-free culture system for these FGSCs was used to establish a cell line, and its biological characteristics were analyzed. We found that testosterone promoted self-renewal of the cells. This study confirmed for the first time the presence of FGSCs in the ovary of non-human primates. This culture system and cell line will be of great significance for research in medicine and reproductive biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyong Li
- Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental & Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Xiaoying Yao
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunlan Mu
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Zhaoxia Wang
- Laboratory Animal Center, Instrumental Analysis Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Rong Hu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia, China.
| | - Yan Chang
- Shanghai Innostar biotech Co. Ltd, Shanghai, 200120, China.
| | - Ji Wu
- Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental & Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China. .,Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China.
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14
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Ebrahim N, Al Saihati HA, Shaman A, Dessouky AA, Farid AS, Hussien NI, Mostafa O, Seleem Y, Sabry D, Saad AS, Emam HT, Hassouna A, Badr OAM, Saffaf BA, Forsyth NR, Salim RF. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells combined with gonadotropin therapy restore postnatal oogenesis of chemo-ablated ovaries in rats via enhancing very small embryonic-like stem cells. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:517. [PMID: 34579781 PMCID: PMC8477571 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02415-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) are a rare population within the ovarian epithelial surface. They contribute to postnatal oogenesis as they have the ability to generate immature oocytes and resist the chemotherapy. These cells express markers of pluripotent embryonic and primordial germ cells. OBJECTIVE We aimed to explore the capability of VSELs in restoring the postnatal oogenesis of chemo-ablated rat ovaries treated with bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) combined with pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG). METHODS Female albino rats were randomly assigned across five groups: I (control), II (chemo-ablation), III (chemo-ablation + PMSG), IV (chemo-ablation + MSCs), and V (chemo-ablation + PMSG + MSCs). Postnatal oogenesis was assessed through measurement of OCT4, OCT4A, Scp3, Mvh, Nobox, Dazl4, Nanog, Sca-1, FSHr, STRA8, Bax, miR143, and miR376a transcript levels using qRT-PCR. Expression of selected key proteins were established as further confirmation of transcript expression changes. Histopathological examination and ovarian hormonal assessment were determined. RESULTS Group V displayed significant upregulation of all measured genes when compared with group II, III or IV. Protein expression confirmed the changes in transcript levels as group V displayed the highest average density in all targeted proteins. These results were confirmed histologically by the presence of cuboidal germinal epithelium, numerous primordial, unilaminar, and mature Graafian follicles in group V. CONCLUSION VSELs can restore the postnatal oogenesis in chemo-ablated ovaries treated by BM-MSCs combined with PMSG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nesrine Ebrahim
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
- Stem Cell Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | - Hajir A Al Saihati
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Hafr Albatin, Al-Batin, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amani Shaman
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Medical College, Tabuk University, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Arigue A Dessouky
- Department of Medical Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Ayman Samir Farid
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | - Noha I Hussien
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | - Ola Mostafa
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | - Yasmin Seleem
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | - Dina Sabry
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Badr University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed S Saad
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | - Hanan Tawfeek Emam
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | - Amira Hassouna
- School of Interprofessional Health Studies, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, AUT University, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Omnia A M Badr
- Department of Genetics and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | - Bayan A Saffaf
- Department of pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Future University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nicholas R Forsyth
- Guy Hilton Research Laboratories, School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Keele University, Keele, UK
| | - Rabab F Salim
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Qalyubia, 13512, Egypt.
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15
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Recchia K, Jorge AS, Pessôa LVDF, Botigelli RC, Zugaib VC, de Souza AF, Martins DDS, Ambrósio CE, Bressan FF, Pieri NCG. Actions and Roles of FSH in Germinative Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10110. [PMID: 34576272 PMCID: PMC8470522 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221810110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is produced by the pituitary gland in a coordinated hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis event, plays important roles in reproduction and germ cell development during different phases of reproductive development (fetal, neonatal, puberty, and adult life), and is consequently essential for fertility. FSH is a heterodimeric glycoprotein hormone of two dissociable subunits, α and β. The FSH β-subunit (FSHβ) function starts upon coupling to its specific receptor: follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR). FSHRs are localized mainly on the surface of target cells on the testis and ovary (granulosa and Sertoli cells) and have recently been found in testicular stem cells and extra-gonadal tissue. Several reproduction disorders are associated with absent or low FSH secretion, with mutation of the FSH β-subunit or the FSH receptor, and/or its signaling pathways. However, the influence of FSH on germ cells is still poorly understood; some studies have suggested that this hormone also plays a determinant role in the self-renewal of germinative cells and acts to increase undifferentiated spermatogonia proliferation. In addition, in vitro, together with other factors, it assists the process of differentiation of primordial germ cells (PGCLCs) into gametes (oocyte-like and SSCLCs). In this review, we describe relevant research on the influence of FSH on spermatogenesis and folliculogenesis, mainly in the germ cell of humans and other species. The possible roles of FSH in germ cell generation in vitro are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiana Recchia
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 01001-010, Brazil; (K.R.); (F.F.B.)
| | - Amanda Soares Jorge
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga 13635-900, Brazil; (A.S.J.); (L.V.d.F.P.); (R.C.B.); (V.C.Z.); (D.d.S.M.); (C.E.A.)
| | - Laís Vicari de Figueiredo Pessôa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga 13635-900, Brazil; (A.S.J.); (L.V.d.F.P.); (R.C.B.); (V.C.Z.); (D.d.S.M.); (C.E.A.)
| | - Ramon Cesar Botigelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga 13635-900, Brazil; (A.S.J.); (L.V.d.F.P.); (R.C.B.); (V.C.Z.); (D.d.S.M.); (C.E.A.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-970, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Cristiane Zugaib
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga 13635-900, Brazil; (A.S.J.); (L.V.d.F.P.); (R.C.B.); (V.C.Z.); (D.d.S.M.); (C.E.A.)
| | - Aline Fernanda de Souza
- Department Biomedical Science, Ontary Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada;
| | - Daniele dos Santos Martins
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga 13635-900, Brazil; (A.S.J.); (L.V.d.F.P.); (R.C.B.); (V.C.Z.); (D.d.S.M.); (C.E.A.)
| | - Carlos Eduardo Ambrósio
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga 13635-900, Brazil; (A.S.J.); (L.V.d.F.P.); (R.C.B.); (V.C.Z.); (D.d.S.M.); (C.E.A.)
| | - Fabiana Fernandes Bressan
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 01001-010, Brazil; (K.R.); (F.F.B.)
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga 13635-900, Brazil; (A.S.J.); (L.V.d.F.P.); (R.C.B.); (V.C.Z.); (D.d.S.M.); (C.E.A.)
| | - Naira Caroline Godoy Pieri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga 13635-900, Brazil; (A.S.J.); (L.V.d.F.P.); (R.C.B.); (V.C.Z.); (D.d.S.M.); (C.E.A.)
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16
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Tocci A. The safety of VASA pos presumptive adult ovarian stem cells. Reprod Biomed Online 2021; 43:587-597. [PMID: 34474974 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2021.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Isolation and characterization of presumptive human adult ovarian stem cells (OSC) has broken the long standing dogma of the absence of postnatal neo-oogenesis. Human adult OSC have been immunosorted by antibodies reacting against the RNA helicase VASA and have been reported to engraft into appropriate stem cell niches to promote neo-oogenesis. Analysis of published research, however, questions some of the findings on isolation, characterization, in-vitro self-renewal and clinical safety of the presumptive human adult OSC. In the present study, human VASApos embryo-fetal primordial germ cells and presumptive adult OSC are shown to share several pluripotency and early germ cell markers not ascertained in the initial characterization of adult OSC. A new hypothesis is made that the restoration of fertility claimed to result from presumptive human adult OSC may be attributed instead to VASApos embryo-fetal primordial germ cell remnants in the adult ovary, or alternatively to earlier VASAneg germ cells generated by in-vitro de-differentiation of the presumptive OSC. The suggested hypotheses have extensive implications for the practice and safety of adult OSC in the development of new treatments aimed at rescuing the ovarian reserve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Tocci
- Gruppo Donnamed, Reproductive Medicine Unit Via Cassia 1110 00189, Rome, Italy.
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17
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Stem Cells in Adult Mice Ovaries Form Germ Cell Nests, Undergo Meiosis, Neo-oogenesis and Follicle Assembly on Regular Basis During Estrus Cycle. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2021; 17:1695-1711. [PMID: 34455541 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-021-10237-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Very small embryonic-like (VSELs) and ovarian (OSCs) stem cells are located in adult mammalian ovary surface epithelium (OSE). OSCs can expand long-term and differentiate into oocyte-like structures in vitro and have resulted in birth of fertile pups. Lineage tracing studies have provided evidence to suggest OSCs differentiation into oocytes in vivo. But how these stem cells function under normal physiological conditions has not yet been well worked out. Besides studying STRA-8 and SCP-3 expression in enzymatically isolated OSE cells smears, mice were injected BrdU to track mitosis, meiosis and follicle assembly. H&E stained OSE cells during late diestrus and proestrus showed VSELs undergoing asymmetrical cell divisions to give rise to slightly bigger OSCs which in turn underwent symmetrical cell divisions followed by clonal expansion (rapid expansion with incomplete cytokinesis) during early estrus to form germ cell nests (GCN). OCT-4, SSEA-1, MVH and DAZL positive cells in GCN expressed Erα, Erβ and FSHR, were interconnected by ring canals (TEX-14), showed mitochondrial aggregation (Cytochrome C) and Balbiani Body (TRAL). Apoptosis in 'nurse' cells was marked by PARP and putative oocytes were clearly visualized. BrdU was detected in cells undergoing mitosis/meiosis and also in an oocyte of secondary follicle. FACS sorted, green fluorescent protein (GFP) positive VSELs upon transplantation resulted in GFP positive GCN suggesting crucial role for VSELs in adult ovaries. Results suggest that various events described during oogenesis and follicle assembly in fetal ovaries are recapitulated on regular basis in adult ovary and result in the formation of follicles.
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18
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Taheri M, Saki G, Nikbakht R, Eftekhari AR. Bone morphogenetic protein 15 induces differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells derived from human follicular fluid to oocyte-like cell. Cell Biol Int 2020; 45:127-139. [PMID: 32997425 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Follicular fluid (FF) is essential for developing ovarian follicles. Besides the oocytes, FF has abundant undifferentiated somatic cells containing stem cell properties, which are discarded in daily medical procedures. Earlier studies have shown that FF cells could differentiate into primordial germ cells via forming embryoid bodies, which produced oocyte-like cells (OLC). This study aimed at isolating mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) from FF and evaluating the impacts of bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) on the differentiation of these cells into OLCs. Human FF-derived cells were collected from 78 women in the assisted fertilization program and cultured in human recombinant BMP15 medium for 21 days. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunocytochemistry staining characterized MSCs and OLCs. MSCs expressed germline stem cell (GSC) markers, such as OCT4 and Nanog. In the control group, after 15 days, OLCs were formed and expressed zona pellucida markers (ZP2 and ZP3), and reached 20-30 µm in diameter. Ten days after induction with BMP15, round cells developed, and the size of OLCs reached 115 µm. A decrease ranged from 0.04 to 4.5 in the expression of pluripotency and oocyte-specific markers observed in the cells cultured in a BMP15-supplemented medium. FF-derived MSCs have an innate potency to differentiate into OLCs, and BMP15 is effective in promoting the differentiation of these cells, which may give an in vitro model to examine germ cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahin Taheri
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.,Department of Anatomical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.,Fertility, Infertility and Perinatology Center, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Ghasem Saki
- Department of Anatomical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Roshan Nikbakht
- Fertility, Infertility and Perinatology Center, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Ali R Eftekhari
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.,Department of Anatomical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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19
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Human Ovarian Cortex biobanking: A Fascinating Resource for Fertility Preservation in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21093245. [PMID: 32375324 PMCID: PMC7246700 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21093245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel anti-cancer treatments have improved the survival rates of female young patients, reopening pregnancy issues for female cancer survivors affected by the tumor treatment-related infertility. This condition occurs in approximately one third of women of fertile age and is mainly dependent on gonadotoxic protocols, including radiation treatments. Besides routine procedures such as the hormonal induction of follicular growth and subsequent cryopreservation of oocytes or embryos, the ovarian protection by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists during chemotherapy as well as even gonadal shielding during radiotherapy, other innovative techniques are available today and need to be optimized to support their introduction into the clinical practice. These novel methods are hormone stimulation-free and include the ovarian cortex cryopreservation before anti-cancer treatments and its subsequent autologous reimplantation and a regenerative medicine approach using oocytes derived in vitro from ovarian stem cells (OSCs). For both procedures, the major benefit is related to the prompt recruitment and processing of the ovarian cortex fragments before gonadotoxic treatments. However, while the functional competence of oocytes within the cryopreserved cortex is not assessable, the in vitro maturation of OSCs to oocytes, allows to select the most competent eggs to be cryopreserved for fertility restoration.
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20
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Parte S, Virant-Klun I, Patankar M, Batra SK, Straughn A, Kakar SS. PTTG1: a Unique Regulator of Stem/Cancer Stem Cells in the Ovary and Ovarian Cancer. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2019; 15:866-879. [PMID: 31482269 PMCID: PMC10723898 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-019-09911-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Origin of cancer stem cells (CSCs) and mechanisms by which oncogene PTTG1 contributes to tumor progression via CSCs is not known. Ovarian CSCs exhibit characteristics of self-renewal, tumor-initiation, growth, differentiation, drug resistance, and tumor relapse. A common location of putative origin, namely the ovarian surface epithelium, is shared between the normal stem and CSC compartments. Existence of ovarian stem cells and their co-expression with CSC signatures suggests a strong correlation between origin of epithelial cancer and CSCs. We hereby explored a putative oncogene PTTG1 (Securin), reported to be overexpressed in various tumors, including ovarian. We report a previously overlooked role of PTTG1 as a marker of CSCs thereby modulating CSC, germline, and stemness-related genes. We further characterized PTTG1's ability to regulate (cancer) stem cell-associated self-renewal and epithelial-mesenchymal transition pathways. Collectively, the data sheds light on a potential target expressed during ovarian tumorigenesis and metastatically disseminated ascites CSCs in the peritoneal cavity. Present study highlights this unconventional, under-explored role of PTTG1 in regulation of stem and CSC compartments in ovary, ovarian cancer and ascites and highlights it as a potential candidate for developing CSC specific targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seema Parte
- Department of Physiology, University of Louisville, 505 South Hancock Street, Clinical and Translational Research Building, Room 322, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Irma Virant-Klun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Manish Patankar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Alex Straughn
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Sham S Kakar
- Department of Physiology, University of Louisville, 505 South Hancock Street, Clinical and Translational Research Building, Room 322, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA.
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA.
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21
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Cytoplasmic convection currents and intracellular temperature gradients. PLoS Comput Biol 2019; 15:e1007372. [PMID: 31682599 PMCID: PMC6827888 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1007372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Intracellular thermometry has recently demonstrated temperatures in the nucleus, mitochondria, and centrosome to be significantly higher than those of the cytoplasm and cell membrane. This local thermogenesis and the resulting temperature gradient could facilitate the development of persistent, self-organizing convection currents in the cytoplasm of large eukaryotes. Using 3-dimensional computational simulations of intracellular fluid motion, we quantify the convective velocities that could result from the temperature differences observed experimentally. Based on these velocities, we identify the conditions necessary for this temperature-driven bulk flow to dominate over random thermal diffusive motion at the scale of a single eukaryotic cell. With temperature gradients of the order 1°C and diffusion coefficients comparable to those described in the literature, Péclet numbers ≥ 1 are feasible and permit comparable or greater effects of convection than diffusion in determining intracellular mass flux. In addition to the temperature gradient, the resulting flow patterns would also depend on the spatial localization of the heat source, the shape of the cell membrane, and the complex intracellular structure including the cytoskeleton. While this intracellular convection would be highly context-dependent, in certain settings, convective motion could provide a previously unrecognized mechanism for directed, bulk transport within eukaryotic cells.
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22
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Wang J, Liu C, Fujino M, Tong G, Zhang Q, Li XK, Yan H. Stem Cells as a Resource for Treatment of Infertility-related Diseases. Curr Mol Med 2019; 19:539-546. [PMID: 31288721 PMCID: PMC6806537 DOI: 10.2174/1566524019666190709172636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Worldwide, infertility affects 8-12% of couples of reproductive age and has become a common problem. There are many ways to treat infertility, including medication, intrauterine insemination, and in vitro fertilization. In recent years, stem-cell therapy has raised new hope in the field of reproductive disability management. Stem cells are self-renewing, self-replicating undifferentiated cells that are capable of producing specialized cells under appropriate conditions. They exist throughout a human’s embryo, fetal, and adult stages and can proliferate into different cells. While many issues remain to be addressed concerning stem cells, stem cells have undeniably opened up new ways to treat infertility. In this review, we describe past, present, and future strategies for the use of stem cells in reproductive medicine
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Reproductive Center, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Division of Transplantation Immunology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chi Liu
- Division of Transplantation Immunology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Medical and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Masayuki Fujino
- Division of Transplantation Immunology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan.,AIDS Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Guoqing Tong
- Reproductive Center, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qinxiu Zhang
- Department of Medical and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiao-Kang Li
- Division of Transplantation Immunology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hua Yan
- Reproductive Center, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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23
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Mitochondria and Female Germline Stem Cells-A Mitochondrial DNA Perspective. Cells 2019; 8:cells8080852. [PMID: 31398797 PMCID: PMC6721711 DOI: 10.3390/cells8080852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria and mitochondrial DNA have important roles to play in development. In primordial germ cells, they progress from small numbers to populate the maturing oocyte with high numbers to support post-fertilization events. These processes take place under the control of significant changes in DNA methylation and other epigenetic modifiers, as well as changes to the DNA methylation status of the nuclear-encoded mitochondrial DNA replication factors. Consequently, the differentiating germ cell requires significant synchrony between the two genomes in order to ensure that they are fit for purpose. In this review, I examine these processes in the context of female germline stem cells that are isolated from the ovary and those derived from embryonic stem cells and reprogrammed somatic cells. Although our knowledge is limited in this respect, I provide predictions based on other cellular systems of what is expected and provide insight into how these cells could be used in clinical medicine.
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Bhartiya D. Stem cells survive oncotherapy & can regenerate non-functional gonads: A paradigm shift for oncofertility. Indian J Med Res 2019; 148:S38-S49. [PMID: 30964080 PMCID: PMC6469380 DOI: 10.4103/ijmr.ijmr_2065_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A large proportion of patients who survive cancer are rendered infertile as an unwanted side effect of oncotherapy. Currently accepted approaches for fertility preservation involve banking eggs/sperm/embryos or ovarian/testicular tissue before oncotherapy for future use. Such approaches are invasive, expensive, technically challenging and depend on assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Establishing a gonadal tissue bank (for cancer patients) is also fraught with ethical, legal and safety issues. Most importantly, patients who find it difficult to meet expenses towards cancer treatment will find it difficult to meet expenses towards gonadal tissue banking and ART to achieve parenthood later on. In this review an alternative strategy to regenerate non-functional gonads in cancer survivors by targeting endogenous stem cells that survive oncotherapy is discussed. A novel population of pluripotent stem cells termed very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs), developmentally equivalent to late migratory primordial germ cells, exists in adult gonads and survives oncotherapy due to their quiescent nature. However, the stem-cell niche gets compromised by oncotherapy. Transplanting niche cells (Sertoli or mesenchymal cells) can regenerate the non-functional gonads. This approach is safe, has resulted in the birth of fertile offspring in mice and could restore gonadal function early in life to support proper growth and later serve as a source of gametes. This newly emerging understanding on stem cells biology can obviate the need to bank gonadal tissue and fertility may also be restored in existing cancer survivors who were earlier deprived of gonadal tissue banking before oncotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepa Bhartiya
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, India
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25
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Ubaldi FM, Cimadomo D, Vaiarelli A, Fabozzi G, Venturella R, Maggiulli R, Mazzilli R, Ferrero S, Palagiano A, Rienzi L. Advanced Maternal Age in IVF: Still a Challenge? The Present and the Future of Its Treatment. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:94. [PMID: 30842755 PMCID: PMC6391863 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced maternal age (AMA; >35 year) is associated with a decline in both ovarian reserve and oocyte competence. At present, no remedies are available to counteract the aging-related fertility decay, however different therapeutic approaches can be offered to women older than 35 year undergoing IVF. This review summarizes the main current strategies proposed for the treatment of AMA: (i) oocyte cryopreservation to conduct fertility preservation for medical reasons or "social freezing" for non-medical reasons, (ii) personalized controlled ovarian stimulation to maximize the exploitation of the ovarian reserve in each patient, (iii) enhancement of embryo selection via blastocyst-stage preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies and frozen single embryo transfer, or (iv) oocyte donation in case of minimal/null residual chance of pregnancy. Future strategies and tools are in the pipeline that might minimize the risks of AMA through non-invasive approaches for embryo selection (e.g., molecular analyses of leftover products of IVF, such as spent culture media). These are yet challenging but potentially ground-breaking perspectives promising a lower clinical workload with a higher cost-effectiveness. We also reviewed emerging experimental therapeutic approaches to attempt at restoring maternal reproductive potential, e.g., spindle-chromosomal complex, pronuclear or mitochondrial transfer, and chromosome therapy. In vitro generation of gametes is also an intriguing challenge for the future. Lastly, since infertility is a social issue, social campaigns, and education among future generations are desirable to promote the awareness of the impact of age and lifestyle habits upon fertility. This should be a duty of the clinical operators in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Maria Ubaldi
- Clinica Valle Giulia, G.en.e.r.a. Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Danilo Cimadomo
- Clinica Valle Giulia, G.en.e.r.a. Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Danilo Cimadomo
| | - Alberto Vaiarelli
- Clinica Valle Giulia, G.en.e.r.a. Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Gemma Fabozzi
- Clinica Valle Giulia, G.en.e.r.a. Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Venturella
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Roberta Maggiulli
- Clinica Valle Giulia, G.en.e.r.a. Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Mazzilli
- Clinica Valle Giulia, G.en.e.r.a. Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy
- Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Susanna Ferrero
- Clinica Valle Giulia, G.en.e.r.a. Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Palagiano
- Department of Gynecological, Obstetrical and Reproductive Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Caserta, Italy
| | - Laura Rienzi
- Clinica Valle Giulia, G.en.e.r.a. Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy
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Sánchez-Maldonado B, Galicia MDL, Rojo C, González-Gil A, Flor-García M, Picazo RA. Spheroids Spontaneously Generated In Vitro from Sheep Ovarian Cortical Cells Contain Integrating Cells That Exhibit Hallmarks of Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells. Stem Cells Dev 2018; 27:1557-1576. [PMID: 30251912 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2017.0141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell spheroids are inducible or spontaneously generated cell aggregates produced in vitro that can provide a valuable model for developmental biology, stem cell biology, and cancer therapy research. This investigation aimed to define the cellular identity of spheroids spontaneously generated in vitro from sheep ovarian cortical cells cultured under specific serum-free conditions. Spheroids were characterized during 21 days of culture by morphometric evaluation, detection of alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity, gene expression analyses of stemness transcription factors and several lineage markers, immunolocalization analyses, as well as assessment of self-renewal and differentiation potential. Cell aggregation, evidenced from day 3 of culture onward, resulted in efficient generation of 65-75 spheroids for every 500,000 cells seeded. The spheroids reached maximum diameter (187 ± 15.9 μm) during the second week of culture and exhibited AP activity. Sox2, Oct4, and Nanog were expressed throughout the culture period, with upregulation of Sox2. Neural lineage specification genes (eg, nestin, vimentin, Pax6, and p75NTR) were expressed from day 10 onward at levels above that of Oct4, Nanog and those for endoderm [alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)], and mesoderm (brachyury) specification. Neural stem cell (NSC)/neural progenitor cell (NPC) markers, nestin, Pax6, p75NTR, and vimentin, were extensively localized in cells on day 10, 15 (44.75% ± 5.84%; 93.54% ± 1.35%; 78.90% ± 4.80%; 73.82% ± 3.40%, respectively), and 21 (49.98% ± 5.30%; 91.84% ± 1.9%; 76.74% ± 11.0%; 95.80% ± 3.60%, respectively). Spheroid cell self-renewal was evidenced by cell proliferation and the generation of new spheroids during two consecutive expansion periods. Culture of spheroid cells under differentiation conditions gave rise to cells showing immunolocalization of the neuron-specific antigen NeuN and the astroglial antigen GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein). Our results indicate that spheroids spontaneously generated in this culture system were comprised of cells with molecular characteristics of NSC/NPC that can self-renew and differentiate into neurons and glia, supporting the identity of spheroids as neurospheres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belén Sánchez-Maldonado
- 1 Departamento de Medicina y Cirugía, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid , Madrid, España
| | - María de Lourdes Galicia
- 2 Sección Departamental de Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid , Madrid, España
| | - Concepción Rojo
- 3 Sección Departamental de Anatomía y Embriología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid , Madrid, España
| | - Alfredo González-Gil
- 2 Sección Departamental de Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid , Madrid, España
| | - Miguel Flor-García
- 4 Departamento de Neuropatología Molecular, Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa" (CBMSO), CSIC-UAM , Madrid, España.,5 Departamento de Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid , Madrid, España
| | - Rosa A Picazo
- 2 Sección Departamental de Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid , Madrid, España
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27
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Parte SC, Batra SK, Kakar SS. Characterization of stem cell and cancer stem cell populations in ovary and ovarian tumors. J Ovarian Res 2018; 11:69. [PMID: 30121075 PMCID: PMC6098829 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-018-0439-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Ovarian cancer is a complicated malady associated with cancer stem cells (CSCs) contributing to 238,700 estimated new cases and 151,900 deaths per year, worldwide. CSCs comprise a tiny fraction of tumor-bulk responsible for cancer recurrence and eventual mortality. CSCs or tumor initiating cells are responsible for self-renewal, differentiation and proliferative potential, tumor initiation capability, its progression, drug resistance and metastatic spread. Although several biomarkers are implicated in these processes, their distribution within the ovary and association with single cell type has neither been established nor demonstrated across ovarian tumor developmental stages. Therefore, precise identification, thorough characterization and effective targeted destruction of dormant and highly proliferating potent CSC populations is an immediate need. Results In view of this, distribution of various CSC (ALDH1/2, C-KIT, CD133, CD24 and CD44) and cell proliferation (KI67) specific markers in the ovarian surface epithelium (OSE) and cortex regions in normal ovary, and benign, borderline and high grade metastatic ovarian tumors by immuno-histochemistry and confocal microscopy was studied. We further confirmed their expression by RT-PCR analysis. Co-expression analysis of stem cell (OCT4, SSEA4) and CSC (ALDH1/2, CD44 and LGR5) markers with proliferation marker (KI67) in HG tumors revealed dual positive proliferating stem and CSCs, few non-proliferating stem/CSC (SSEA4+/KI67− and ALDH1/2+/KI67−) and only KI67+ cells in cortex, signifying dynamic populations and interesting cellular hierarchy in cortex region. Smaller spherical (≤ 5 μm) and larger spindle/elliptical shaped (~ 10 μm) cell populations with high nucleo-cytoplasmic ratio were detected across all samples (including normal ovaries) but with variable distribution and characteristic stage-wise marker expression across different tumor stages. Conclusions Diverse stem and CSC populations expressing characteristic markers revealing distinct phenotypes (spherical ≤5 μm and spindle/elliptical ~ 10 μm) were distributed within different tumor stages studied signifying dynamic and probable functional hierarchy within these cell types. Involvement of extra-ovarian sites of origin of stem and CSCs requires rigorous evaluation. Quantitative analysis of potent CSC populations, their mechanisms and pathways for self-renewal, chemo-resistance, metastatic spread etc. with respect to various markers studied, will provide better insights and targets for developing effective therapeutics to prevent metastasis and eventually help improve patient mortality. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13048-018-0439-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seema C Parte
- Department of Physiology, University of Louisville, 505 South Hancock Street, CTRB, Room 322, Louisville, 40202, KY, USA.,James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, 40202, KY, USA
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska, Omaha, 68198, NE, USA
| | - Sham S Kakar
- Department of Physiology, University of Louisville, 505 South Hancock Street, CTRB, Room 322, Louisville, 40202, KY, USA. .,James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, 40202, KY, USA.
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28
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Dalman A, Totonchi M, Rezazadeh Valojerdi M. Human Ovarian Theca-Derived Multipotent Stem Cells Have The Potential to Differentiate into Oocyte-Like Cells In Vitro. CELL JOURNAL 2018; 20:527-536. [PMID: 30123999 PMCID: PMC6099133 DOI: 10.22074/cellj.2019.5651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 01/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Objective In this study, we have examined human theca stem cells (hTSCs) in vitro differentiation capacity into human oocyte
like cells (hOLCs).
Materials and Methods In this interventional experiment study, hTSCs were isolated from the theca layer of small antral
follicles (3-5 mm in size). Isolated hTSCs were expanded and cultured in differentiation medium, containing 5% human follicular
fluid, for 50 days. Gene expressions of PRDM1, PRDM14, VASA, DAZL, OCT4, ZP1, 2, 3 GDF9, SCP3 and DMC1 were
evaluated by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) on days 0, 18, and 25 after monoculture
as well as one week after co-culture with human granulosa cells (hGCs). In addition, GDF9, OCT4, DAZL, VASA, and ZP3
proteins were immune-localized in oocyte-like structures.
Results After 16-18 days, the color of the medium became acidic. After 25 days, the cells started to differentiate into
round-shaped cells (20-25 µm diameter). One week after co-culturing with hGCs, the size of the round cells increased
60 to70 µm and convert to hOLCs. However, these growing cells expressed some primordial germ cell (PGC)- and
germ cell genes (PRDM1, PRDM14, VASA, DAZL, and OCT4) as well as oocyte specific genes (ZP1, 2, 3 and GDF9),
and meiotic-specific markers (SCP3 and DMC1). In addition, GDF9, OCT4, DAZL, VASA, and ZP3 proteins were
present in hOLCs.
Conclusion To sum up, hTSCs have the ability to differentiate into hOLCs. This introduced model paved the way for further
in vitro studies of the exact mechanisms behind germ cell formation and differentiation. However, the functionality of hOLCs
needs further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azam Dalman
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Totonchi
- Department of Anatomical Science, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Rezazadeh Valojerdi
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran. Electronic Address: , .,Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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29
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Xu H, Zhu X, Li W, Tang Z, Zhao Y, Wu X. Isolation and in vitro culture of ovarian stem cells in Chinese soft-shell turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis). J Cell Biochem 2018; 119:7667-7677. [PMID: 29923352 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.27114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Gonadal cell lines provide valuable tools for studying gametogenesis, sex differentiation, and manipulating germ cells in reproductive biology. Female germline stem cells have been characterized and isolated from ovaries of mammalian species, including mice and human, but there has been very few studies on female germline stem cells in reptiles. Here, we described an ovarian stem cell-like line isolated and cultured from the Chinese soft-shell turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis), designated as PSO1. The cells showed high alkaline phosphatase activity with a normal diploid karyotype. As shown by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, the cells were positive for the expression of germ cell-specific genes, vasa and dazl, as well as a stem cell marker, nanog, but negative for the expression of the folliculogenesis-specific gene, figla. Likewise, through fluorescent immunostaining analyses, both the Dazl and Vasa proteins were detected abundantly in the cytoplasm of perinuclear region, whereas Nanog and PCNA were dominantly observed in the nuclei in PSO1 cells. Moreover, PSO1 cells transfected with pCS2:h2b-egfp could properly express the fusion protein in the nuclei. Taken together, the findings suggested that the germline stem cells exist in the ovary of juvenile Chinese soft-shell turtle and these cells can be isolated for a long-term in vitro culture under experimental conditions. This study has provided a valuable basis for further investigations on the molecular mechanisms whereby the germline stem cells develop and differentiate into gametes in turtles. Also, it has paved the way for studies on oogenesis in turtles, even in the other reptiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyan Xu
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genomics, Ministry of Agriculture, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical & Subtropical Fishery Resource Application & Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinping Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genomics, Ministry of Agriculture, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical & Subtropical Fishery Resource Application & Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Li
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genomics, Ministry of Agriculture, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical & Subtropical Fishery Resource Application & Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhoukai Tang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genomics, Ministry of Agriculture, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical & Subtropical Fishery Resource Application & Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanyan Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genomics, Ministry of Agriculture, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical & Subtropical Fishery Resource Application & Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuling Wu
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genomics, Ministry of Agriculture, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical & Subtropical Fishery Resource Application & Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, China
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30
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Patel H, Bhartiya D, Parte S. Further characterization of adult sheep ovarian stem cells and their involvement in neo-oogenesis and follicle assembly. J Ovarian Res 2018; 11:3. [PMID: 29304868 PMCID: PMC5755409 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-017-0377-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stem cells in the ovary comprise of two distinct populations including very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) and slightly bigger progenitors termed ovarian stem cells (OSCs). They are lodged in ovary surface epithelium (OSE) and are expected to undergo neo-oogenesis and primordial follicle (PF) assembly in adult ovaries. The ovarian stem cells express follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) receptors and are directly activated by FSH resulting in formation of germ cell nests (GCN) in vitro. Present study was undertaken to further characterize adult sheep OSCs and to understand their role during neo-oogenesis and PF assembly. METHODS Stem cells were collected by gently scraping the OSE cells and were characterized by H&E staining, immuno-localization, immuno-phenotyping and RT-PCR studies. Expression of FSH receptors and markers specific for stem cells (OCT-4, SSEA-4) and proliferation (PCNA) were studied on stem/progenitor cells in OSE culture and on adult sheep ovarian cortical tissue sections. Effect of FSH on stem cells was also studied in vitro. Asymmetric cell division (ACD) was monitored by studying expression of OCT-4 and NUMB. RESULTS Additional evidence was generated on the presence of two populations of stem cells in the OSE including VSELs and OSCs. FSHR expression was observed on both VSELs and OSCs by immuno-localization and immuno-phenotyping studies. FSH treatment in vitro stimulated VSELs that underwent ACD to self-renew and give rise to OSCs which divided rapidly by symmetric cell divisions (SCD) and clonal expansion with incomplete cytokinesis to form GCN. ACD was further confirmed by differential expression of OCT-4 in VSELs and NUMB in the OSCs. Immuno-histochemical expression of OCT-4, PCNA and FSHR was noted on stem cells located in the OSE in sheep ovarian sections. GCN and cohort of PF were observed in the ovarian cortex and provided evidence in support of neo-oogenesis from the stem cells. CONCLUSION Results of present study provide further evidence in support of two stem cells populations in adult sheep ovary. Both VSELs, OSCs and GCN express FSH receptors and FSH possibly regulates their function to undergo neo-oogenesis and primordial follicle assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiren Patel
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012 India
| | - Deepa Bhartiya
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012 India
| | - Seema Parte
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012 India
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31
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Silvestris E, Cafforio P, D’Oronzo S, Felici C, Silvestris F, Loverro G. In vitro differentiation of human oocyte-like cells from oogonial stem cells: single-cell isolation and molecular characterization. Hum Reprod 2018; 33:464-473. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dex377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Erica Silvestris
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Section of Internal Medicine and Clinical Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, P.za G. Cesare, 11-70124 Bari, Italy
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, P.za G. Cesare, 11-70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Paola Cafforio
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Section of Internal Medicine and Clinical Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, P.za G. Cesare, 11-70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Stella D’Oronzo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Section of Internal Medicine and Clinical Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, P.za G. Cesare, 11-70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Claudia Felici
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Section of Internal Medicine and Clinical Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, P.za G. Cesare, 11-70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Franco Silvestris
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Section of Internal Medicine and Clinical Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, P.za G. Cesare, 11-70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Loverro
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, P.za G. Cesare, 11-70124 Bari, Italy
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32
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Parte SC, Smolenkov A, Batra SK, Ratajczak MZ, Kakar SS. Ovarian Cancer Stem Cells: Unraveling a Germline Connection. Stem Cells Dev 2017; 26:1781-1803. [PMID: 29078734 PMCID: PMC5725638 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2017.0153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is most lethal among gynecological cancers with often fatal consequences due to lack of effective biomarkers and relapse, which propels ovarian cancer research into unique directions to establish solid targeted therapeutics. "Ovarian stem cells" expressing germline pluripotent markers serve as novel paradigm with potential to address infertility, menopause, and probably influence tumor initiation. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) pose vital role in tumor recurrence and hence it is extremely important to study them with respect to ovarian stem cells across various cancer stages and normal ovaries. Pluripotent (OCT4, NANOG, SOX2, SSEA1, and SSEA4), germline (IFITM3, VASA/DDX4), and cancer stem (CD44, LGR5) cell specific markers were characterized for protein and mRNA expression in tumor tissues to understand their distribution in the surface epithelium and ovarian cortex in benign, borderline, and high-grade malignant stages. To elucidate whether pluripotent ovarian germline stem cells and CSCs are common subset of stem cells in tumor tissues, VASA was colocalized with known pluripotent stem (OCT4, SSEA1, SSEA4) and CSC (CD44, LGR5) specific markers by confocal microscopy. Single, smaller spherical (≤5 μm), and larger elliptical fibroblast like (≥10 μm) cells (also in clusters or multiples) were detected implying probable functional behavioral significance of cells in tumor initiation and metastasis across various cancer stages. Cells revealed characteristic staining pattern in ovarian surface epithelium (OSE) and cortex regions exclusive for each marker. Co-expression studies revealed specific subpopulations existing simultaneously in OSE and cortex and that a dynamic hierarchy of (cancer) stem cells with germline properties prevails in normal ovaries and cancer stages. Novel insights into CSC biology with respect to ovarian and germline stem cell perspective were obtained. Understanding molecular signatures and distribution within ovarian tissue may enable identification of precise tumor-initiating CSC populations and signaling pathways thus improving their efficient targeting and strategies to prevent their dissemination causing fatal relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seema C. Parte
- Department of Physiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Andrei Smolenkov
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Surinder K. Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Mariusz Z. Ratajczak
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
- Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Sham S. Kakar
- Department of Physiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
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Parvari S, Yazdekhasti H, Rajabi Z, Gerayeli Malek V, Rastegar T, Abbasi M. Differentiation of Mouse Ovarian Stem Cells Toward Oocyte-Like Structure by Coculture with Granulosa Cells. Cell Reprogram 2017; 18:419-428. [PMID: 27906587 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2016.0013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
An increasing body of evidence has confirmed existence and function of ovarian stem cells (OSCs). In this study, a novel approach on differentiation of OSCs into oocyte-like cells (OLCs) has been addressed. Recently, different methods have been recruited to isolate and describe aspects of OSCs, but newer and more convenient strategies in isolation are still growing. Herein, a morphology-based method was used to isolate OSCs. Cell suspension of mouse neonatal ovaries was cultured and formed colonies were harvested mechanically and cultivated on mouse embryonic fibroblasts. For differentiation induction, colonies transferred on inactive granulosa cells. Results showed that cells in colonies were positive for alkaline phosphatase activity and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) confirmed the pluripotency characteristics of cells. Immunofluorescence revealed a positive signal for OCT4, DAZL, MVH, and SSEA1 in colonies as well. Results of RT-PCR and immunofluorescence confirmed that some OLCs were generated within the germ stem cell (GSCs) colonies. The applicability of morphological selection for isolation of GSCs was verified. This method is easier and more economic than other techniques. Our results demonstrate that granulosa cells were effective in inducing the differentiation of OSCs into OLCs through direct cell-to-cell contacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soraya Parvari
- 1 Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences , Karaj, Iran
| | - Hossein Yazdekhasti
- 2 Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Rajabi
- 2 Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Tayebeh Rastegar
- 2 Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Abbasi
- 2 Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran
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Bhartiya D, Anand S, Patel H, Parte S. Making gametes from alternate sources of stem cells: past, present and future. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2017; 15:89. [PMID: 29145898 PMCID: PMC5691385 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-017-0308-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertile couples including cancer survivors stand to benefit from gametes differentiated from embryonic or induced pluripotent stem (ES/iPS) cells. It remains challenging to convert human ES/iPS cells into primordial germ-like cells (PGCLCs) en route to obtaining gametes. Considerable success was achieved in 2016 to obtain fertile offspring starting with mouse ES/iPS cells, however the specification of human ES/iPS cells into PGCLCs in vitro is still not achieved. Human ES cells will not yield patient-specific gametes unless and until hES cells are derived by somatic cell nuclear transfer (therapeutic cloning) whereas iPS cells retain the residual epigenetic memory of the somatic cells from which they are derived and also harbor genomic and mitochondrial DNA mutations. Thus, they may not be ideal starting material to produce autologus gametes, especially for aged couples. Pluripotent, very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) have been reported in adult tissues including gonads, are relatively quiescent in nature, survive oncotherapy and can be detected in aged, non-functional gonads. Being developmentally equivalent to PGCs (natural precursors to gametes), VSELs spontaneously differentiate into gametes in vitro. It is also being understood that gonadal stem cells niche is compromised by oncotherapy and with age. Improving the gonadal somatic niche could regenerate non-functional gonads from endogenous VSELs to restore fertility. Niche cells (Sertoli/mesenchymal cells) can be directly transplanted and restore gonadal function by providing paracrine support to endogenous VSELs. This strategy has been successful in several mice studies already and resulted in live birth in a woman with pre-mature ovarian failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepa Bhartiya
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012, India.
| | - Sandhya Anand
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012, India
| | - Hiren Patel
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012, India
| | - Seema Parte
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012, India
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Bhartiya D, Patel H. Ovarian stem cells-resolving controversies. J Assist Reprod Genet 2017; 35:393-398. [PMID: 29128912 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-017-1080-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A recent review on ovarian stem cells by Horan and Williams entitled "Oocyte Stem Cells: Fact or Fantasy?" suggests that the debate on ovarian stem cells (OSCs) is still not over. They did not even discuss the presence of two distinct populations of stem cells in the ovary in their review. OSCs are located in the ovary surface epithelium and Tilly's group reported them in the size range of 5-8 μm whereas Virant-Klun's group has reported pluripotent, 2-4 μm OSCs. Our group reported OSCs of two distinct sizes including pluripotent very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) which are smaller in size than RBCs (similar to those reported by Virant-Klun's group) and slightly bigger (similar to those reported by Tilly's group) tissue committed progenitors (OSCs) that presumably differentiate from VSELs. These stem/progenitor cells express receptors for follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and are activated by FSH. Our opinion article provides explanation to several open-ended questions raised in the review on OSCs by Horan and Williams. VSELs survive chemotherapy; maintain life-long homeostasis; loss of their function due to a compromised niche results in age-related senescence and presence of overlapping pluripotent markers suggest that they may also be implicated in epithelial ovarian cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepa Bhartiya
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India.
| | - Hiren Patel
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
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Adib S, Valojerdi MR. Molecular assessment, characterization, and differentiation of theca stem cells imply the presence of mesenchymal and pluripotent stem cells in sheep ovarian theca layer. Res Vet Sci 2017; 114:378-387. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2017.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2016] [Revised: 06/07/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Bhartiya D. Pluripotent Stem Cells in Adult Tissues: Struggling To Be Acknowledged Over Two Decades. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2017; 13:713-724. [DOI: 10.1007/s12015-017-9756-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Putative germline and pluripotent stem cells in adult mouse ovary and their in vitro differentiation potential into oocyte-like and somatic cells. ZYGOTE 2017; 25:358-375. [PMID: 28669362 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199417000235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
According to classical knowledge of reproductive biology, in the ovary of female mammals there is a limited number of oocytes and there is no possibility of renewal if the oocytes are lost due to disease or injury. However, in recent years, the results of some studies on renewal and formation of oocytes and follicles in the adult mammalian ovary have led to the questioning of this opinion. The aim of our study is to demonstrate the presence of putative germline and pluripotent stem cells in the adult mouse ovary and their differentiation potential into germ and somatic cells. In ovary tissues and cells harvested from pre-differentiation step, the expression of pluripotent and germline stem cell markers was analysed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunofluorescence staining and western blotting. Embryoid bodies that formed in this step were analysed using immunofluorescence staining and transmission electron microscopy. Ovarian stem cells were induced to differentiate into oocyte, osteoblast, chondrocyte and neural cells. Besides morphological observation, differentiated cells were analysed by RT-PCR, histochemical and immunofluorescence staining. Expression of germline and pluripotent stem cell markers both in mRNA and at the protein level were detected in the pre-differentiated cells and ovary tissues. As a result of the differentiation process, the formation of oocyte-like cells, osteoblasts, chondrocytes and neural cells was observed and characteristics of differentiated cells were confirmed using the methods mentioned above. Our study results revealed that the adult mouse ovary contains germline and pluripotent stem cells with the capacity to differentiate into oocyte-like cells, osteoblasts, chondrocytes and neural cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepa Bhartiya
- Stem Cell Biology Department, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Parel, Mumbai 400 012, India.
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Zhang S, Zhao L, Wang J, Chen N, Yan J, Pan X. HIF-2α and Oct4 have synergistic effects on survival and myocardial repair of very small embryonic-like mesenchymal stem cells in infarcted hearts. Cell Death Dis 2017; 8:e2548. [PMID: 28079892 PMCID: PMC5386383 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2016.480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2016] [Revised: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Poor cell survival and limited functional benefits have restricted mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) efficacy for treating myocardial infarction (MI), suggesting that a better understanding of stem cell biology is needed. The transcription factor HIF-2α is an essential regulator of the transcriptional response to hypoxia, which can interact with embryonic stem cells (ESCs) transcription factor Oct4 and modulate its signaling. Here, we obtained very small embryonic-like mesenchymal stem cells (vselMSCs) from MI patients, which possessed the very small embryonic-like stem cells' (VSELs) morphology as well as ESCs' pluripotency. Using microarray analysis, we compared HIF-2α-regulated gene profiles in vselMSCs with ESC profiles and determined that HIF-2α coexpressed Oct4 in vselMSCs similarly to ESCs. However, this coexpression was absent in unpurified MSCs (uMSCs). Under hypoxic condition, vselMSCs exhibited stronger survival, proliferation and differentiation than uMSCs. Transplantation of vselMSCs caused greater improvement in cardiac function and heart remodeling in the infarcted rats. We further demonstrated that HIF-2α and Oct4 jointly regulate their relative downstream gene expressions, including Bcl2 and Survivin; the important pluripotent markers Nanog, Klf4, and Sox2; and Ang-1, bFGF, and VEGF, promoting angiogenesis and engraftment. Importantly, these effects were generally magnified by upregulation of HIF-2α and Oct4 induced by HIF-2α or Oct4 overexpression, and the greatest improvements were elicited after co-overexpressing HIF-2α and Oct4; overexpressing one transcription factor while silencing the other canceled this increase, and HIF-2α or Oct4 silencing abolished these effects. Together, these findings demonstrated that HIF-2α in vselMSCs cooperated with Oct4 in survival and function. The identification of the cooperation between HIF-2α and Oct4 will lead to deeper characterization of the downstream targets of this interaction in vselMSCs and will have novel pathophysiological implications for the repair of infarcted myocardium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoheng Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, 183 West Zhongshan Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Lan Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, Dahua Hospital, 901 Laohumin Rd, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Jiahong Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji Univercity School of Medicine, 450 Tengyue Rd, Shanghai 200090, China
| | - Nannan Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji Univercity School of Medicine, 450 Tengyue Rd, Shanghai 200090, China
| | - Jian Yan
- Department of Cardiology, Dahua Hospital, 901 Laohumin Rd, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Xin Pan
- Central Laboratory, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji Univercity School of Medicine, 450 Tengyue Rd, Shanghai 200090, China
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Yazdekhasti H, Rajabi Z, Parvari S, Abbasi M. Used protocols for isolation and propagation of ovarian stem cells, different cells with different traits. J Ovarian Res 2016; 9:68. [PMID: 27765047 PMCID: PMC5072317 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-016-0274-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2016] [Accepted: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Although existence of ovarian stem cells (OSCs) in mammalian postnatal ovary is still under controversy, however, it has been almost accepted that OSCs are contributing actively to folliculogenesis and neo-oogenesis. Recently, various methods with different efficacies have been employed for OSCs isolation from ovarian tissue, which these methods could be chosen depends on aim of isolation and accessible equipments and materials in lab. Although isolated OSCs from different methods have various traits and characterizations, which might become from their different nature and origin, however these stem cells are promising source for woman infertility treatment or source of energy for women with a history of repeat IVF failure in near future. This review has brought together and summarized currently used protocols for isolation and propagation of OSCs in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Yazdekhasti
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Rajabi
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Soraya Parvari
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Mehdi Abbasi
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Bhartiya D, Shaikh A, Anand S, Patel H, Kapoor S, Sriraman K, Parte S, Unni S. Endogenous, very small embryonic-like stem cells: critical review, therapeutic potential and a look ahead. Hum Reprod Update 2016; 23:41-76. [PMID: 27614362 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmw030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Revised: 07/27/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both pluripotent very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells were reported in 2006. In 2012, a Nobel Prize was awarded for iPS technology whereas even today the very existence of VSELs is not well accepted. The underlying reason is that VSELs exist in low numbers, remain dormant under homeostatic conditions, are very small in size and do not pellet down at 250-280g. The VSELs maintain life-long tissue homeostasis, serve as a backup pool for adult stem cells and are mobilized under stress conditions. An imbalance in VSELs function (uncontrolled proliferation) may result in cancer. SEARCH METHODS The electronic database 'Medline/Pubmed' was systematically searched with the subject heading term 'very small embryonic-like stem cells'. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The most primitive stem cells that undergo asymmetric cell divisions to self-renew and give rise to progenitors still remain elusive in the hematopoietic system and testes, while the presence of stem cells in ovary is still being debated. We propose to review the available literature on VSELs, the methods of their isolation and characterization, their ontogeny, how they compare with embryonic stem (ES) cells, primordial germ cells (PGCs) and iPS cells, and their role in maintaining tissue homeostasis. The review includes a look ahead on how VSELs will result in paradigm shifts in basic reproductive biology. OUTCOMES Adult tissue-specific stem cells including hematopoietic, spermatogonial, ovarian and mesenchymal stem cells have good proliferation potential and are indeed committed progenitors (with cytoplasmic OCT-4), which arise by asymmetric cell divisions of pluripotent VSELs (with nuclear OCT-4). VSELs are the most primitive stem cells and postulated to be an overlapping population with the PGCs. Rather than migrating only to the gonads, PGCs migrate and survive in various adult body organs throughout life as VSELs. VSELs express both pluripotent and PGC-specific markers and are epigenetically and developmentally more mature compared with ES cells obtained from the inner cell mass of a blastocyst-stage embryo. As a result, VSELs readily differentiate into three embryonic germ layers and spontaneously give rise to both sperm and oocytes in vitro. Like PGCs, VSELs do not divide readily in culture, nor produce teratoma or integrate in the developing embryo. But this property of being relatively quiescent allows endogenous VSELs to survive various kinds of toxic insults. VSELs that survive oncotherapy can be targeted to induce endogenous regeneration of non-functional gonads. Transplanting healthy niche (mesenchymal) cells have resulted in improved gonadal function and live births. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Being quiescent, VSELs possibly do not accumulate genomic (nuclear or mitochondrial) mutations and thus may be ideal endogenous, pluripotent stem cell candidates for regenerative and reproductive medicine. The presence of VSELs in adult gonads and the fact that they survive oncotherapy may obviate the need to bank gonadal tissue for fertility preservation prior to oncotherapy. VSELs and their ability to undergo spermatogenesis/neo-oogenesis in the presence of a healthy niche will help identify newer strategies toward fertility restoration in cancer survivors, delaying menopause and also enabling aged mothers to have better quality eggs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepa Bhartiya
- Stem Cell Biology Department, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (Indian Council of Medical Research), Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai 400 012, India
| | - Ambreen Shaikh
- Stem Cell Biology Department, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (Indian Council of Medical Research), Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai 400 012, India
| | - Sandhya Anand
- Stem Cell Biology Department, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (Indian Council of Medical Research), Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai 400 012, India
| | - Hiren Patel
- Stem Cell Biology Department, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (Indian Council of Medical Research), Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai 400 012, India
| | - Sona Kapoor
- Stem Cell Biology Department, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (Indian Council of Medical Research), Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai 400 012, India
| | - Kalpana Sriraman
- Stem Cell Biology Department, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (Indian Council of Medical Research), Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai 400 012, India.,The Foundation for Medical Research, 84-A, RG Thadani Marg, Worli, Mumbai 400018, India
| | - Seema Parte
- Stem Cell Biology Department, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (Indian Council of Medical Research), Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai 400 012, India.,Department of Physiology, James Graham Brown Cancer Centre, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 2301 S 3rd St, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Sreepoorna Unni
- Stem Cell Biology Department, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (Indian Council of Medical Research), Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai 400 012, India.,Inter Disciplinary Studies Department, University College, Zayed University, Academic City, PO Box 19282, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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Virant-Klun I. Very Small Embryonic-Like Stem Cells: A Potential Developmental Link Between Germinal Lineage and Hematopoiesis in Humans. Stem Cells Dev 2015; 25:101-13. [PMID: 26494182 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2015.0275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
It has been suggested that hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) could become specified from a population of migrating primordial germ cells (PGCs), precursors of gametes, during embryogenesis. Some recent experimental data demonstrated that the cell population that is usually considered to be PGCs, moving toward the gonadal ridges of an embryo, contains a subset of cells coexpressing several germ cell and hematopoietic markers and possessing hematopoietic activity. Experimental data showed that bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) generates PGCs from mouse bone marrow-derived pluripotent stem cells. Interestingly, functional reproductive hormone receptors have been identified in HSPCs, thus indicating their potential role in reproductive function. Several reports have demonstrated fertility restoration and germ cell generation after bone marrow transplantation in both animal models and humans. A potential link between HSPCs and germinal lineage might be represented by very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs), which have been found in adult human bone marrow, peripheral blood, and umbilical cord blood, express a specific pattern of pluripotency, germinal lineage, and hematopoiesis, and are proposed to persist in adult tissues and organs from the embryonic period of life. Stem cell populations, similar to VSELs, expressing several genes related to pluripotency and germinal lineage, especially to PGCs, have been discovered in adult human reproductive organs, ovaries and testicles, and were related to primitive germ cell-like cell development in vitro, thus supporting the idea of VSELs as a potential link between germinal lineage and hematopoiesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irma Virant-Klun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Ljubljana , Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Bhartiya D, Anand S, Parte S. VSELs may obviate cryobanking of gonadal tissue in cancer patients for fertility preservation. J Ovarian Res 2015; 8:75. [PMID: 26576728 PMCID: PMC4650843 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-015-0199-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Infertility is an undesirable side effect and gonadal tissue banking is advocated in young cancer patients who are unable to preserve embryos or gametes prior to oncotherapy to achieve biological parenthood later on. Banking gonadal tissue is challenging and protocols to mature gametes in vitro are not yet clinically established. Transplanting ovarian cortical tissue at hetero-or orthotopic sites in women and bone marrow transplantation (BMT) in both men and women has resulted in spontaneous recovery of fertility, pregnancy and live births. Various studies in humans and mice suggest that genetic origin of offspring after BMT is similar to transplanted patient and not the donor. Thus the source of oocytes/sperm which result in spontaneous pregnancies still remains contentious. Findings Very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) have been reported in adult human testis and ovary, in azoospermic testicular biopsies from survivors of childhood cancer and also in women with premature ovarian failure and menopause. VSELs survive chemotherapy because of their quiescent nature and can be detected in chemoablated mice gonads at protein and mRNA level and also by flow cytometry. Surviving VSELs spontaneously differentiate into oocyte-like structures and sperm when inhibitory factors are overcome in vitro. Transplantation of mesenchymal cells (isolated from different sources) has led to regeneration of chemoablated mouse gonads and also live births. Spermatogenesis is also restored from endogenous stem cells on inter-tubular transplantation of Sertoli cells in chemoablated mouse testis. Conclusions Endogenous VSELs (which survive oncotherapy) can possibly regenerate non-functional gonads in cancer survivors when exposed to a healthy niche in vitro or in vivo (by way of transplanting mesenchymal cells which secrete trophic factors required for endogenous VSELs to differentiate into gametes). Presence of VSELs can also explain spontaneous pregnancies after BMT and cortical tissue transplantation (at heterotopic or orthotopic sites). This understanding once verified and accepted by the scientific community could obviate the need to remove whole ovary or testicular biopsy for cryopreservation prior to oncotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepa Bhartiya
- Stem Cell Biology Department, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, JM Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012, India.
| | - Sandhya Anand
- Stem Cell Biology Department, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, JM Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012, India.
| | - Seema Parte
- Stem Cell Biology Department, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, JM Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012, India.
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Novel Action of FSH on Stem Cells in Adult Mammalian Ovary Induces Postnatal Oogenesis and Primordial Follicle Assembly. Stem Cells Int 2015; 2016:5096596. [PMID: 26635884 PMCID: PMC4655292 DOI: 10.1155/2016/5096596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Adult mammalian ovary has been under the scanner for more than a decade now since it was proposed to harbor stem cells that undergo postnatal oogenesis during reproductive period like spermatogenesis in testis. Stem cells are located in the ovary surface epithelium and exist in adult and menopausal ovary as well as in ovary with premature failure. Stem cells comprise two distinct populations including spherical, very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs which express nuclear OCT-4 and other pluripotent and primordial germ cells specific markers) and slightly bigger ovarian germ stem cells (OGSCs with cytoplasmic OCT-4 which are equivalent to spermatogonial stem cells in the testes). These stem cells have the ability to spontaneously differentiate into oocyte-like structures in vitro and on exposure to a younger healthy niche. Bone marrow may be an alternative source of these stem cells. The stem cells express FSHR and respond to FSH by undergoing self-renewal, clonal expansion, and initiating neo-oogenesis and primordial follicle assembly. VSELs are relatively quiescent and were recently reported to survive chemotherapy and initiate oogenesis in mice when exposed to FSH. This emerging understanding and further research in the field will help evolving novel strategies to manage ovarian pathologies and also towards oncofertility.
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Silvestris E, D'Oronzo S, Cafforio P, D'Amato G, Loverro G. Perspective in infertility: the ovarian stem cells. J Ovarian Res 2015; 8:55. [PMID: 26250560 PMCID: PMC4528806 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-015-0184-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2015] [Accepted: 07/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility is a medical and social condition that affects millions of women worldwide and is today considered so far as a new disease. A considerable progress has been recently pursued in the field of the reproductive medicine and the infertility treatment may account for novel and modern procedures such as in vitro oocyte fertilization, egg donation, pregnancy surrogacy and preimplantation diagnosis. However, great interest has lately been reserved to the ovarian stem cells (OSCs) whose existence in woman ovaries has been proven. OSCs are thus suitable for developmental studies in infertility and in other clinical applications as endocrine derangements due to premature ovarian failure, or for infertility treatment after cancer chemotherapies, as well as in restoring the hormonal balance in postmenopausal age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Silvestris
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Bari 'Aldo Moro', P.za Giulio Cesare, 11, Bari, 70124, Italy.
| | - Stella D'Oronzo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Division of Molecular Oncology, University of Bari 'Aldo Moro', Conversano, Bari, Italy.
| | - Paola Cafforio
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Division of Molecular Oncology, University of Bari 'Aldo Moro', Conversano, Bari, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe D'Amato
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, ASL Bari, PT Jaia, Reproduction and IVF Unit, University of Bari 'Aldo Moro', Conversano, Bari, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Loverro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Bari 'Aldo Moro', P.za Giulio Cesare, 11, Bari, 70124, Italy.
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Abstract
Pluripotent stem cells have the potential to differentiate into 200 odd cell types present in adult body. Pluripotent stem cells available for regenerative medicine include embryonic stem (ES) cells, induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells and very small ES-like stem (VSELs) cells. Nuclear OCT-4 is one of the crucial factors that dictate pluripotent state. Compared to ES/iPS cells grown in Petri dish, VSELs exist in adult body organs and results are emerging to suggest that they may have better potential to regenerate adult organs. This is because of their distinct epigenetic status as they are closer to the primordial germ cells from the epiblast-stage embryo compared to inner cell mass from which ES cells are obtained in vitro. We need to make special efforts to study them as they are very small in size and tend to get lost during processing. VSELs exist in adult organs, get mobilized in response to stress, undergo asymmetric cell divisions to give rise to tissue specific progenitors which further differentiate into various cell types and are possibly better candidates for regenerative medicine because they have no associated risk of tumor formation or immunological rejection. They are possibly also the ‘embryonic remnants’ in adult organs responsible for initiating cancer. Thus, rather than not accepting VSELs because they neither form teratoma nor divide in vitro like ES cells, it is time that scientific community should think of revising the definition of the term ‘pluripotency’.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepa Bhartiya
- Stem Cell Biology Department, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (ICMR), Mumbai 400 012, INDIA
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Anand S, Patel H, Bhartiya D. Chemoablated mouse seminiferous tubular cells enriched for very small embryonic-like stem cells undergo spontaneous spermatogenesis in vitro. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2015; 13:33. [PMID: 25903688 PMCID: PMC4407302 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-015-0031-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2015] [Accepted: 04/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extensive research is ongoing to empower cancer survivors to have biological parenthood. For this, sperm are cryopreserved prior to therapy and in younger children testicular biopsies are cryopreserved with a hope to mature the germ cells into sperm later on for assisted reproduction. In addition, lot of hope was bestowed on pluripotent embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells to differentiate into sperm and oocytes. However, obtaining functional gametes from pluripotent stem cells still remains a distant dream and major bottle-neck appears to be their inefficient differentiation into primordial germ cells (PGCs). There exists yet another population of pluripotent stem cells termed very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) in adult body organs including gonads. We have earlier reported that busulphan (25 mg/Kg) treatment to 4 weeks old mice destroys actively dividing cells and sperm but VSELs survive and differentiate into sperm when a healthy niche is provided in vivo. METHODS Mouse testicular VSELs that survived busulphan treatment were cultured for 3 weeks. A mix of surviving cells in seminiferous tubules (VSELs, possibly few spermatogonial stem cells and Sertoli cells) were cultured using Sertoli cells conditioned medium containing fetal bovine serum, follicle stimulating hormone and with no additional growth factors. RESULTS Stem cells underwent proliferation and clonal expansion in culture and spontaneously differentiated into sperm whereas Sertoli cells attached and provided a somatic support. Transcripts specific for various stages of spermatogenesis were up-regulated by qRT-PCR studies on day 7 suggesting VSELs (Sca1) and SSCs (Gfra) proliferate (Pcna), undergo spermatogenesis (spermatocyte specific marker prohibitin), meiosis (Scp3) and differentiate into sperm (post-meiotic marker protamine). CONCLUSIONS Process of spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis was replicated in vitro starting with testicular cells that survived busulphan treatment. We have earlier reported similar ability of ovarian VSELs enriched in the ovary surface epithelial cells to form oocyte-like structures in vitro. This striking potential of spontaneous differentiation of primitive testicular cells including VSELs that survive chemotherapy is being described for the first time in the present study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandhya Anand
- Stem Cell Biology Department, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, 400 012, India.
| | - Hiren Patel
- Stem Cell Biology Department, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, 400 012, India.
| | - Deepa Bhartiya
- Stem Cell Biology Department, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, 400 012, India.
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Sriraman K, Bhartiya D, Anand S, Bhutda S. Mouse Ovarian Very Small Embryonic-Like Stem Cells Resist Chemotherapy and Retain Ability to Initiate Oocyte-Specific Differentiation. Reprod Sci 2015; 22:884-903. [PMID: 25779995 DOI: 10.1177/1933719115576727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
This study was undertaken to investigate stem cells in adult mouse ovary, the effect of chemotherapy on them and their potential to differentiate into germ cells. Very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) that were SCA-1+/Lin-/CD45-, positive for nuclear octamer-binding transforming factor 4 (OCT-4), Nanog, and cell surface stage-specific embryonic antigen 1, were identified in adult mouse ovary. Chemotherapy resulted in complete loss of follicular reserve and cytoplasmic OCT-4 positive progenitors (ovarian germ stem cells) but VSELs survived. In ovarian surface epithelial (OSE) cell cultures from chemoablated ovary, proliferating germ cell clusters and mouse vasa homolog/growth differentiation factor 9-positive oocyte-like structure were observed by day 6, probably arising as a result of differentiation of the surviving VSELs. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) exerted a direct stimulatory action on the OSE and induced stem cells proliferation and differentiation into premeiotic germ cell clusters during intact chemoablated ovaries culture. The FSH analog pregnant mare serum gonadotropin treatment to chemoablated mice increased the percentage of surviving VSELs in ovary. The results of this study provide evidence for the presence of potential VSELs in mouse ovaries and show that they survive chemotherapy, are modulated by FSH, and retain the ability to undergo oocyte-specific differentiation. These results show relevance to women who undergo premature ovarian failure because of oncotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalpana Sriraman
- Stem Cell Biology Department, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (NIRRH), Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Deepa Bhartiya
- Stem Cell Biology Department, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (NIRRH), Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sandhya Anand
- Stem Cell Biology Department, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (NIRRH), Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Smita Bhutda
- Stem Cell Biology Department, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (NIRRH), Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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Parte S, Patel H, Sriraman K, Bhartiya D. Isolation and characterization of stem cells in the adult mammalian ovary. Methods Mol Biol 2015; 1235:203-29. [PMID: 25388396 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-1785-3_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Female mammals are born with a fixed pool of germ cells, which does not replenish during adult life. However, this has been recently challenged and adult ovaries produce oocytes throughout adult life just like sperm in the testes. Evidence is accumulating on the presence of ovarian stem cells, but the need for robust protocols to isolate, identify, further characterize, and subject them to various functionality tests is essential. Knowledge about the function and potential of ovarian stem cells is well demonstrated by various groups, but their true identity remains elusive because of the variability in the approaches used to identify them by different groups. In order to address this we have made attempts to compile our protocols to isolate, identify, characterize, and culture the stem cells using different animal models including human. Two distinct populations of stem cells exist in adult mammalian ovary, including very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) and the progenitors termed ovarian germ stem cells (OGSCs). VSELs are relatively quiescent and undergo asymmetric cell division to give rise to OGSCs, which divide rapidly, occasionally form germ cell nests and undergo meiosis and differentiation into oocytes, which are surrounded by granulosa cells to assemble as primordial follicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seema Parte
- Stem Cell Biology Department, National Institute for Research and Reproductive Health (ICMR), Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012, India
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