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Wang L, Li B, Cheng D. Influence of Long Non-Coding RNAs on Human Oocyte Development. Pharmgenomics Pers Med 2024; 17:337-345. [PMID: 38979513 PMCID: PMC11229482 DOI: 10.2147/pgpm.s449101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent research findings have highlighted the pivotal roles played by lncRNAs in both normal human development and disease pathogenesis. LncRNAs are expressed in oocytes and early embryos, and their expression levels change dynamically once the embryonic genome is activated during early human embryonic development. Abnormal expression of lncRNAs was found in follicular fluid, granulosa cells and oocytes of patients, and these lncRNAs were related to cell proliferation and apoptosis, nuclear maturation and follicle development. The expression levels of some lncRNAs in cumulus cells demonstrate correlations with the quality of oocytes and early embryos. This paper aims to present a comprehensive overview of the influence of LncRNAs on the developmental process of human oocytes as well as their involvement in certain infertility-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leitong Wang
- Embryo Laboratory, Jinghua Hospital of Shenyang, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Baoshan Li
- Embryo Laboratory, Jinghua Hospital of Shenyang, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dongkai Cheng
- Embryo Laboratory, Jinghua Hospital of Shenyang, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110000, People’s Republic of China
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Hu Y, Zhang R, Zhang S, Ji Y, Zhou Q, Leng L, Meng F, Gong F, Lu G, Lin G, Hu L. Transcriptomic profiles reveal the characteristics of oocytes and cumulus cells at GV, MI, and MII in follicles before ovulation. J Ovarian Res 2023; 16:225. [PMID: 37993893 PMCID: PMC10664256 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-023-01291-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The oocyte and its surrounding cumulus cells (CCs) exist as an inseparable entity. The maturation of the oocyte relies on communication between the oocyte and the surrounding CCs. However, oocyte evaluation is primarily based on morphological parameters currently, which offer limited insight into the quality and competence of the oocyte. Here, we conducted transcriptomic profiling of oocytes and their CCs from 47 patients undergoing preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A). We aimed to investigate the molecular events occurring between oocytes and CCs at different stages of oocyte maturation (germinal vesicle [GV], metaphase I [MI], and metaphase II [MII]). Our goal is to provide new insights into in vitro oocyte maturation (IVM). RESULTS Our findings indicate that oocyte maturation is a complex and dynamic process and that MI oocytes can be further classified into two distinct subtypes: GV-like-MI oocytes and MII-like-MI oocytes. Human oocytes and cumulus cells at three different stages of maturation were analyzed using RNA-seq, which revealed unique transcriptional machinery, stage-specific genes and pathways, and transcription factor networks that displayed developmental stage-specific expression patterns. We have also identified that both lipid and cholesterol metabolism in cumulus cells is active during the late stage of oocyte maturation. Lipids may serve as a more efficient energy source for oocytes and even embryogenesis. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our study provides a relatively comprehensive overview of the transcriptional characteristics and potential interactions between human oocytes and cumulus cells at various stages of maturation before ovulation. This study may offer novel perspectives on IVM and provide a reliable reference data set for understanding the transcriptional regulation of follicular maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yena Hu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stems Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Xiangya Road 88#, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Ran Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stems Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Xiangya Road 88#, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Shuoping Zhang
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Yaxing Ji
- Institute of Reproductive and Stems Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Xiangya Road 88#, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Qinwei Zhou
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Lizhi Leng
- Institute of Reproductive and Stems Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Xiangya Road 88#, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Development and Carcinogenesis, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Fei Meng
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Fei Gong
- Institute of Reproductive and Stems Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Xiangya Road 88#, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Guangxiu Lu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stems Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Xiangya Road 88#, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cells, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Ge Lin
- Institute of Reproductive and Stems Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Xiangya Road 88#, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
- Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Development and Carcinogenesis, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cells, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
| | - Liang Hu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stems Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Xiangya Road 88#, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
- Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Development and Carcinogenesis, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
- Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, ChangshaHunan, 410013, China.
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de la Fuente A, Scoggin C, Bradecamp E, Martin-Pelaez S, van Heule M, Troedsson M, Daels P, Meyers S, Dini P. Transcriptome Signature of Immature and In Vitro-Matured Equine Cumulus-Oocytes Complex. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13718. [PMID: 37762020 PMCID: PMC10531358 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Maturation is a critical step in the development of an oocyte, and it is during this time that the oocyte advances to metaphase II (MII) of the meiotic cycle and acquires developmental competence to be fertilized and become an embryo. However, in vitro maturation (IVM) remains one of the limiting steps in the in vitro production of embryos (IVP), with a variable percentage of oocytes reaching the MII stage and unpredictable levels of developmental competence. Understanding the dynamics of oocyte maturation is essential for the optimization of IVM culture conditions and subsequent IVP outcomes. Thus, the aim of this study was to elucidate the transcriptome dynamics of oocyte maturation by comparing transcriptomic changes during in vitro maturation in both oocytes and their surrounding cumulus cells. Cumulus-oocyte complexes were obtained from antral follicles and divided into two groups: immature and in vitro-matured (MII). RNA was extracted separately from oocytes (OC) and cumulus cells (CC), followed by library preparation and RNA sequencing. A total of 13,918 gene transcripts were identified in OC, with 538 differentially expressed genes (DEG) between immature OC and in vitro-matured OC. In CC, 13,104 genes were expressed with 871 DEG. Gene ontology (GO) analysis showed an association between the DEGs and pathways relating to nuclear maturation in OC and GTPase activity, extracellular matrix organization, and collagen trimers in CC. Additionally, the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor gene (FSHR) and luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor gene (LHCGR) showed differential expressions between CC-MII and immature CC samples. Overall, these results serve as a foundation to further investigate the biological pathways relevant to oocyte maturation in horses and pave the road to improve the IVP outcomes and the overall clinical management of equine assisted reproductive technologies (ART).
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro de la Fuente
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Charles Scoggin
- LeBlanc Reproduction Center, Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, Lexington, KY 40511, USA
| | - Etta Bradecamp
- LeBlanc Reproduction Center, Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, Lexington, KY 40511, USA
| | - Soledad Martin-Pelaez
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Machteld van Heule
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Department of Morphology, Imaging, Orthopedics, Rehabilitation and Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ghent, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Mats Troedsson
- Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
| | - Peter Daels
- Department of Morphology, Imaging, Orthopedics, Rehabilitation and Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ghent, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Stuart Meyers
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Pouya Dini
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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Hu J, Wang H, Jiang R, Yang G, Zhang T, Zhang J, Yao G. Effects of indented zona pellucida on oocyte growth and development explored from changes of gene expression in cumulus cells. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2023; 308:1023-1033. [PMID: 37400728 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-023-07104-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Abnormal Zona Pellucida (ZP) of human oocytes is an extracellular oocyte abnormality leading to subfertility or infertility, among which indented ZP (iZP) is a common clinical case, and there is currently no effective clinical solution. The study aimed to find out the influence of this abnormal ZP on the growth and development of GC and further explore its influence on the growth and development of oocytes, hoping to provide new ideas for the etiology and treatment of such patients. METHODS In this study, we collected granulosa cells GC from oocytes with iZP(four cases) and GC from oocytes with a normal appearance of the ZP(eight cases) during ICSI treatment cycles, and submitted them to transcriptomic analysis using next-generation RNA sequencing (RNAseq). RESULTS 177 Differentially Expressed Genes (DEG) were identified by RNAseq analysis of Granulosa Cells (GC) from oocytes with a normal ZP morphological appearance and those with iZP. Correlation analysis of these DEGs showed that the expression levels of the immune factor CD274 and the inflammatory factors IL4R and IL-7R, which are positively associated with ovulation, were significantly down-regulated in the GC of oocytes with iZP. Hippo, PI3K-AKT, Ras and calcium signaling pathways related to oocyte growth and development, NTRK2 and its ligands (BDNF and NT5E) from the neurotrophin family that are trophic to the oocyte were also significantly down-regulated in the GC of oocytes with iZP. In addition, the expression of cadherin family members CDH6, CDH12 and CDH19 were significantly down-regulated in DEGs, and the down-regulation of these proteins may affect the gap junction between Granulosa cells and oocytes. CONCLUSION IZP might cause obstacles to dialogue and material exchange between GC and oocytes and further affect the growth and development of oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Hu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Huihui Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ran Jiang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guang Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Tongwei Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Junya Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guidong Yao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
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Fan W, Yuan Z, Li M, Zhang Y, Nan F. Decreased oocyte quality in patients with endometriosis is closely related to abnormal granulosa cells. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1226687. [PMID: 37664845 PMCID: PMC10469306 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1226687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility and menstrual abnormalities in endometriosis patients are frequently caused by aberrant follicular growth or a reduced ovarian reserve. Endometriosis typically does not directly harm the oocyte, but rather inhibits the function of granulosa cells, resulting in a decrease in oocyte quality. Granulosa cells, as oocyte nanny cells, can regulate meiosis, provide the most basic resources required for oocyte development, and influence ovulation. Endometriosis affects oocyte development and quality by causing granulosa cells apoptosis, inflammation, oxidative stress, steroid synthesis obstacle, and aberrant mitochondrial energy metabolism. These aberrant states frequently interact with one another, however there is currently relatively little research in this field to understand the mechanism of linkage between abnormal states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weisen Fan
- The First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zheng Yuan
- Department of Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Muzhen Li
- College of Acupuncture and Tuina, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yingjie Zhang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Fengjuan Nan
- Department of Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
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Wyse BA, Salehi R, Russell SJ, Sangaralingam M, Jahangiri S, Tsang BK, Librach CL. Obesity and PCOS radically alters the snRNA composition of follicular fluid extracellular vesicles. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1205385. [PMID: 37404312 PMCID: PMC10315679 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1205385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The ovarian follicle consists of the oocyte, somatic cells, and follicular fluid (FF). Proper signalling between these compartments is required for optimal folliculogenesis. The association between polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and extracellular vesicular small non-coding RNAs (snRNAs) signatures in follicular fluid (FF) and how this relates to adiposity is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine whether FF extracellular vesicle (FFEV)-derived snRNAs are differentially expressed (DE) between PCOS and non-PCOS subjects; and if these differences are vesicle-specific and/or adiposity-dependent. Methods FF and granulosa cells (GC) were collected from 35 patients matched by demographic and stimulation parameters. FFEVs were isolated and snRNA libraries were constructed, sequenced, and analyzed. Results miRNAs were the most abundant biotype present, with specific enrichment in exosomes (EX), whereas in GCs long non-coding RNAs were the most abundant biotype. In obese PCOS vs. lean PCOS, pathway analysis revealed target genes involved in cell survival and apoptosis, leukocyte differentiation and migration, JAK/STAT, and MAPK signalling. In obese PCOS FFEVs were selectively enriched (FFEVs vs. GCs) for miRNAs targeting p53 signalling, cell survival and apoptosis, FOXO, Hippo, TNF, and MAPK signalling. Discussion We provide comprehensive profiling of snRNAs in FFEVs and GCs of PCOS and non-PCOS patients, highlighting the effect of adiposity on these findings. We hypothesize that the selective packaging and release of miRNAs specifically targeting anti-apoptotic genes into the FF may be an attempt by the follicle to reduce the apoptotic pressure of the GCs and stave off premature apoptosis of the follicle observed in PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon A. Wyse
- Research Department, CReATe Fertility Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Reza Salehi
- Research Department, CReATe Fertility Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology & Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - Sahar Jahangiri
- Research Department, CReATe Fertility Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- CReATe Biobank, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Benjamin K. Tsang
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology & Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Clifford L. Librach
- Research Department, CReATe Fertility Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- CReATe Biobank, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Biological Sciences, DAN Women & Babies Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Wiltshire A, Schaal R, Wang F, Tsou T, McKerrow W, Keefe D. Vitrification with Dimethyl Sulfoxide Induces Transcriptomic Alteration of Gene and Transposable Element Expression in Immature Human Oocytes. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1232. [PMID: 37372413 DOI: 10.3390/genes14061232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite substantial advancements in the field of cryobiology, oocyte and embryo cryopreservation still compromise developmental competence. Furthermore, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), one of the most commonly used cryoprotectants, has been found to exert potent effects on the epigenetic landscape of cultured human cells, as well as mouse oocytes and embryos. Little is known about its impact on human oocytes. Additionally, few studies investigate the effects of DMSO on transposable elements (TE), the control of which is essential for the maintenance of genomic instability. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of vitrification with DMSO-containing cryoprotectant on the transcriptome, including on TEs, of human oocytes. Twenty-four oocytes at the GV stage were donated by four healthy women undergoing elective oocyte cryopreservation. Oocytes were paired such that half from each patient were vitrified with DMSO-containing cryoprotectant (Vitrified Cohort), while the other half were snap frozen in phosphate buffer, unexposed to DMSO (Non-Vitrified Cohort). All oocytes underwent RNA sequencing via a method with high fidelity for single cell analysis, and which allows for the analysis of TE expression through Switching Mechanism at the 5'-end of the RNA Transcript sequencing 2 (SMARTseq2), followed by functional enrichment analysis. Of the 27,837 genes identified by SMARTseq2, 7331 (26.3%) were differentially expressed (p < 0.05). There was a significant dysregulation of genes involved in chromatin and histone modification. Mitochondrial function, as well as the Wnt, insulin, mTOR, HIPPO, and MAPK signaling pathways were also altered. The expression of TEs was positively correlated with the expression of PIWIL2, DNMT3A, and DNMT3B, and negatively correlated with age. These findings suggest that the current standard process of oocyte vitrification, involving DMSO-containing cryoprotectant, induces significant transcriptome changes, including those involving TEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Wiltshire
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, New York University Langone Fertility Center, 660 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Renata Schaal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, New York University Langone Fertility Center, 660 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, New York University Langone Fertility Center, 660 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Tiffany Tsou
- Institute for Systems Genetics, New York University Langone Medical Center, 550 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Wilson McKerrow
- Institute for Systems Genetics, New York University Langone Medical Center, 550 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - David Keefe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, New York University Langone Fertility Center, 660 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
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Suebthawinkul C, Babayev E, Lee HC, Duncan FE. Morphokinetic parameters of mouse oocyte meiotic maturation and cumulus expansion are not affected by reproductive age or ploidy status. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:1197-1213. [PMID: 37012451 PMCID: PMC10239409 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02779-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Morphokinetic analysis using a closed time-lapse monitoring system (EmbryoScope + ™) provides quantitative metrics of meiotic progression and cumulus expansion. The goal of this study was to use a physiologic aging mouse model, in which egg aneuploidy levels increase, to determine whether there are age-dependent differences in morphokinetic parameters of oocyte maturation. METHODS Denuded oocytes and intact cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were isolated from reproductively young and old mice and in vitro matured in the EmbryoScope + ™. Morphokinetic parameters of meiotic progression and cumulus expansion were evaluated, compared between reproductively young and old mice, and correlated with egg ploidy status. RESULTS Oocytes from reproductively old mice were smaller than young counterparts in terms of GV area (446.42 ± 4.15 vs. 416.79 ± 5.24 µm2, p < 0.0001) and oocyte area (4195.71 ± 33.10 vs. 4081.62 ± 41.04 µm2, p < 0.05). In addition, the aneuploidy incidence was higher in eggs with advanced reproductive age (24-27% vs. 8-9%, p < 0.05). There were no differences in the morphokinetic parameters of oocyte maturation between oocytes from reproductively young and old mice with respect to time to germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) (1.03 ± 0.03 vs. 1.01 ± 0.04 h), polar body extrusion (PBE) (8.56 ± 0.11 vs. 8.52 ± 0.15 h), duration of meiosis I (7.58 ± 0.10 vs. 7.48 ± 0.11 h), and kinetics of cumulus expansion (0.093 ± 0.002 vs. 0.089 ± 0.003 µm/min). All morphokinetic parameters of oocyte maturation were similar between euploid and aneuploid eggs irrespective of age. CONCLUSION There is no association between age or ploidy and the morphokinetics of mouse oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM). Future studies are needed to evaluate whether there is an association between morphokinetic dynamics of mouse IVM and embryo developmental competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanakarn Suebthawinkul
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Elnur Babayev
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Hoi Chang Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Francesca E Duncan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
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RNA sequencing-based transcriptome analysis of granulosa cells from follicular fluid: Genes involved in embryo quality during in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280495. [PMID: 36857405 PMCID: PMC9977003 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Granulosa cells play an important role in folliculogenesis, however, the role of RNA transcripts of granulosa cells in assessing embryo quality remains unclear. Therefore, we aims to investigate that RNA transcripts of granulosa cells be used to assess the probability of the embryonic developmental capacity. METHODS This prospective cohort study was attempted to figure out the probability of the embryonic developmental capacity using RNA sequencing of granulosa cells. Granulosa cells were collected from 48 samples in good-quality embryo group and 79 in only poor- quality embryo group from women undergoing in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer treatment. Three samples from each group were used for RNA sequencing. RESULTS 226 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were related to high developmental competence of embryos. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis indicated that these DEGs were primarily involved in biological processes, molecular functions, and cellular components. Additionally, pathway analysis revealed that these DEGs were enriched in 13 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction verified the differential expression of the 13 selected DEGs. Among them,10 genes were differently expressed in the poor-quality embryo group compared to good-quality embryo group, including CSF1R, CTSH, SERPINA1, CYP27A1, ITGB2, IL1β, TNF, TAB1, BCL2A1, and CCL4. CONCLUSIONS RNA sequencing data provide the support or confute granulosa expressed genes as non-invasive biomarkers for identifying the embryonic developmental capacity.
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Martino NA, Picardi E, Ciani E, D’Erchia AM, Bogliolo L, Ariu F, Mastrorocco A, Temerario L, Mansi L, Palumbo V, Pesole G, Dell’Aquila ME. Cumulus Cell Transcriptome after Cumulus-Oocyte Complex Exposure to Nanomolar Cadmium in an In Vitro Animal Model of Prepubertal and Adult Age. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12020249. [PMID: 36829526 PMCID: PMC9953098 DOI: 10.3390/biology12020249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd), a highly toxic pollutant, impairs oocyte fertilization, through oxidative damage on cumulus cells (CCs). This study analysed the transcriptomic profile of CCs of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) from adult and prepubertal sheep, exposed to Cd nanomolar concentration during in vitro maturation. In both age-groups, CCs of matured oocytes underwent RNA-seq, data analysis and validation. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in adult (n = 99 DEGs) and prepubertal (n = 18 DEGs) CCs upon Cd exposure. Transcriptomes of adult CCs clustered separately between Cd-exposed and control samples, whereas prepubertal ones did not as observed by Principal Component Analysis. The transcriptomic signature of Cd-induced CC toxicity was identified by gene annotation and literature search. Genes associated with previous studies on ovarian functions and/or Cd effects were confirmed and new genes were identified, thus implementing the knowledge on their involvement in such processes. Enrichment and validation analysis showed that, in adult CCs, Cd acted as endocrine disruptor on DEGs involved in hormone biosynthesis, cumulus expansion, regulation of cell signalling, growth and differentiation and oocyte maturation, whereas in prepubertal CCs, Cd affected DEGs involved in CC development and viability and CC-oocyte communications. In conclusion, these DEGs could be used as valuable non-invasive biomarkers for oocyte competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Antonio Martino
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies & Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona, 70125 Bari, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0805443888
| | - Ernesto Picardi
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies & Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Elena Ciani
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies & Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Anna Maria D’Erchia
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies & Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Luisa Bogliolo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna n. 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Federica Ariu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna n. 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Antonella Mastrorocco
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies & Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Letizia Temerario
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies & Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Luigi Mansi
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies & Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Valeria Palumbo
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies & Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Graziano Pesole
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies & Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Dell’Aquila
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies & Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona, 70125 Bari, Italy
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Using Cumulus Cell Biopsy as a Non-Invasive Tool to Access the Quality of Bovine Oocytes: How Informative Are They? Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12223113. [PMID: 36428341 PMCID: PMC9686866 DOI: 10.3390/ani12223113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to determine whether cumulus cells (CC) biopsy, acquired before or after in vitro maturation (IVM), presents similar gene expression pattern and if would compromises oocyte quality. First, immature cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were distributed: (1) maturated in groups (control); (2) individually maturated, but not biopsied; (3) subjected to CC biopsy before maturation and individually matured; (4) individually matured and submitted to CC biopsy after maturation; (5) individually matured and CC biopsied before and after maturation. Secondly, candidate genes, described as potential markers of COCs quality, were quantified by RT-qPCR in CCs before and after IVM. After in vitro fertilization (IVF), zygotes were tracked and sorted regarding their developmental potential: fully developed to embryo, cleaved and arrested, and not-cleaved. The COC’s biopsy negatively affects embryo development (p < 0.05), blastocyst cell number (p < 0.05), and apoptotic cell ratio (p < 0.05), both before and after IVM. The PTGS2, LUM, ALCAM, FSHR, PGR, SERPINE2, HAS2, and PDRX3 genes were differentially expressed (p < 0.05) on matured CCs. Only PGR gene (p = 0.04) was under-expressed on matured CCs on Not-Cleaved group. The SERPINE2 gene was overexpressed (p = 0.01) in the Cleaved group on immature CCs. In summary, none of the selected gene studies can accurately predict COC’s fate after fertilization.
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12
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Shi L, Wei X, Wu B, Yuan C, Li C, Dai Y, Chen J, Zhou F, Lin X, Zhang S. Molecular Signatures Correlated With Poor IVF Outcomes: Insights From the mRNA and lncRNA Expression of Endometriotic Granulosa Cells. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:825934. [PMID: 35295989 PMCID: PMC8919698 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.825934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF) for endometriotic women are significantly worse than for patients without ovarian endometriosis (OEM), as shown by fewer retrieved oocytes. However, the exact pathophysiological mechanism is still unknown. Thus, we conducted a prospective study that analyzed mRNA and lncRNA transcriptome between granulosa cells (GCs) from patients with fewer retrieved oocytes due to OEM and GCs from controls with male factor (MF) infertility using an RNA sequencing approach. We found a group of significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including NR5A2, MAP3K5, PGRMC2, PRKAR2A, DEPTOR, ITGAV, KPNB1, GPC6, EIF3A, and SMC5, which were validated to be upregulated and negatively correlated with retrieved oocyte numbers in GCs of patients with OEM, while DUSP1 demonstrated the opposite. The molecular functions of these DEGs were mainly enriched in pathways involving mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling, Wnt signaling, steroid hormone response, apoptosis, and cell junction. Furthermore, we performed lncRNA analysis and identified a group of differentially expressed known/novel lncRNAs that were co-expressed with the validated DEGs and correlated with retrieved oocyte numbers. Co-expression networks were constructed between the DEGs and known/novel lncRNAs. These distinctive molecular signatures uncovered in this study are involved in the pathological regulation of ovarian reserve dysfunction in OEM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Libing Shi
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xianjiang Wei
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bingbing Wu
- International Institutes of Medicine, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, China
| | - Chunhui Yuan
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang University City College School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chao Li
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yongdong Dai
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianmin Chen
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Feng Zhou
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiang Lin
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Songying Zhang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Songying Zhang,
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13
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Sirait B, Wiweko B, Jusuf AA, Iftitah D, Muharam R. Oocyte Competence Biomarkers Associated With Oocyte Maturation: A Review. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:710292. [PMID: 34527670 PMCID: PMC8435600 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.710292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Oocyte developmental competence is one of the determining factors that influence the outcomes of an IVF cycle regarding the ability of a female gamete to reach maturation, be fertilized, and uphold an embryonic development up until the blastocyst stage. The current approach of assessing the competency of an oocyte is confined to an ambiguous and subjective oocyte morphological evaluation. Over the years, a myriad of biomarkers in the cumulus-oocyte-complex has been identified that could potentially function as molecular predictors for IVF program prognosis. This review aims to describe the predictive significance of several cumulus-oocyte complex (COC) biomarkers in evaluating oocyte developmental competence. A total of eight acclaimed cumulus biomarkers are examined in the study. RT-PCR and microarray analysis were extensively used to assess the significance of these biomarkers in foreseeing oocyte developmental competence. Notably, these biomarkers regulate vital processes associated with oocyte maturation and were found to be differentially expressed in COC encapsulating oocytes of different maturity. The biomarkers were reviewed according to the respective oocyte maturation events namely: nuclear maturation, apoptosis, and extracellular matrix remodeling, and steroid metabolism. Although substantial in vitro evidence was presented to justify the potential use of cumulus biomarkers in predicting oocyte competency and IVF outcomes, the feasibility of assessing these biomarkers as an add-on prognostic procedure in IVF is still restricted due to study challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Batara Sirait
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Kristen Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia.,Morula IVF Jakarta Clinic, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Budi Wiweko
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia.,Yasmin IVF Clinic, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia.,Human Reproductive, Infertility, and Family Planning Research Cluster, Indonesia Medical Education and Research Institute (IMERI), Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Ahmad Aulia Jusuf
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Dein Iftitah
- Human Reproductive, Infertility, and Family Planning Research Cluster, Indonesia Medical Education and Research Institute (IMERI), Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - R Muharam
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia.,Yasmin IVF Clinic, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia.,Human Reproductive, Infertility, and Family Planning Research Cluster, Indonesia Medical Education and Research Institute (IMERI), Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
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14
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Nasser G, Romysa S, Dalia Abd-El RA, Beshoy SF K, Eman Kh K, Md F, Kong IK. Cumulus-oocyte developmental competence: From morphological selection to molecular markers. JOURNAL OF GYNECOLOGICAL RESEARCH AND OBSTETRICS 2020:084-086. [DOI: 10.17352/jgro.000094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
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