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Qi J, Zhang S, Qu H, Wang Y, Dong Y, Wei H, Wang Y, Sun B, Jiang H, Zhang J, Liang S. Lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) participate in porcine early embryonic development by regulating cell autophagy and apoptosis through the mTOR signaling pathway. Theriogenology 2024; 224:119-133. [PMID: 38762919 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) stands as the pioneering histone demethylase uncovered, proficient in demethylating H3K4me1/2 and H3K9me1/2, thereby governing transcription and participating in cell apoptosis, proliferation, or differentiation. Nevertheless, the complete understanding of LSD1 during porcine early embryonic development and the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. Thus, we investigated the mechanism by which LSD1 plays a regulatory role in porcine early embryos. This study revealed that LSD1 inhibition resulted in parthenogenetic activation (PA) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) embryo arrested the development, and decreased blastocyst quality. Meanwhile, H3K4me1/2 and H3K9me1/2 methylase activity was increased at the 4-cell embryo stage. RNA-seq results revealed that autophagy related biological processes were highly enriched through GO and KEGG pathway analyses when LSD1 inhibition. Further studies showed that LSD1 depletion in porcine early embryos resulted in low mTOR and p-mTOR levels and high autophagy and apoptosis levels. The LSD1 deletion-induced increases in autophagy and apoptosis could be reversed by addition of mTOR activators. We further demonstrated that LSD1 inhibition induced mitochondrial dysfunction and mitophagy. In summary, our research results indicate that LSD1 may regulate autophagy and apoptosis through the mTOR pathway and affect early embryonic development of pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajia Qi
- Department of Animals Sciences, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Shaoxuan Zhang
- Department of Animals Sciences, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Hexuan Qu
- Department of Animals Sciences, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yanqiu Wang
- Department of Animals Sciences, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yanwei Dong
- Department of Animals Sciences, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Huakai Wei
- Department of Animals Sciences, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Animals Sciences, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Boxing Sun
- Department of Animals Sciences, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Hao Jiang
- Department of Animals Sciences, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Jiabao Zhang
- Department of Animals Sciences, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Shuang Liang
- Department of Animals Sciences, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.
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Galatidou S, Petelski A, Pujol A, Lattes K, Latorraca LB, Fair T, Popovic M, Vassena R, Slavov N, Barragan M. Single-cell proteomics reveals decreased abundance of proteostasis and meiosis proteins in advanced maternal age oocytes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.23.595547. [PMID: 38903107 PMCID: PMC11188101 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.23.595547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Advanced maternal age is associated with a decline in oocyte quality, which often leads to reproductive failure in humans. However, the mechanisms behind this age-related decline remain unclear. To gain insights into this phenomenon, we applied plexDIA, a multiplexed, single-cell mass spectrometry method, to analyze the proteome of oocytes from both young women and women of advanced maternal age. Our findings primarily revealed distinct proteomic profiles between immature fully grown germinal vesicle and mature metaphase II oocytes. Importantly, we further show that a woman's age is associated with changes in her oocyte proteome. Specifically, when compared to oocytes obtained from young women, advanced maternal age oocytes exhibited lower levels of the proteasome and TRiC complex, as well as other key regulators of proteostasis and meiosis. This suggests that aging adversely affects the proteostasis and meiosis networks in human oocytes. The proteins identified in this study hold potential as targets for improving oocyte quality and may guide future studies into the molecular processes underlying oocyte aging.
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Chen KG, Johnson KR, Park K, Maric D, Yang F, Liu WF, Fann YC, Mallon BS, Robey PG. Resistance to Naïve and Formative Pluripotency Conversion in RSeT Human Embryonic Stem Cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.16.580778. [PMID: 38410444 PMCID: PMC10896352 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.16.580778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
One of the most important properties of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) is related to their primed and naïve pluripotent states. Our previous meta-analysis indicates the existence of heterogeneous pluripotent states derived from diverse naïve protocols. In this study, we have characterized a commercial medium (RSeT)-based pluripotent state under various growth conditions. Notably, RSeT hESCs can circumvent hypoxic growth conditions as required by naïve hESCs, in which some RSeT cells (e.g., H1 cells) exhibit much lower single cell plating efficiency, having altered or much retarded cell growth under both normoxia and hypoxia. Evidently, hPSCs lack many transcriptomic hallmarks of naïve and formative pluripotency (a phase between naive and primed states). Integrative transcriptome analysis suggests our primed and RSeT hESCs are close to the early stage of post-implantation embryos, similar to the previously reported primary hESCs and early hESC cultures. Moreover, RSeT hESCs did not express naïve surface markers such as CD75, SUSD2, and CD130 at a significant level. Biochemically, RSeT hESCs exhibit a differential dependency of FGF2 and co-independency of both Janus kinase (JAK) and TGFβ signaling in a cell-line-specific manner. Thus, RSeT hESCs represent a previously unrecognized pluripotent state downstream of formative pluripotency. Our data suggest that human naïve pluripotent potentials may be restricted in RSeT medium. Hence, this study provides new insights into pluripotent state transitions in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kory R. Johnson
- Intramural IT and Bioinformatics Program, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Kyeyoon Park
- NIH Stem Cell Unit, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Dragan Maric
- Flow and Imaging Cytometry Core Facility, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Forest Yang
- NIH Stem Cell Unit, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Wen Fang Liu
- NIH Stem Cell Unit, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Yang C. Fann
- Intramural IT and Bioinformatics Program, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | | | - Pamela G. Robey
- Skeletal Biology Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
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Chen J, He Y, Chen L, Wu T, Yang G, Luo H, Hu S, Yin S, Qian Y, Miao H, Li N, Miao C, Feng R. Differential alternative splicing landscape identifies potentially functional RNA binding proteins in early embryonic development in mammals. iScience 2024; 27:109104. [PMID: 38433915 PMCID: PMC10904927 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing (AS) as one of the important post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms has been poorly studied during embryogenesis. In this study, we comprehensively collected and analyzed the transcriptome data of early embryos from human and mouse. We found that AS plays an important role in this process and predicted candidate RNA binding protein (RBP) regulators that are associated with reproductive development. The predicted RBPs such as EIF4A3, MAK16, SRSF2, and UTP23 were found to be associated with reproductive disorders. By Smart-seq2 sequencing analysis, we identified 5445 aberrant alternative splicing events in Eif4a3-knockdown embryos. These events were preferentially associated with RNA processing. In conclusion, our work on the landscape and potential function of alternative splicing events will boost further investigation of detailed mechanisms and key factors regulating mammalian early embryo development and promote the inspiration of pharmaceutical approaches for disorders in this crucial biology process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhua Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproduction Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Yanni He
- State Key Laboratory of Reproduction Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Liangliang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproduction Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Tian Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproduction Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Guangping Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproduction Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Hui Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproduction Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Saifei Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproduction Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Siyue Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Reproduction Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Yun Qian
- Reproductive Medical Center of Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, China
| | - Hui Miao
- Department of Reproductive Genetics, Heping Hospital of Changzhi Medical College, Key Laboratory of Reproduction Engineer of Shanxi Health Committee, Changzhi, Shanxi 046000, China
| | - Na Li
- Department of Reproductive Genetics, Heping Hospital of Changzhi Medical College, Key Laboratory of Reproduction Engineer of Shanxi Health Committee, Changzhi, Shanxi 046000, China
| | - Congxiu Miao
- Department of Reproductive Genetics, Heping Hospital of Changzhi Medical College, Key Laboratory of Reproduction Engineer of Shanxi Health Committee, Changzhi, Shanxi 046000, China
| | - Ruizhi Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproduction Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
- Reproductive Medical Center of Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, China
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Gawriyski L, Tan Z, Liu X, Chowdhury I, Malaymar Pinar D, Zhang Q, Weltner J, Jouhilahti EM, Wei GH, Kere J, Varjosalo M. Interaction network of human early embryonic transcription factors. EMBO Rep 2024; 25:1589-1622. [PMID: 38297188 PMCID: PMC10933267 DOI: 10.1038/s44319-024-00074-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Embryonic genome activation (EGA) occurs during preimplantation development and is characterized by the initiation of de novo transcription from the embryonic genome. Despite its importance, the regulation of EGA and the transcription factors involved in this process are poorly understood. Paired-like homeobox (PRDL) family proteins are implicated as potential transcriptional regulators of EGA, yet the PRDL-mediated gene regulatory networks remain uncharacterized. To investigate the function of PRDL proteins, we are identifying the molecular interactions and the functions of a subset family of the Eutherian Totipotent Cell Homeobox (ETCHbox) proteins, seven PRDL family proteins and six other transcription factors (TFs), all suggested to participate in transcriptional regulation during preimplantation. Using mass spectrometry-based interactomics methods, AP-MS and proximity-dependent biotin labeling, and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing we derive the comprehensive regulatory networks of these preimplantation TFs. By these interactomics tools we identify more than a thousand high-confidence interactions for the 21 studied bait proteins with more than 300 interacting proteins. We also establish that TPRX2, currently assigned as pseudogene, is a transcriptional activator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Gawriyski
- University of Helsinki, Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki, Finland
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Zenglai Tan
- Disease Networks Research Unit, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine & Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Xiaonan Liu
- University of Helsinki, Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Dicle Malaymar Pinar
- University of Helsinki, Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Qin Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine & Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jere Weltner
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Eeva-Mari Jouhilahti
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Gong-Hong Wei
- Disease Networks Research Unit, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine & Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine & Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Juha Kere
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Markku Varjosalo
- University of Helsinki, Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki, Finland.
- iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
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Budrewicz J, Chavez SL. Insights into embryonic chromosomal instability: mechanisms of DNA elimination during mammalian preimplantation development. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1344092. [PMID: 38374891 PMCID: PMC10875028 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1344092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Mammalian preimplantation embryos often contend with aneuploidy that arose either by the inheritance of meiotic errors from the gametes, or from mitotic mis-segregation events that occurred following fertilization. Regardless of the origin, mis-segregated chromosomes become encapsulated in micronuclei (MN) that are spatially isolated from the main nucleus. Much of our knowledge of MN formation comes from dividing somatic cells during tumorigenesis, but the error-prone cleavage-stage of early embryogenesis is fundamentally different. One unique aspect is that cellular fragmentation (CF), whereby small subcellular bodies pinch off embryonic blastomeres, is frequently observed. CF has been detected in both in vitro and in vivo-derived embryos and likely represents a response to chromosome mis-segregation since it only appears after MN formation. There are multiple fates for MN, including sequestration into CFs, but the molecular mechanism(s) by which this occurs remains unclear. Due to nuclear envelope rupture, the chromosomal material contained within MN and CFs becomes susceptible to double stranded-DNA breaks. Despite this damage, embryos may still progress to the blastocyst stage and exclude chromosome-containing CFs, as well as non-dividing aneuploid blastomeres, from participating in further development. Whether these are attempts to rectify MN formation or eliminate embryos with poor implantation potential is unknown and this review will discuss the potential implications of DNA removal by CF/blastomere exclusion. We will also extrapolate what is known about the intracellular pathways mediating MN formation and rupture in somatic cells to preimplantation embryogenesis and how nuclear budding and DNA release into the cytoplasm may impact overall development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Budrewicz
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, United States
| | - Shawn L. Chavez
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
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Akiyama T, Ishiguro KI, Chikazawa N, Ko SBH, Yukawa M, Ko MSH. ZSCAN4-binding motif-TGCACAC is conserved and enriched in CA/TG microsatellites in both mouse and human genomes. DNA Res 2024; 31:dsad029. [PMID: 38153767 PMCID: PMC10785592 DOI: 10.1093/dnares/dsad029] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The Zinc finger and SCAN domain containing 4 (ZSCAN4) protein, expressed transiently in pluripotent stem cells, gametes, and early embryos, extends telomeres, enhances genome stability, and improves karyotypes in mouse embryonic stem (mES) cells. To gain insights into the mechanism of ZSCAN4 function, we identified genome-wide binding sites of endogenous ZSCAN4 protein using ChIP-seq technology in mouse and human ES cells, where the expression of endogenous ZSCAN4 was induced by treating cells with retinoic acids or by overexpressing DUX4. We revealed that both mouse and human ZSCAN4 bind to the TGCACAC motif located in CA/TG microsatellite repeats, which are known to form unstable left-handed duplexes called Z-DNA that can induce double-strand DNA breaks and mutations. These ZSCAN4 binding sites are mostly located in intergenic and intronic regions of the genomes. By generating ZSCAN4 knockout in human ES cells, we showed that ZSCAN4 does not seem to be involved in transcriptional regulation. We also found that ectopic expression of mouse ZSCAN4 enhances the suppression of chromatin at ZSCAN4-binding sites. These results together suggest that some of the ZSCAN4 functions are mediated by binding to the error-prone regions in mouse and human genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiko Akiyama
- Department of Systems Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
- Department of Molecular Biology, Yokohama City University, School of Medicine, Kanagawa 236-0027, Japan
| | - Kei-ichiro Ishiguro
- Department of Systems Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG), Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
| | - Nana Chikazawa
- Department of Systems Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Shigeru B H Ko
- Department of Systems Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Masashi Yukawa
- Integrated Medical and Agricultural School of Public Health, Ehime University, Ehime 791-0295, Japan
- Division of Allergy & Immunology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3026, USA
| | - Minoru S H Ko
- Department of Systems Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
- Elixirgen Therapeutics, Inc., Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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Weizel I, Shavit T, Shuli Y, Adler Lazarovich C, Halevi R, Ben Ari T, Yaacobi-Artzi S, Bentov Y, Feldman B, Hershko Klement A. Outcomes of BRCA pre-implantation genetic testing according to the parental mutation origin: a cohort study. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2024; 22:8. [PMID: 38172815 PMCID: PMC10762833 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-023-01180-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The process of gamete formation and early embryonic development involves rapid DNA replication, chromosome segregation and cell division. These processes may be affected by mutations in the BRCA1/2 genes. The aim of this study was to evaluate BRCA mutation inheritance and its effect on early embryonic development according to the parental origin of the mutation. The study question was approached by analyzing in vitro fertilization cycles (IVF) that included pre-implantation testing (PGT-M) for a BRCA gene mutation. METHODS This retrospective cohort study compared cycles of pre-implantation genetic testing for mutations (PGT-M) between male and female patients diagnosed with BRCA 1/2 mutations (cases), to a control group of two other mutations with dominant inheritance (myotonic dystrophy (MD) and polycystic kidney disease (PKD)). Results were compared according to mutation type and through a generalized linear model analysis. RESULTS The cohort included 88 PGT-M cycles (47 BRCA and 41 non-BRCA) among 50 patients. Maternal and paternal ages at oocyte retrieval were comparable between groups. When tested per cycle, FSH dose, maximum estradiol level, oocytes retrieved, number of zygotes, and number of embryos available for biopsy and affected embryos, were not significantly different among mutation types. All together 444 embryos were biopsied: the rate of affected embryos was comparable between groups. Among BRCA patients, the proportion of affected embryos was similar between maternal and paternal mutation origin (p = 0.24). In a generalized linear model analysis, the relative oocyte yield in maternal BRCA patients was significantly lower (0.7, as related to the non BRCA group)(p < 0.001). Zygote formation and blastulation were not affected by the BRCA gene among paternal cases (P = 0.176 and P = 0.293 respectively), nor by paternal versus maternal BRCA carriage (P = 0.904 and P = 0.149, respectively). CONCLUSIONS BRCA PGT-M cycles performed similarly compared to non-BRCA cycles. Inheritance rate and cycle parameters were not affected by the parental origin of the mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilana Weizel
- The IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah Mount Scopus- Hebrew University Medical Center, Mt Scopus, Jerusalem, 9112001, Israel
| | - Tal Shavit
- The IVF unit, Assuta Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Yulia Shuli
- The Unit for Medical Genetics, Assuta Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Chana Adler Lazarovich
- The IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah Mount Scopus- Hebrew University Medical Center, Mt Scopus, Jerusalem, 9112001, Israel
| | - Rivka Halevi
- The Unit for Medical Genetics, Assuta Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Tal Ben Ari
- The IVF unit, Assuta Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | - Yaakov Bentov
- The IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah Mount Scopus- Hebrew University Medical Center, Mt Scopus, Jerusalem, 9112001, Israel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Baruch Feldman
- The Unit for Medical Genetics, Assuta Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Anat Hershko Klement
- The IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah Mount Scopus- Hebrew University Medical Center, Mt Scopus, Jerusalem, 9112001, Israel.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
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9
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Kakulavarapu R, Stensen MH, Jahanlu D, Haugen TB, Delbarre E. Altered morphokinetics and differential reproductive outcomes associated with cell exclusion events in human embryos. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 47:103285. [PMID: 37573752 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.103285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Can embryos harbouring cell exclusion and their reproductive outcomes be classified based on morphokinetic profiles? DESIGN A total of 469 time-lapse videos of embryos transferred between 2013 and 2019 from a single clinic were analysed. Videos were assessed and grouped according to the presence or absence of one or more excluded cells before compaction. Cell division timings, intervals between subsequent cell divisions and dynamic intervals were analysed to determine the morphokinetic profiles of embryos with cell exclusion (CE+), compared with fully compacted embryos without cell exclusion or extrusion (CE-). RESULTS Transfer of CE+ embryos resulted in lower proportions of fetal heartbeat (FHB) and live birth compared with CE- embryos (both, P < 0.001). CE+ embryos were associated with delays in t2 (P = 0.030), t6 (P = 0.018), t7 (P < 0.001), t8 (P = 0.001), tSC (P < 0.001) and tM (P < 0.001). Earlier timings for t3 (P = 0.014) and t5 (P < 0.001) were positively associated with CE+; CE+ embryos indicated prolonged S2, S3, ECC3, cc2 and cc4. Logistic regression analysis revealed that t5, tM, S2 and ECC3 were the strongest predictive indicators of cell exclusion. Timings for S2 and ECC3 were useful in identifying increased odds of FHB when a cell exclusion event was present. CONCLUSION Embryos harbouring cell exclusion indicated altered morphokinetic profiles. Their overall lower reproductive success was associated with two morphokinetic parameters. Morphokinetic profiles could be used as adjunct indicators for reproductive success during cycles producing few, low-quality embryos. This may allow more objective identification of cell exclusion and refinement of embryo ranking procedures before transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radhika Kakulavarapu
- Department of Life Sciences and Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway..
| | | | - David Jahanlu
- Department of Life Sciences and Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Trine B Haugen
- Department of Life Sciences and Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Erwan Delbarre
- Department of Life Sciences and Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway..
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10
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Velazquez MA, Idriss A, Chavatte-Palmer P, Fleming TP. The mammalian preimplantation embryo: Its role in the environmental programming of postnatal health and performance. Anim Reprod Sci 2023; 256:107321. [PMID: 37647800 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2023.107321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
During formation of the preimplantation embryo several cellular and molecular milestones take place, making the few cells forming the early embryo vulnerable to environmental stressors than can impair epigenetic reprogramming and controls of gene expression. Although these molecular alterations can result in embryonic death, a significant developmental plasticity is present in the preimplantation embryo that promotes full-term pregnancy. Prenatal epigenetic modifications are inherited during mitosis and can perpetuate specific phenotypes during early postnatal development and adulthood. As such, the preimplantation phase is a developmental window where developmental programming can take place in response to the embryonic microenvironment present in vivo or in vitro. In this review, the relevance of the preimplantation embryo as a developmental stage where offspring health and performance can be programmed is discussed, with emphasis on malnutrition and assisted reproductive technologies; two major environmental insults with important implications for livestock production and human reproductive medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A Velazquez
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
| | - Abdullah Idriss
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; Pathology and laboratory medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, P.O. Box 40047, MBC J-10, Jeddah 21499, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Pascale Chavatte-Palmer
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Tom P Fleming
- Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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11
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Li XH, Sun MH, Jiang WJ, Zhou D, Lee SH, Heo G, Chen Z, Cui XS. ZSCAN4 Regulates Zygotic Genome Activation and Telomere Elongation in Porcine Parthenogenetic Embryos. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12121. [PMID: 37569497 PMCID: PMC10418334 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512121] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Zinc finger and SCAN domain-containing 4 (ZSCAN4), a DNA-binding protein, maintains telomere length and plays a key role in critical aspects of mouse embryonic stem cells, including maintaining genomic stability and defying cellular senescence. However, the effect of ZSCAN4 in porcine parthenogenetic embryos remains unclear. To investigate the function of ZSCAN4 and the underlying mechanism in porcine embryo development, ZSCAN4 was knocked down via dsRNA injection in the one-cell stage. ZSCAN4 was highly expressed in the four- and five- to eight-cell stages in porcine embryos. The percentage of four-cell stage embryos, five- to eight-cell stage embryos, and blastocysts was lower in the ZSCAN4 knockdown group than in the control group. Notably, depletion of ZSCAN4 induced the protein expression of DNMT1 and 5-Methylcytosine (5mC, a methylated form of the DNA base cytosine) in the four-cell stage. The H3K27ac level and ZGA genes expression decreased following ZSCAN4 knockdown. Furthermore, ZSCAN4 knockdown led to DNA damage and shortened telomere compared with the control. Additionally, DNMT1-dsRNA was injected to reduce DNA hypermethylation in ZSCAN4 knockdown embryos. DNMT1 knockdown rescued telomere shortening and developmental defects caused by ZSCAN4 knockdown. In conclusion, ZSCAN4 is involved in the regulation of transcriptional activity and is essential for maintaining telomere length by regulating DNMT1 expression in porcine ZGA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Han Li
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Ming-Hong Sun
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Wen-Jie Jiang
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongjie Zhou
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Song-Hee Lee
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Geun Heo
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Zhi Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Xiang-Shun Cui
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
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12
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Ducreux B, Barberet J, Guilleman M, Pérez-Palacios R, Teissandier A, Bourc’his D, Fauque P. Assessing the influence of distinct culture media on human pre-implantation development using single-embryo transcriptomics. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1155634. [PMID: 37435029 PMCID: PMC10330962 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1155634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of assisted reproductive technologies is consistently rising across the world. However, making an informed choice on which embryo culture medium should be preferred to ensure satisfactory pregnancy rates and the health of future children critically lacks scientific background. In particular, embryos within their first days of development are highly sensitive to their micro-environment, and it is unknown how their transcriptome adapts to different embryo culture compositions. Here, we determined the impact of culture media composition on gene expression in human pre-implantation embryos. By employing single-embryo RNA-sequencing after 2 or 5 days of the post-fertilization culture in different commercially available media (Ferticult, Global, and SSM), we revealed medium-specific differences in gene expression changes. Embryos cultured pre-compaction until day 2 in Ferticult or Global media notably displayed 266 differentially expressed genes, which were related to essential developmental pathways. Herein, 19 of them could have a key role in early development, based on their previously described dynamic expression changes across development. When embryos were cultured after day 2 in the same media considered more suitable because of its amino acid enrichment, 18 differentially expressed genes thought to be involved in the transition from early to later embryonic stages were identified. Overall, the differences were reduced at the blastocyst stage, highlighting the ability of embryos conceived in a suboptimal in vitro culture medium to mitigate the transcriptomic profile acquired under different pre-compaction environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bastien Ducreux
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté—Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD), INSERM UMR1231, Dijon, France
| | - Julie Barberet
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté—Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD), INSERM UMR1231, Dijon, France
- CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction—CECOS, Dijon, France
| | - Magali Guilleman
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté—Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD), INSERM UMR1231, Dijon, France
- CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction—CECOS, Dijon, France
| | - Raquel Pérez-Palacios
- Departamento de Anatomía, Embriología y Genética Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | | | | | - Patricia Fauque
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté—Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD), INSERM UMR1231, Dijon, France
- CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction—CECOS, Dijon, France
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13
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Barragán M, Cornet-Bartolomé D, Molina N, Vassena R. The expression levels of NOS2, HMOX1, and VEGFC in cumulus cells are markers of oocyte maturation and fertilization rate. Mol Reprod Dev 2023; 90:369-377. [PMID: 37486100 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23698] [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: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Throughout the reproductive life of women, cumulus cells (CC) protect the dormant oocyte from damage, act as sensors of the follicular microenvironment, and act as a gatekeeper for oocyte developmental potential. One such mechanism relies on the hypoxia-tolerance response, which, with age, decreases systematically, including in the ovary. We aimed to evaluate the association between gene expression related to hypoxia and aging in CC and reproductive results in in vitro fertilization cycles. We recruited 94 women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation. Total RNA was extracted from pooled CCs collected after oocyte pick-up (OPU) and reverse-transcribed to complementary DNA using random hexamers to test 14 genes related to hypoxia response via HIF1α activation, oxidative stress, and angiogenic responses. The expression of CLU, NOS2, and TXNIP had a positive correlation with age (rs = 0.25, rs = 0.24, and rs = 0.35, respectively). Additionally, NOS2 and HMOX1 expression correlated positively with the retrieval of immature oocytes (rs = 0.22 and rs = 0.40, respectively). Moreover, VEGFC levels decreased overall with increasing fertilization rate, independently of age (rs = -0.29). We found that the fertilization potential of a cohort of oocytes is related to the ability of CC to respond to oxidative stress and hypoxia with age, pointing at NOS2, HMOX1, and VEGFC expression as markers for oocyte maturation and fertilization success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Montserrat Barragán
- EUGIN Group, Research and Development, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Cornet-Bartolomé
- EUGIN Group, Research and Development, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistic, CIBERER, IBUB, IRSJD, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Natalia Molina
- EUGIN Group, Research and Development, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rita Vassena
- EUGIN Group, Research and Development, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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14
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Vaiarelli A, Zacà C, Spadoni V, Cimadomo D, Conforti A, Alviggi C, Palermo R, Bulletti C, De Santis L, Pisaturo V, Vigiliano V, Scaravelli G, Ubaldi FM, Borini A. Clinical and laboratory key performance indicators in IVF: A consensus between the Italian Society of Fertility and Sterility and Reproductive Medicine (SIFES-MR) and the Italian Society of Embryology, Reproduction and Research (SIERR). J Assist Reprod Genet 2023:10.1007/s10815-023-02792-1. [PMID: 37093443 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02792-1] [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: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Infertility is increasing worldwide, and many couples seek IVF. Clinical management and laboratory work are fundamental in the IVF journey. Therefore, the definition of reliable key performance indicators (KPIs) based on clinical and laboratory parameters, is essential for internal quality control (IQC). Laboratory performance indicators have been identified and a first attempt to also determine clinical ones has been recently published. However, more detailed indicators are required. METHODS An Italian group of experts in Reproductive Medicine from both public and private clinics on behalf of SIFES-MR and SIERR was established to define IVF indicators to monitor clinical performance. RESULTS The working group built a consensus on a list of KPIs, performance indicators (PIs) and recommendation indicators (RIs). When deemed necessary, the reference population was stratified by woman age, response to ovarian stimulation and adoption of preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A). Each indicator was scored with a value from 1 to 5 and a weighted average formula - considering all the suggested parameters-was defined. This formula generates a center performance score, indicating low, average, good, or excellent performance. CONCLUSION This study is intended to provide KPIs, PIs and RIs that encompass several essential aspects of a modern IVF clinic, including quality control and constant monitoring of clinical and embryological features. These indicators could be used to assess the quality of each center with the aim of improving efficacy and efficiency in IVF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Vaiarelli
- GeneraLife IVF, Clinica Valle Giulia, Via G. De Notaris, 2B, Rome, Italy.
| | | | | | - Danilo Cimadomo
- GeneraLife IVF, Clinica Valle Giulia, Via G. De Notaris, 2B, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Conforti
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Alviggi
- Department of Public Health, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberto Palermo
- Unità Di Procreazione Medicalmente Assistita, Centro A.M.B.R.A., Palermo, Italy
| | - Carlo Bulletti
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Scientific Partner of Incintas Therapeutics, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Lucia De Santis
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Valerio Pisaturo
- Fondazione IRCCS, Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore, Policlinico Di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Vigiliano
- ART Italian National Register, National Center for Diseases Prevention and Health Promotion, National Health Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Scaravelli
- ART Italian National Register, National Center for Diseases Prevention and Health Promotion, National Health Institute, Rome, Italy
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15
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Gawriyski L, Jouhilahti EM, Yoshihara M, Fei L, Weltner J, Airenne TT, Trokovic R, Bhagat S, Tervaniemi MH, Murakawa Y, Salokas K, Liu X, Miettinen S, Bürglin TR, Sahu B, Otonkoski T, Johnson MS, Katayama S, Varjosalo M, Kere J. Comprehensive characterization of the embryonic factor LEUTX. iScience 2023; 26:106172. [PMID: 36876139 PMCID: PMC9978639 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The paired-like homeobox transcription factor LEUTX is expressed in human preimplantation embryos between the 4- and 8-cell stages, and then silenced in somatic tissues. To characterize the function of LEUTX, we performed a multiomic characterization of LEUTX using two proteomics methods and three genome-wide sequencing approaches. Our results show that LEUTX stably interacts with the EP300 and CBP histone acetyltransferases through its 9 amino acid transactivation domain (9aaTAD), as mutation of this domain abolishes the interactions. LEUTX targets genomic cis-regulatory sequences that overlap with repetitive elements, and through these elements it is suggested to regulate the expression of its downstream genes. We find LEUTX to be a transcriptional activator, upregulating several genes linked to preimplantation development as well as 8-cell-like markers, such as DPPA3 and ZNF280A. Our results support a role for LEUTX in preimplantation development as an enhancer binding protein and as a potent transcriptional activator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Gawriyski
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland.,Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, 00790 Helsinki, Finland.,Folkhälsan Research Center, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Eeva-Mari Jouhilahti
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland.,Folkhälsan Research Center, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Masahito Yoshihara
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, 14183 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Liangru Fei
- Applied Tumor Genomics Program, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jere Weltner
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland.,Folkhälsan Research Center, 00290 Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, 14186 Stockholm, Sweden.,Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, 14186 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tomi T Airenne
- Structural Bioinformatics Laboratory and InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, Biochemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Ras Trokovic
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Shruti Bhagat
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, 14183 Huddinge, Sweden.,RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Mari H Tervaniemi
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland.,Folkhälsan Research Center, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Yasuhiro Murakawa
- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan.,Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,Department of Medical Systems Genomics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,IFOM-ETS, Milan, Italy
| | - Kari Salokas
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Xiaonan Liu
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sini Miettinen
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Thomas R Bürglin
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Biswajyoti Sahu
- Applied Tumor Genomics Program, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland.,Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway (NCMM), University of Oslo, 0349 Oslo, Norway
| | - Timo Otonkoski
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland.,Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mark S Johnson
- Structural Bioinformatics Laboratory and InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, Biochemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Shintaro Katayama
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland.,Folkhälsan Research Center, 00290 Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, 14183 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Markku Varjosalo
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Juha Kere
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland.,Folkhälsan Research Center, 00290 Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, 14183 Huddinge, Sweden
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16
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Remodeling of maternal mRNA through poly(A) tail orchestrates human oocyte-to-embryo transition. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2023; 30:200-215. [PMID: 36646905 PMCID: PMC9935398 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-022-00908-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Poly(A)-tail-mediated post-transcriptional regulation of maternal mRNAs is vital in the oocyte-to-embryo transition (OET). Nothing is known about poly(A) tail dynamics during the human OET. Here, we show that poly(A) tail length and internal non-A residues are highly dynamic during the human OET, using poly(A)-inclusive RNA isoform sequencing (PAIso-seq). Unexpectedly, maternal mRNAs undergo global remodeling: after deadenylation or partial degradation into 3'-UTRs, they are re-polyadenylated to produce polyadenylated degradation intermediates, coinciding with massive incorporation of non-A residues, particularly internal long consecutive U residues, into the newly synthesized poly(A) tails. Moreover, TUT4 and TUT7 contribute to the incorporation of these U residues, BTG4-mediated deadenylation produces substrates for maternal mRNA re-polyadenylation, and TENT4A and TENT4B incorporate internal G residues. The maternal mRNA remodeling is further confirmed using PAIso-seq2. Importantly, maternal mRNA remodeling is essential for the first cleavage of human embryos. Together, these findings broaden our understanding of the post-transcriptional regulation of maternal mRNAs during the human OET.
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17
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Human zygotic genome activation is initiated from paternal genome. Cell Discov 2023; 9:13. [PMID: 36717546 PMCID: PMC9887001 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-022-00494-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Although parental genomes undergo extensive epigenetic reprogramming to be equalized after fertilization, whether they play different roles in human zygotic genome activation (ZGA) remains unknown. Here, we mapped parental transcriptomes by using human parthenogenetic (PG) and androgenetic (AG) embryos during ZGA. Our data show that human ZGA is launched at the 8-cell stage in AG and bi-parental embryos, but at the morula stage in PG embryos. In contrast, mouse ZGA occurs at the same stage in PG and AG embryos. Mechanistically, primate-specific ZNF675 with AG-specific expression plays a role in human ZGA initiated from paternal genome at the 8-cell stage. AG-specifically expressed LSM1 is also critical for human maternal RNA degradation (MRD) and ZGA. The allelic expressions of ZNF675 and LSM1 are associated with their allelically epigenetic states. Notably, the paternally specific expressions of ZNF675 and LSM1 are also observed in diploid embryos. Collectively, human ZGA is initiated from paternal genome.
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18
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What Does Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Change in Embryonic Development? The Spermatozoon Contribution. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12020671. [PMID: 36675600 PMCID: PMC9867417 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12020671] [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: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) technique was invented to solve severe male infertility due to altered sperm parameters. Nowadays, it is applied worldwide for the treatment of couple infertility. ICSI is performed with any available spermatozoon from surgery or ejaculated samples, whatever are the sperm motility, morphology or quantity. The aim of the present review was to study if embryo development and kinetics would be modified by (1) ICSI under the technical aspects, (2) the micro-injected spermatozoa in connection with male infertility. From published data, it can be seen that ICSI anticipates the zygote kinetics Furthermore, because fertilization rate is higher in ICSI compared to conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF), more blastocysts are obtained for clinical use in ICSI. Sperm and spermatozoa characteristics, such as sperm parameters, morphology and vitality, DNA content (levels of sperm DNA fragmentation, microdeletions, and chromosomal abnormalities), RNA content, epigenetics, and sperm recovery site (testicular, epididymis, and ejaculated), have an impact on fertilization and blastocyst rates and embryo kinetics in different ways. Even though ICSI is the most common solution to solve couples' infertility, the causes of male infertility are crucial in building a competent spermatozoa that will contribute to normal embryonic development and healthy offspring.
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19
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Scheuren M, Möhner J, Zischler H. R-loop landscape in mature human sperm: Regulatory and evolutionary implications. Front Genet 2023; 14:1069871. [PMID: 37139234 PMCID: PMC10149866 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1069871] [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: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
R-loops are three-stranded nucleic acid structures consisting of an RNA:DNA hybrid and a displaced DNA strand. While R-loops pose a potential threat to genome integrity, they constitute 5% of the human genome. The role of R-loops in transcriptional regulation, DNA replication, and chromatin signature is becoming increasingly clear. R-loops are associated with various histone modifications, suggesting that they may modulate chromatin accessibility. To potentially harness transcription-coupled repair mechanisms in the germline, nearly the entire genome is expressed during the early stages of male gametogenesis in mammals, providing ample opportunity for the formation of a transcriptome-dependent R-loop landscape in male germ cells. In this study, our data demonstrated the presence of R-loops in fully mature human and bonobo sperm heads and their partial correspondence to transcribed regions and chromatin structure, which is massively reorganized from mainly histone to mainly protamine-packed chromatin in mature sperm. The sperm R-loop landscape resembles characteristic patterns of somatic cells. Surprisingly, we detected R-loops in both residual histone and protamine-packed chromatin and localize them to still-active retroposons, ALUs and SINE-VNTR-ALUs (SVAs), the latter has recently arisen in hominoid primates. We detected both evolutionarily conserved and species-specific localizations. Comparing our DNA-RNA immunoprecipitation (DRIP) data with published DNA methylation and histone chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) data, we hypothesize that R-loops epigenetically reduce methylation of SVAs. Strikingly, we observe a strong influence of R-loops on the transcriptomes of zygotes from early developmental stages before zygotic genome activation. Overall, these findings suggest that chromatin accessibility influenced by R-loops may represent a system of inherited gene regulation.
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20
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de Castro P, Vendrell X, Escrich L, Grau N, Gonzalez-Martin R, Quiñonero A, Dominguez F, Escribá MJ. Comparative single-cell transcriptomic profiles of human androgenotes and parthenogenotes during early development. Fertil Steril 2022; 119:675-687. [PMID: 36563838 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.12.027] [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: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To unravel the differential transcriptomic behavior of human androgenotes (AGs) and parthenogenotes (PGs) throughout the first cell cycles, analyze the differential expression of genes related to key biologic processes, and determine the time frame for embryonic genome activation (EGA) in AGs and PGs. DESIGN Laboratory study. SETTING Private fertility clinic. PATIENT(S) Mature oocytes were retrieved from healthy donors and subjected to artificial oocyte activation using calcium ionophore and puromycin to generate PGs (n = 6) or enucleated and subjected to intracytoplasmic sperm injection to generate AGs (n = 10). INTERVENTION(S) Uniparental constructs at different early stages of development were disaggregated into constituent single cells (we suggest the terms parthenocytes and androcytes) to characterize the single-cell transcriptional landscape using next-generation sequencing. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURE(S) Transcriptomic profiles comparison between different stages of early development in AGs and PGs. RESULT(S) The uniparental transcriptomic profiles at the first cell cycle showed 68 down-regulated and 26 up-regulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in PGs compared with AGs. During the third cell cycle, we found 60 up-regulated and 504 down-regulated DEGs in PGs compared with AGs. In the fourth cell cycle, 1,771 up-regulated and 1,171 down-regulated DEGs were found in PGs compared with AGs. The AGs and PGs had reduced EGA profiles during the first 3 cell cycles, and a spike of EGA at the fourth cell cycle was observed in PGs. CONCLUSION(S) Transcriptomic analysis of AGs and PGs revealed their complementary behavior until the fourth cell cycle. Androgenotes undergo a low wave of transcription during the first cell cycle, which reflects the paternal contribution to cell cycle coordination, mechanics of cell division, and novel transcription regulation. Maternal transcripts are most prominent in the third and fourth cell cycles, with amplification of transcription related to morphogenic progression and embryonic developmental competence acquisition. Regarding EGA, in PGs, a primitive EGA begins at the 1-cell stage and gradually progresses until the 4-cell stage, when crucial epigenetic reprogramming (through methylation) is up-regulated. In addition, our longitudinal single-cell transcriptomic analysis challenges that the zygote and early cleavage stages are the only totipotent entities, by revealing potential totipotency in cleavage-stage AGs and implications of paternal transcripts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro de Castro
- Grupo de Investigación en Medicina Reproductiva, Fundación FIVI, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS LA FE), Valencia, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Roberto Gonzalez-Martin
- Grupo de Investigación en Medicina Reproductiva, Fundación FIVI, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS LA FE), Valencia, Spain
| | - Alicia Quiñonero
- Grupo de Investigación en Medicina Reproductiva, Fundación FIVI, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS LA FE), Valencia, Spain
| | - Francisco Dominguez
- Grupo de Investigación en Medicina Reproductiva, Fundación FIVI, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS LA FE), Valencia, Spain.
| | - María José Escribá
- Grupo de Investigación en Medicina Reproductiva, Fundación FIVI, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS LA FE), Valencia, Spain; IVI Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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21
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Matot R, Kalma Y, Rahav R, Azem F, Amir H, Ben-Yosef D. Cleavage stage at compaction-a good predictor for IVF outcome. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2022; 161:997-1003. [PMID: 36495286 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.14619] [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: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze whether cleavage stage at compaction, and not only kinetics, can serve as a reliable predictor for clinical outcome. METHODS A retrospective cohort study including 1194 embryos, classified by compaction initiation stage (Group 1: compaction at fewer than eight cells, Group 2: compaction at eight cells, Group 3: compaction at more than eight cells). Of these, 815 embryos were evaluated for morphokinetic preimplantation parameters, and 379 embryos were analyzed for clinical implantation following thawing and transfer of single blastocysts during the same period. RESULTS In total, 1194 embryos were analyzed. Embryos that underwent compaction from more than eight cells (Group 3) exhibited more synchronous cleavage compared with Groups 1 and 2 (at both S2 and S3; P < 0.001), and displayed a significantly lower fragmentation rate. The likelihood of obtaining top-quality blastocysts decreased by 73% and 44% when comparing Group 3 embryos with those of Groups 1 and 2, respectively, (P < 0.03). Clinical validation of the results shows that while compaction from fewer than eight cells barely produced blastocysts for transfer, compaction at eight or more cells is crucial for implantation and birth (birth rates 11.1% and 18.5% for Groups 2 and 3, respectively). CONCLUSION Cleavage stage at compaction has a direct effect on blastocyst quality and subsequent pregnancy, so can be included in newly developed deep learning models for embryo selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Matot
- Fertility and IVF Institute, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Affiliated to Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yael Kalma
- Fertility and IVF Institute, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Affiliated to Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Roni Rahav
- Fertility and IVF Institute, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Affiliated to Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Foad Azem
- Fertility and IVF Institute, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Affiliated to Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Hadar Amir
- Fertility and IVF Institute, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Affiliated to Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Dalit Ben-Yosef
- Fertility and IVF Institute, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Affiliated to Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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22
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Sharafi M, Borghei-Rad SM, Hezavehei M, Shahverdi A, Benson JD. Cryopreservation of Semen in Domestic Animals: A Review of Current Challenges, Applications, and Prospective Strategies. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12233271. [PMID: 36496792 PMCID: PMC9739224 DOI: 10.3390/ani12233271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryopreservation is a way to preserve germplasm with applications in agriculture, biotechnology, and conservation of endangered animals. Cryopreservation has been available for over a century, yet, using current methods, only around 50% of spermatozoa retain their viability after cryopreservation. This loss is associated with damage to different sperm components including the plasma membrane, nucleus, mitochondria, proteins, mRNAs, and microRNAs. To mitigate this damage, conventional strategies use chemical additives that include classical cryoprotectants such as glycerol, as well as antioxidants, fatty acids, sugars, amino acids, and membrane stabilizers. However, clearly current protocols do not prevent all damage. This may be due to the imperfect function of antioxidants and the probable conversion of media components to more toxic forms during cryopreservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Sharafi
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E2, Canada
- Semex Alliance, Guelph, ON N1H 6J2, Canada
- Correspondence: (M.S.); (J.D.B.)
| | - Seyyed Mohsen Borghei-Rad
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran 16635-148, Iran
| | - Maryam Hezavehei
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran 16635-148, Iran
| | - Abdolhossein Shahverdi
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran 16635-148, Iran
| | - James D. Benson
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E2, Canada
- Correspondence: (M.S.); (J.D.B.)
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23
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Lee H, You SY, Han DW, La H, Park C, Yoo S, Kang K, Kang MH, Choi Y, Hong K. Dynamic Change of R-Loop Implicates in the Regulation of Zygotic Genome Activation in Mouse. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214345. [PMID: 36430821 PMCID: PMC9699122 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In mice, zygotic genome activation (ZGA) occurs in two steps: minor ZGA at the one-cell stage and major ZGA at the two-cell stage. Regarding the regulation of gene transcription, minor ZGA is known to have unique features, including a transcriptionally permissive state of chromatin and insufficient splicing processes. The molecular characteristics may originate from extremely open chromatin states in the one-cell stage zygotes, yet the precise underlying mechanism has not been well studied. Recently, the R-loop, a triple-stranded nucleic acid structure of the DNA/RNA hybrid, has been implicated in gene transcription and DNA replication. Therefore, in the present study, we examined the changes in R-loop dynamics during mouse zygotic development, and its roles in zygotic transcription or DNA replication. Our analysis revealed that R-loops persist in the genome of metaphase II oocytes and preimplantation embryos from the zygote to the blastocyst stage. In particular, zygotic R-loop levels dynamically change as development proceeds, showing that R-loop levels decrease as pronucleus maturation occurs. Mechanistically, R-loop dynamics are likely linked to ZGA, as inhibition of either DNA replication or transcription at the time of minor ZGA decreases R-loop levels in the pronuclei of zygotes. However, the induction of DNA damage by treatment with anticancer agents, including cisplatin or doxorubicin, does not elicit genome-wide changes in zygotic R-loop levels. Therefore, our study suggests that R-loop formation is mechanistically associated with the regulation of mouse ZGA, especially minor ZGA, by modulating gene transcription and DNA replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeonji Lee
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Institute of Advanced Regenerative Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Yeob You
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Institute of Advanced Regenerative Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Wook Han
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, China
| | - Hyeonwoo La
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Institute of Advanced Regenerative Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Chanhyeok Park
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Institute of Advanced Regenerative Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Seonho Yoo
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Institute of Advanced Regenerative Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Kiye Kang
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Institute of Advanced Regenerative Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Hee Kang
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Institute of Advanced Regenerative Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngsok Choi
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Institute of Advanced Regenerative Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwonho Hong
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Institute of Advanced Regenerative Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence:
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24
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Li C, Zhang Y, Leng L, Pan X, Zhao D, Li X, Huang J, Bolund L, Lin G, Luo Y, Xu F. The single-cell expression profile of transposable elements and transcription factors in human early biparental and uniparental embryonic development. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1020490. [PMID: 36438554 PMCID: PMC9691860 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1020490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) and transcription factors (TFs) are involved in the precise regulation of gene expression during the preimplantation stage. Activation of TEs is a key event for mammalian embryonic genome activation and preimplantation early embryonic development. TFs are involved in the regulation of drastic changes in gene expression patterns, but an inventory of the interplay between TEs and TFs during normal/abnormal human embryonic development is still lacking. Here we used single-cell RNA sequencing data generated from biparental and uniparental embryos to perform an integrative analysis of TE and TF expression. Our results showed that endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are mainly expressed during the minor embryonic genome activation (EGA) process of early embryos, while Alu is gradually expressed in the middle and later stages. Some important ERVs (e.g., LTR5_Hs, MLT2A1) and Alu TEs are expressed at significantly lower levels in androgenic embryos. Integrative analysis revealed that the expression of the transcription factors CTCF and POU5F1 is correlated with the differential expression of ERV TEs. Comparative coexpression network analysis further showed distinct expression levels of important TFs (e.g., LEUTX and ZSCAN5A) in dizygotic embryos vs. parthenogenetic and androgenic embryos. This systematic investigation of TE and TF expression in human early embryonic development by single-cell RNA sequencing provides valuable insights into mammalian embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conghui Li
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- BGI-Shenzhen, Beishan Industrial Zone, Shenzhen, China
- Qingdao-Europe Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, BGI-Shenzhen, Qingdao, China
- Lars Bolund Institute of Regenerative Medicine, BGI-Qingdao, BGI-Shenzhen, Qingdao, China
- China National GeneBank, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Yue Zhang
- BGI-Qingdao, BGI-Shenzhen, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Lizhi Leng
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive and Stem Cells Engineering, Ministry of Health, Changsha, China
- Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaoguang Pan
- Qingdao-Europe Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, BGI-Shenzhen, Qingdao, China
- Lars Bolund Institute of Regenerative Medicine, BGI-Qingdao, BGI-Shenzhen, Qingdao, China
| | - Depeng Zhao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xuemei Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jinrong Huang
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- BGI-Shenzhen, Beishan Industrial Zone, Shenzhen, China
- Qingdao-Europe Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, BGI-Shenzhen, Qingdao, China
- Lars Bolund Institute of Regenerative Medicine, BGI-Qingdao, BGI-Shenzhen, Qingdao, China
- China National GeneBank, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars Bolund
- BGI-Shenzhen, Beishan Industrial Zone, Shenzhen, China
- Qingdao-Europe Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, BGI-Shenzhen, Qingdao, China
- Lars Bolund Institute of Regenerative Medicine, BGI-Qingdao, BGI-Shenzhen, Qingdao, China
- China National GeneBank, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ge Lin
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive and Stem Cells Engineering, Ministry of Health, Changsha, China
- Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Yonglun Luo
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- BGI-Shenzhen, Beishan Industrial Zone, Shenzhen, China
- Qingdao-Europe Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, BGI-Shenzhen, Qingdao, China
- Lars Bolund Institute of Regenerative Medicine, BGI-Qingdao, BGI-Shenzhen, Qingdao, China
- China National GeneBank, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Fengping Xu
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- BGI-Shenzhen, Beishan Industrial Zone, Shenzhen, China
- Qingdao-Europe Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, BGI-Shenzhen, Qingdao, China
- Lars Bolund Institute of Regenerative Medicine, BGI-Qingdao, BGI-Shenzhen, Qingdao, China
- China National GeneBank, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
- BGI Cell, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
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25
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Pladevall-Morera D, Zylicz JJ. Chromatin as a sensor of metabolic changes during early development. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1014498. [PMID: 36299478 PMCID: PMC9588933 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1014498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular metabolism is a complex network of biochemical reactions fueling development with energy and biomass; however, it can also shape the cellular epigenome. Indeed, some intermediates of metabolic reactions exert a non-canonical function by acting as co-factors, substrates or inhibitors of chromatin modifying enzymes. Therefore, fluctuating availability of such molecules has the potential to regulate the epigenetic landscape. Thanks to this functional coupling, chromatin can act as a sensor of metabolic changes and thus impact cell fate. Growing evidence suggest that both metabolic and epigenetic reprogramming are crucial for ensuring a successful embryo development from the zygote until gastrulation. In this review, we provide an overview of the complex relationship between metabolism and epigenetics in regulating the early stages of mammalian embryo development. We report on recent breakthroughs in uncovering the non-canonical functions of metabolism especially when re-localized to the nucleus. In addition, we identify the challenges and outline future perspectives to advance the novel field of epi-metabolomics especially in the context of early development.
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26
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Perry ACF, Asami M, Lam BYH, Yeo GSH. The initiation of mammalian embryonic transcription: to begin at the beginning. Trends Cell Biol 2022; 33:365-373. [PMID: 36182534 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2022.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Gamete (sperm and oocyte) genomes are transcriptionally silent until embryonic genome activation (EGA) following fertilization. EGA in humans had been thought to occur around the eight-cell stage, but recent findings suggest that it is triggered in one-cell embryos, by fertilization. Phosphorylation and other post-translational modifications during fertilization may instate transcriptionally favorable chromatin and activate oocyte-derived transcription factors (TFs) to initiate EGA. Expressed genes lay on cancer-associated pathways and their identities predict upregulation by MYC and other cancer-associated TFs. One interpretation of this is that the onset of EGA, and the somatic cell trajectory to cancer, are mechanistically related: cancer initiates epigenetically. We describe how fertilization might be linked to the initiation of EGA and involve distinctive processes recapitulated in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony C F Perry
- Laboratory of Mammalian Molecular Embryology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK.
| | - Maki Asami
- Laboratory of Mammalian Molecular Embryology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Brian Y H Lam
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Giles S H Yeo
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
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27
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Real age prediction from the transcriptome with RAPToR. Nat Methods 2022; 19:969-975. [PMID: 35817937 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-022-01540-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Transcriptomic data is often affected by uncontrolled variation among samples that can obscure and confound the effects of interest. This variation is frequently due to unintended differences in developmental stages between samples. The transcriptome itself can be used to estimate developmental progression, but existing methods require many samples and do not estimate a specimen's real age. Here we present real-age prediction from transcriptome staging on reference (RAPToR), a computational method that precisely estimates the real age of a sample from its transcriptome, exploiting existing time-series data as reference. RAPToR works with whole animal, dissected tissue and single-cell data for the most common animal models, humans and even for non-model organisms lacking reference data. We show that RAPToR can be used to remove age as a confounding factor and allow recovery of a signal of interest in differential expression analysis. RAPToR will be especially useful in large-scale single-organism profiling because it eliminates the need for accurate staging or synchronisation before profiling.
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28
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Thool M, Sundaravadivelu PK, Sudhagar S, Thummer RP. A Comprehensive Review on the Role of ZSCAN4 in Embryonic Development, Stem Cells, and Cancer. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2022; 18:2740-2756. [PMID: 35739386 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-022-10412-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
ZSCAN4 is a transcription factor that plays a pivotal role during early embryonic development. It is a unique gene expressed specifically during the first tide of de novo transcription during the zygotic genome activation. Moreover, it is reported to regulate telomere length in embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells. Interestingly, ZSCAN4 is expressed in approximately 5% of the embryonic stem cells in culture at any given time, which points to the fact that it has a tight regulatory system. Furthermore, ZSCAN4, if included in the reprogramming cocktail along with core reprogramming factors, increases the reprogramming efficiency and results in better quality, genetically stable induced pluripotent stem cells. Also, it is reported to have a role in promoting cancer stem cell phenotype and can prospectively be used as a marker for the same. In this review, the multifaceted role of ZSCAN4 in embryonic development, embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, cancer, and germ cells are discussed comprehensively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhuri Thool
- Laboratory for Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, 781039, Guwahati, Assam, India.,Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research Guwahati, Changsari, 781101, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Pradeep Kumar Sundaravadivelu
- Laboratory for Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, 781039, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - S Sudhagar
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research Guwahati, Changsari, 781101, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Rajkumar P Thummer
- Laboratory for Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, 781039, Guwahati, Assam, India.
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29
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Cai J, Chen H, Xie S, Hu Z, Bai Y. Research Progress of Totipotent Stem Cells. Stem Cells Dev 2022; 31:335-345. [PMID: 35502477 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2022.0061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Totipotent stem cells (TSCs), can develop into complete organisms, used in biological fields such as regenerative medicine, mammalian breeding, and conservation. However, cells from early-stage embryos cultured are hard to self-renew and maintain developmental totipotency, which becomes a key factor limiting the research of TSCs. Fortunately, a break-through in the study of induced pluripotent stem cells returning to their totipotent state has been made, resulting in the establishment of multiple TSCs and igniting a new wave of stem cell research. Furthermore, the blastocyst-like structures can be generated by the established TSCs, which lays a foundation for synthetic embryos in vitro. In this review, we summarize the totipotent stage of the early embryos, the establishment and cultivation of TSCs, and the developmental ability exploration of TSCs to promote further research of TSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianfeng Cai
- Foshan University School of Life Science and Engineering, 118208, Foshan, China, 528000;
| | - Huifang Chen
- Foshan University School of Life Science and Engineering, 118208, Foshan, China;
| | - Shiting Xie
- Foshan University School of Life Science and Engineering, 118208, Foshan, China;
| | - Zhichao Hu
- Foshan University School of Life Science and Engineering, 118208, Foshan, China;
| | - Yinshan Bai
- Foshan University School of Life Science and Engineering, 118208, Foshan, China;
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30
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Regin M, Spits C, Sermon K. On the origins and fate of chromosomal abnormalities in human preimplantation embryos: an unsolved riddle. Mol Hum Reprod 2022; 28:6566308. [DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaac011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
About 8 out of 10 human embryos obtained in vitro harbour chromosomal abnormalities of either meiotic or mitotic origin. Abnormalities of mitotic origin lead to chromosomal mosaicism, a phenomenon which has sparked much debate lately as it confounds results obtained through preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A). PGT-A in itself is still highly debated, not only on the modalities of its execution, but also on whether it should be offered to patients at all.
We will focus on post-zygotic chromosomal abnormalities leading to mosaicism. First, we will summarize what is known of the rates of chromosomal abnormalities at different developmental stages. Next, based on the current understanding of the origin and cellular consequences of chromosomal abnormalities, which is largely based on studies on cancer cells and model organisms, we will offer a number of hypotheses on which mechanisms may be at work in early human development. Finally, and very briefly, we will touch upon the impact our current knowledge has on the practice of PGT-A. What is the level of abnormal cells that an embryo can tolerate before it loses its potential for full development? And is blastocyst biopsy as harmless as it seems?
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Affiliation(s)
- Marius Regin
- Research group Reproduction and Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, 1090, Belgium
| | - Claudia Spits
- Research group Reproduction and Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, 1090, Belgium
| | - Karen Sermon
- Research group Reproduction and Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, 1090, Belgium
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31
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Zacà C, Coticchio G, Vigiliano V, Lagalla C, Nadalini M, Tarozzi N, Borini A. Fine-tuning IVF laboratory key performance indicators of the Vienna consensus according to female age. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:945-952. [PMID: 35338418 PMCID: PMC9050984 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02468-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To test the validity of the Vienna consensus laboratory key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor the outcome of treatments involving women of different age ranges. METHODS The retrospective cohort study included 862 complete IVF/ICSI cycles carried out between January 2014 and May 2021. All embryos of each cycle cohort were subject to extended culture. The overall population was divided into two groups according to female age: the Vienna consensus (≤ 39 years) and older female age (≥ 40 years). We compared outcomes of a selection of the Vienna performance indicators (PIs) and KPIs, with a focus on measures relevant to embryo cleavage and blastocyst formation. A possible association between total good blastocyst development rate (TGBDR) and cumulative clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) was also assessed. RESULTS No differences were observed in fertilization and embryo cleavage KPIs between the Vienna consensus and the older female age group (standard IVF fertilization, 67.2 vs. 67.3; ICSI fertilization, 72.3 vs. 75.3; day 2 development, 57.6% vs 58.7%; day 3 development, 52.4% vs. 50.7%, respectively). TGBDR was lower in the older female age group (45.5% vs. 33.4% p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated female age as a factor independently associated with TGBDR. Clinical outcomes significantly decreased with increasing female age. CONCLUSION The study suggests that, while most laboratory outcome measures are reliably applicable irrespective of female age, KPIs describing extended embryo culture should be fine-tuned in consideration of older female age.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Vincenzo Vigiliano
- ART Italian National Register, National Centre for Diseases Prevention and Health Promotion, National Health Institute, Rome, Italy
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32
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Taubenschmid-Stowers J, Rostovskaya M, Santos F, Ljung S, Argelaguet R, Krueger F, Nichols J, Reik W. 8C-like cells capture the human zygotic genome activation program in vitro. Cell Stem Cell 2022; 29:449-459.e6. [PMID: 35216671 PMCID: PMC8901440 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2022.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The activation of the embryonic genome marks the first major wave of transcription in the developing organism. Zygotic genome activation (ZGA) in mouse 2-cell embryos and 8-cell embryos in humans is crucial for development. Here, we report the discovery of human 8-cell-like cells (8CLCs) among naive embryonic stem cells, which transcriptionally resemble the 8-cell human embryo. They express ZGA markers, including ZSCAN4 and LEUTX, and transposable elements, such as HERVL and MLT2A1. 8CLCs show reduced SOX2 levels and can be identified using TPRX1 and H3.Y marker proteins in vitro. Overexpression of the transcription factor DUX4 and spliceosome inhibition increase human ZGA-like transcription. Excitingly, the 8CLC markers TPRX1 and H3.Y are also expressed in ZGA-stage 8-cell human embryos and may thus be relevant in vivo. 8CLCs provide a unique opportunity to characterize human ZGA-like transcription and might provide critical insights into early events in embryogenesis in humans. ZGA genes and transposable elements are expressed in 8CLCs but not in naive stem cells DUX4 overexpression and spliceosome inhibition induce ZGA-like transcription 8CLC marker proteins TPRX1 and H3.Y are expressed in 8-cell human embryos 8CLCs can be used to study human ZGA-like programs in vitro
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fátima Santos
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Sebastian Ljung
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
| | | | - Felix Krueger
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Jennifer Nichols
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK; Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EL, UK
| | - Wolf Reik
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK.
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Lactate Activates Germline and Cleavage Embryo Genes in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells. Cells 2022; 11:cells11030548. [PMID: 35159357 PMCID: PMC8833948 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Lactate was recently found to mediate histone lysine lactylation and facilitate polarization of M1 macrophages, indicating its role in metabolic regulation of gene expression. During somatic cell reprogramming, lactate promotes histone lactylation of pluripotency genes and improves reprogramming efficiency. However, the function of lactate in cell fate control in embryonic stem cells (ESCs) remains elusive. In this study, we revealed that lactate supplementation activated germline genes in mouse ESCs. Lactate also induced global upregulation of cleavage embryo genes, such as members of the Zscan4 gene family. Further exploration demonstrated that lactate stimulated H3K18 lactylation accumulation on germline and cleavage embryo genes, which in turn promoted transcriptional elongation. Our findings indicated that lactate supplementation expanded the transcriptional network in mouse ESCs.
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Efficient silencing of the multicopy DUX4 gene by ABE-mediated start codon mutation in human embryos. J Genet Genomics 2022; 49:982-985. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2022.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Yang H, Yang D, Zhu Q, Wang K, Zhang C, Chen B, Zou W, Hao Y, Ding D, Yu Z, Ji D, Chen D, Cao Y, Zou H, Zhang Z. Application of Two Blastocyst Biopsy Strategies in Preimplantation Genetic Testing Treatment and Assessment of Their Effects. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:852620. [PMID: 35311229 PMCID: PMC8931332 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.852620] [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: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blastocyst biopsy has become the most mainstream biopsy method. Currently, there are two blastocyst biopsy strategies. Many studies have compared the advantages and disadvantages between blastomere and blastocyst biopsy, but fewer articles have compared the two blastocyst biopsy strategies. For the moment, no published studies have explored the entire set of information on embryo development, next-generation sequencing results, and clinical outcomes, including the baby's health status with the two blastocyst biopsy strategies. METHODS A total of 323 preimplantation genetic testing cycles from April 2018 to May 2020, including 178 cycles with Strategy A and 145 cycles with Strategy B. Strategy A was to create a laser-assisted zona pellucid opening for cleavage embryo on the third day after insemination, but Strategy B was not. Strategy A performed a biopsy for artificially assisted hatching blastocysts, while Strategy B performed a biopsy for expanded blastocysts on day 5 or 6. In this study, embryo development, next-generation sequencing results, pregnancy outcomes, and offspring health of the two strategies were compared and analyzed. RESULTS There were no statistical differences between the two groups in the rate of fertilization, blastocyst and abortion. The rate of cleavage from Strategy A was slightly higher than Strategy B, and the rate of high-quality cleavage embryo was lower than Strategy B, while the rate of high-quality blastocyst was higher than Strategy B. The rate of no-results blastocyst was significantly lower than Strategy B. In particular, the rate of biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, and live birth of Strategy A were significantly lower than those of Strategy B. The average Apgar scores of newborns were ≥8 in both groups, and there was no significant difference in average height and weight. In Strategy A, a baby was born with thumb syndactyly, and Strategy B had no congenital disabilities. CONCLUSIONS Blastocyst biopsy strategy without laser-assisted zona pellucid drilling on day 3 achieves better clinical treatment effects. Therefore, Strategy B is an optimal treatment regime for PGT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Dandan Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Qi Zhu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Kaijuan Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Beili Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Weiwei Zou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yan Hao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ding Ding
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhaojuan Yu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Dongmei Ji
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Dawei Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Zhiguo Zhang, ; Huijuan Zou, ; Yunxia Cao,
| | - Huijuan Zou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Zhiguo Zhang, ; Huijuan Zou, ; Yunxia Cao,
| | - Zhiguo Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Zhiguo Zhang, ; Huijuan Zou, ; Yunxia Cao,
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Asami M, Lam BYH, Ma MK, Rainbow K, Braun S, VerMilyea MD, Yeo GSH, Perry ACF. Human embryonic genome activation initiates at the one-cell stage. Cell Stem Cell 2021; 29:209-216.e4. [PMID: 34936886 PMCID: PMC8826644 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2021.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In human embryos, the initiation of transcription (embryonic genome activation [EGA]) occurs by the eight-cell stage, but its exact timing and profile are unclear. To address this, we profiled gene expression at depth in human metaphase II oocytes and bipronuclear (2PN) one-cell embryos. High-resolution single-cell RNA sequencing revealed previously inaccessible oocyte-to-embryo gene expression changes. This confirmed transcript depletion following fertilization (maternal RNA degradation) but also uncovered low-magnitude upregulation of hundreds of spliced transcripts. Gene expression analysis predicted embryonic processes including cell-cycle progression and chromosome maintenance as well as transcriptional activators that included cancer-associated gene regulators. Transcription was disrupted in abnormal monopronuclear (1PN) and tripronuclear (3PN) one-cell embryos. These findings indicate that human embryonic transcription initiates at the one-cell stage, sooner than previously thought. The pattern of gene upregulation promises to illuminate processes involved at the onset of human development, with implications for epigenetic inheritance, stem-cell-derived embryos, and cancer. Gene expression initiates at the one-cell stage in human embryos Expression is of low magnitude but remains elevated until the eight-cell stage Upregulated transcripts are spliced and correspond to embryonic processes Upregulation is disrupted in morphologically abnormal one-cell embryos
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Affiliation(s)
- Maki Asami
- Laboratory of Mammalian Molecular Embryology, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, England
| | - Brian Y H Lam
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, England
| | - Marcella K Ma
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, England
| | - Kara Rainbow
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, England
| | - Stefanie Braun
- Ovation Fertility Austin, Embryology and Andrology Laboratories, Austin, TX 78731, USA
| | - Matthew D VerMilyea
- Ovation Fertility Austin, Embryology and Andrology Laboratories, Austin, TX 78731, USA.
| | - Giles S H Yeo
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, England.
| | - Anthony C F Perry
- Laboratory of Mammalian Molecular Embryology, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, England.
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Amargant F, Pujol A, Ferrer-Vaquer A, Durban M, Martínez M, Vassena R, Vernos I. The human sperm basal body is a complex centrosome important for embryo preimplantation development. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 27:6377343. [PMID: 34581808 PMCID: PMC8561016 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaab062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanism of conversion of the human sperm basal body to a centrosome after fertilization, and its role in supporting human early embryogenesis, has not been directly addressed so far. Using proteomics and immunofluorescence studies, we show here that the human zygote inherits a basal body enriched with centrosomal proteins from the sperm, establishing the first functional centrosome of the new organism. Injection of human sperm tails containing the basal body into human oocytes followed by parthenogenetic activation, showed that the centrosome contributes to the robustness of the early cell divisions, increasing the probability of parthenotes reaching the compaction stage. In the absence of the sperm-derived centrosome, pericentriolar material (PCM) components stored in the oocyte can form de novo structures after genome activation, suggesting a tight PCM expression control in zygotes. Our results reveal that the sperm basal body is a complex organelle which converts to a centrosome after fertilization, ensuring the early steps of embryogenesis and successful compaction. However, more experiments are needed to elucidate the exact molecular mechanisms of centrosome inheritance in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farners Amargant
- Clínica EUGIN-Eugin Group, Barcelona, Spain.,Cell and Developmental Biology Programme, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aïda Pujol
- Centro de Infertilidad y Reproducción Humana (CIRH)-Eugin Group, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Isabelle Vernos
- Cell and Developmental Biology Programme, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
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38
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Su G, Wang L, Gao G, Wu S, Yang L, Wu M, Liu X, Yang M, Wei Z, Bai C, Li G. C23 gene regulates the nucleolin structure and biosynthesis of ribosomes in bovine intraspecific and interspecific somatic cell nuclear transfer embryos. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21993. [PMID: 34670005 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100737rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) can reprogram differentiated somatic cells to produce individual animals, thus having advantages in animal breeding and chromatin reprogramming. Interspecies SCNT (iSCNT) provides extreme cases of reprogramming failure that can be used to understand the basic biological mechanism of genome reprogramming. It is important to understand the possible mechanisms for the failure of zygotic genome activation (ZGA) in iSCNT embryos in order to improve the efficiency of SCNT embryos. In the present study, we compared the development of bovine-bovine (B-B), ovine-ovine (O-O) SCNT, and ovine-bovine (O-B) iSCNT embryos and found that a developmental block existed in the 8-cell stage in O-B iSCNT embryos. RNA sequencing and q-PCR analysis revealed that the large ribosomal subunit genes (RPL) or the small ribosomal subunit genes (RPS) were expressed at lower levels in the O-B iSCNT embryos. The nucleolin (C23) gene that regulates the ribosomal subunit generation was transcribed at a lower level during embryonic development in O-B iSCNT embryos. In addition, the nucleolin exhibited a clear circular-ring structure in B-B 8-cell stage embryos, whereas this was shell-like or dot-like in the O-B embryos. Furthermore, overexpression of C23 could increase the blastocyst rate of both SCNT and iSCNT embryos and partly rectify the ring-like nucleolin structure and the expression of ribosomal subunit related genes were upregulation, while knockdown of C23 increased the shell-like nucleolin-structure in B-B cloned embryos and downregulated the expression of ribosomal subunit related genes. These results implied that abnormal C23 and ribosome subunit gene expression would lead to the developmental block of iSCNT embryos and ZGA failure. Overexpression of the C23 gene could partly improve the blastocyst development and facilitate the nucleolin structure in bovine preimplantation SCNT embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanghua Su
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Lina Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Guangqi Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Biotechnology and Engineering, Ministry of Education, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Shanshan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Lei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Meiling Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Xuefei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Miaomiao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Zhuying Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Chunling Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Guangpeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
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Santiago J, Silva JV, Howl J, Santos MAS, Fardilha M. All you need to know about sperm RNAs. Hum Reprod Update 2021; 28:67-91. [PMID: 34624094 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmab034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spermatogenesis generates a small and highly specialised type of cell that is apparently incapable of transcription and translation. For many years, this dogma was supported by the assumption that (i) the compact sperm nucleus, resulting from the substitution of histones by protamine during spermatogenesis, renders the genome inaccessible to the transcriptional machinery; and (ii) the loss of most organelles, including endoplasmic reticulum and ribosomes, limits or prevents translational activity. Despite these observations, several types of coding and non-coding RNAs have been identified in human sperm. Their functional roles, particularly during fertilisation and embryonic development, are only now becoming apparent. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review aimed to summarise current knowledge of the origin, types and functional roles of sperm RNAs, and to evaluate the clinical benefits of employing these transcripts as biomarkers of male fertility and reproductive outcomes. The possible contribution of sperm RNAs to intergenerational or transgenerational phenotypic inheritance is also addressed. SEARCH METHODS A comprehensive literature search on PubMed was conducted using the search terms 'sperm' AND 'RNA'. Searches focussed upon articles written in English and published prior to August 2020. OUTCOMES The development of more sensitive and accurate RNA technologies, including RNA sequencing, has enabled the identification and characterisation of numerous transcripts in human sperm. Though a majority of these RNAs likely arise during spermatogenesis, other data support an epididymal origin of RNA transmitted to maturing sperm by extracellular vesicles. A minority may also be synthesised by de novo transcription in mature sperm, since a small portion of the sperm genome remains packed by histones. This complex RNA population has important roles in paternal chromatin packaging, sperm maturation and capacitation, fertilisation, early embryogenesis and developmental maintenance. In recent years, additional lines of evidence from animal models support a role for sperm RNAs in intergenerational or transgenerational inheritance, modulating both the genotype and phenotype of progeny. Importantly, several reports indicate that the sperm RNA content of fertile and infertile men differs considerably and is strongly modulated by the environment, lifestyle and pathological states. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Transcriptional profiling has considerable potential for the discovery of fertility biomarkers. Understanding the role of sperm transcripts and comparing the sperm RNA fingerprint of fertile and infertile men could help to elucidate the regulatory pathways contributing to male factor infertility. Such data might also provide a molecular explanation for several causes of idiopathic male fertility. Ultimately, transcriptional profiling may be employed to optimise ART procedures and overcome some of the underlying causes of male infertility, ensuring the birth of healthy children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Santiago
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Joana V Silva
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.,i3S-Institute for Innovation and Health Research, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - John Howl
- Research Institute in Healthcare Science, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, UK
| | - Manuel A S Santos
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Margarida Fardilha
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
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40
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Aboussahoud WS, Smith H, Stevens A, Wangsaputra I, Hunter HR, Kimber SJ, Seif MW, Brison DR. The expression and activity of Toll-like receptors in the preimplantation human embryo suggest a new role for innate immunity. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:2661-2675. [PMID: 34517414 PMCID: PMC8450873 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is the innate immunity system active in early human embryo development? SUMMARY ANSWER The pattern recognition receptors and innate immunity Toll-like receptor (TLR) genes are widely expressed in preimplantation human embryos and the pathway appears to be active in response to TLR ligands. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Early human embryos are highly sensitive to their local environment, however relatively little is known about how embryos detect and respond to specific environmental cues. While the maternal immune response is known to be key to the establishment of pregnancy at implantation, the ability of human embryos to detect and signal the presence of pathogens is unknown. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Expression of TLR family and related genes in human embryos was assessed by analysis of published transcriptome data (n = 40). Day 5 (D-5) human embryos (n = 25) were cultured in the presence of known TLR ligands and gene expression and cytokine production measured compared to controls. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Human embryos surplus to treatment requirements were donated with informed consent from several ART centres. Embryos were cultured to Day 6 (D-6) in the presence of the TLR3 and TLR5 ligands Poly (I: C) and flagellin, with gene expression measured by quantitative PCR and cytokine release into medium measured using cytometric bead arrays. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE TLR and related genes, including downstream signalling molecules, were expressed variably at all human embryo developmental stages. Results showed the strongest expression in the blastocyst for TLRs 9 and 5, and throughout development for TLRs 9, 5, 2, 6 and 7. Stimulation of Day 5 blastocysts with TLR3 and TLR5 ligands Poly (I: C) and flagellin produced changes in mRNA expression levels of TLR genes, including the hyaluronan-mediated motility receptor (HMMR), TLR5, TLR7, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and monocyte chemoattractant Protein-1 (MCP-1) (P < 0.05, P < 0.001 compared to unstimulated controls), and release into culture medium of cytokines and chemokines, notably IL8 (P = 0.00005 and 0.01277 for flagellin and Poly (I: C), respectively). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This was a descriptive and experimental study which suggests that the TLR system is active in human embryos and capable of function, but does not confirm any particular role. Although we identified embryonic transcripts for a range of TLR genes, the expression patterns were not always consistent across published studies and expression levels of some genes were low, leaving open the possibility that these were expressed from the maternal rather than embryonic genome. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This is the first report of the expression and activity of a number of components of the innate immunity TLR system in human embryos. Understanding the role of TLRs during preimplantation human development may be important to reveal immunological mechanisms and potential clinical markers of embryo quality and pregnancy initiation during natural conception and in ART. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was funded by the Ministry of Higher Education, The State of Libya, the UK Medical Research Council, and the NIHR Local Comprehensive Research Network and NIHR Manchester Clinical Research Facility and the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programmes under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Grant Agreement No. 812660 (DohART-NET). In accordance with H2020 rules, no new human embryos were sacrificed for research activities performed from the EU funding, which concerned only in silico analyses of recorded time-lapse and transcriptomics datasets. None of the authors has any conflict of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER n/a.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wedad S Aboussahoud
- Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK.,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Helen Smith
- Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK.,Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Adam Stevens
- Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK.,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Ivan Wangsaputra
- Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK.,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Helen R Hunter
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Old St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Susan J Kimber
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Mourad W Seif
- Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK.,Department of Reproductive Medicine, Old St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Daniel R Brison
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Old St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
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Anger M, Radonova L, Horakova A, Sekach D, Charousova M. Impact of Global Transcriptional Silencing on Cell Cycle Regulation and Chromosome Segregation in Early Mammalian Embryos. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9073. [PMID: 34445775 PMCID: PMC8396661 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22169073] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The onset of an early development is, in mammals, characterized by profound changes of multiple aspects of cellular morphology and behavior. These are including, but not limited to, fertilization and the merging of parental genomes with a subsequent transition from the meiotic into the mitotic cycle, followed by global changes of chromatin epigenetic modifications, a gradual decrease in cell size and the initiation of gene expression from the newly formed embryonic genome. Some of these important, and sometimes also dramatic, changes are executed within the period during which the gene transcription is globally silenced or not progressed, and the regulation of most cellular activities, including those mentioned above, relies on controlled translation. It is known that the blastomeres within an early embryo are prone to chromosome segregation errors, which might, when affecting a significant proportion of a cell within the embryo, compromise its further development. In this review, we discuss how the absence of transcription affects the transition from the oocyte to the embryo and what impact global transcriptional silencing might have on the basic cell cycle and chromosome segregation controlling mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Anger
- Central European Institute of Technology, Department of Genetics and Reproduction, Veterinary Research Institute, 621 00 Brno, Czech Republic; (L.R.); (A.H.); (D.S.); (M.C.)
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Building Pluripotency Identity in the Early Embryo and Derived Stem Cells. Cells 2021; 10:cells10082049. [PMID: 34440818 PMCID: PMC8391114 DOI: 10.3390/cells10082049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The fusion of two highly differentiated cells, an oocyte with a spermatozoon, gives rise to the zygote, a single totipotent cell, which has the capability to develop into a complete, fully functional organism. Then, as development proceeds, a series of programmed cell divisions occur whereby the arising cells progressively acquire their own cellular and molecular identity, and totipotency narrows until when pluripotency is achieved. The path towards pluripotency involves transcriptome modulation, remodeling of the chromatin epigenetic landscape to which external modulators contribute. Both human and mouse embryos are a source of different types of pluripotent stem cells whose characteristics can be captured and maintained in vitro. The main aim of this review is to address the cellular properties and the molecular signature of the emerging cells during mouse and human early development, highlighting similarities and differences between the two species and between the embryos and their cognate stem cells.
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43
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Cornet-Bartolomé D, Barragán M, Zambelli F, Ferrer-Vaquer A, Tiscornia G, Balcells S, Rodriguez A, Grinberg D, Vassena R. Human oocyte meiotic maturation is associated with a specific profile of alternatively spliced transcript isoforms. Mol Reprod Dev 2021; 88:605-617. [PMID: 34374462 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The transition from a transcriptionally active state (GV) to a transcriptionally inactive state (mature MII oocytes) is required for the acquisition of oocyte developmental competence. We hypothesize that the expression of specific genes at the in vivo matured (MII) stage could be modulated by posttranscriptional mechanisms, particularly regulation of alternative splicing (AS). In this study, we examined the transcriptional activity of GV oocytes after ovarian stimulation followed by oocyte pick-up and the landscape of alternatively spliced isoforms in human MII oocytes. Individual oocytes were processed and analyzed for transcriptional activity (GV), gene expression (GV and MII), and AS signatures (GV and MII) on HTA 2.0 microarrays. Samples were grouped according to maturation stage, and then subgrouped according to women's age and antral follicular count (AFC); array results were validated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Differentially expressed genes between GV and MII oocytes clustered mainly in biological processes related to mitochondrial metabolism. Interestingly, 16 genes that were related to the regulation of transcription and mitochondrial translation showed differences in alternatively spliced isoform profiles despite not being differentially expressed between groups. Altogether, our results contribute to our understanding of the role of AS in oocyte developmental competence acquisition.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Cornet-Bartolomé
- EUGIN, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistic, Universitat de Barcelona. CIBERER, IBUB, IRSJD, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Gustavo Tiscornia
- EUGIN, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro Ciencias del Mar, University of Algarve, Portugal
| | - Susanna Balcells
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistic, Universitat de Barcelona. CIBERER, IBUB, IRSJD, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Daniel Grinberg
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistic, Universitat de Barcelona. CIBERER, IBUB, IRSJD, Barcelona, Spain
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Tarozzi N, Nadalini M, Coticchio G, Zacà C, Lagalla C, Borini A. The paternal toolbox for embryo development and health. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 27:6311671. [PMID: 34191013 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaab042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The sperm is essential for reconstitution of embryonic diploidy and highly specialized developmental functions. Immediately after gamete fusion, the sperm-borne PLC-zeta triggers activation, generating intracellular free Ca2+ oscillations. Mutations in the PLC-zeta encoding gene are associated with the absence of this factor in mature sperm and inability to achieve fertilization. Sperm play also a role in the greater game of the choreography of fertilization. In the human, the sperm centrioles are introduced into the oocyte environment with gamete fusion. They interact with the oocyte cytoskeletal apparatus to form a functional pair of centrosomes and ultimately regulate pronuclear juxtaposition in preparation for the first cleavage. As a consequence, the fidelity of chromosome segregation during the first cell divisions depends on the function of sperm centrioles. Sperm DNA integrity is essential for embryo development and health. Damaged DNA does not impact on the sperm fertilization ability following ICSI. However, detrimental effects emerge at pre- and post-implantation stages. Sperm-specific epigenetic factors also play an active role in the regulation of embryonic development, as shown by correlations between reduced embryo morphological quality and incorrect chromatin packaging during spermiogenesis or abnormal methylation of sperm CpG islands. This functional landscape demonstrates that the contribution of the sperm to development goes far beyond its well-established role in fertilization. Clinical studies confirm this view and indicate sperm function as a crucial aspect of research to increase the efficacy of assisted reproduction treatments.
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Pereira Daoud AM, Popovic M, Dondorp WJ, Trani Bustos M, Bredenoord AL, Chuva de Sousa Lopes SM, van den Brink SC, Roelen BAJ, de Wert GMWR, Heindryckx B. Modelling human embryogenesis: embryo-like structures spark ethical and policy debate. Hum Reprod Update 2021; 26:779-798. [PMID: 32712668 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2019] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studying the human peri-implantation period remains hindered by the limited accessibility of the in vivo environment and scarcity of research material. As such, continuing efforts have been directed towards developing embryo-like structures (ELS) from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) that recapitulate aspects of embryogenesis in vitro. While the creation of such models offers immense potential for studying fundamental processes in both pre- and early post-implantation development, it also proves ethically contentious due to wide-ranging views on the moral and legal reverence due to human embryos. Lack of clarity on how to qualify and regulate research with ELS thus presents a challenge in that it may either limit this new field of research without valid grounds or allow it to develop without policies that reflect justified ethical concerns. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The aim of this article is to provide a comprehensive overview of the existing scientific approaches to generate ELS from mouse and human PSCs, as well as discuss future strategies towards innovation in the context of human development. Concurrently, we aim to set the agenda for the ethical and policy issues surrounding research on human ELS. SEARCH METHODS The PubMed database was used to search peer-reviewed articles and reviews using the following terms: 'stem cells', 'pluripotency', 'implantation', 'preimplantation', 'post-implantation', 'blastocyst', 'embryoid bodies', 'synthetic embryos', 'embryo models', 'self-assembly', 'human embryo-like structures', 'artificial embryos' in combination with other keywords related to the subject area. The PubMed and Web of Science databases were also used to systematically search publications on the ethics of ELS and human embryo research by using the aforementioned keywords in combination with 'ethics', 'law', 'regulation' and equivalent terms. All relevant publications until December 2019 were critically evaluated and discussed. OUTCOMES In vitro systems provide a promising way forward for uncovering early human development. Current platforms utilize PSCs in both two- and three-dimensional settings to mimic various early developmental stages, including epiblast, trophoblast and amniotic cavity formation, in addition to axis development and gastrulation. Nevertheless, much hinges on the term 'embryo-like'. Extension of traditional embryo frameworks to research with ELS reveals that (i) current embryo definitions require reconsideration, (ii) cellular convertibility challenges the attribution of moral standing on the basis of 'active potentiality' and (iii) meaningful application of embryo protective directives will require rethinking of the 14-day culture limit and moral weight attributed to (non-)viability. Many conceptual and normative (dis)similarities between ELS and embryos thus remain to be thoroughly elucidated. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Modelling embryogenesis holds vast potential for both human developmental biology and understanding various etiologies associated with infertility. To date, ELS have been shown to recapitulate several aspects of peri-implantation development, but critically, cannot develop into a fetus. Yet, concurrent to scientific innovation, considering the extent to which the use of ELS may raise moral concerns typical of human embryo research remains paramount. This will be crucial for harnessing the potential of ELS as a valuable research tool, whilst remaining within a robust moral and legal framework of professionally acceptable practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Pereira Daoud
- Department of Health Ethics and Society, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Medical Humanities, Utrecht University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,School for Oncology and Developmental Biology (GROW), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Mina Popovic
- Ghent-Fertility And Stem cell Team (G-FAST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Wybo J Dondorp
- Department of Health Ethics and Society, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,School for Oncology and Developmental Biology (GROW), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,School for Care and Public Health Research (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Socrates chair Ethics of Reproductive Genetics endowed by the Dutch Humanist Association, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marc Trani Bustos
- Ghent-Fertility And Stem cell Team (G-FAST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Oncode Institute, Hubrecht Institute-KNAW (Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences) and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Annelien L Bredenoord
- Department of Medical Humanities, Utrecht University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Susana M Chuva de Sousa Lopes
- Ghent-Fertility And Stem cell Team (G-FAST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Susanne C van den Brink
- Oncode Institute, Hubrecht Institute-KNAW (Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences) and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bernard A J Roelen
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Guido M W R de Wert
- Department of Health Ethics and Society, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,School for Oncology and Developmental Biology (GROW), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,School for Care and Public Health Research (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Björn Heindryckx
- Ghent-Fertility And Stem cell Team (G-FAST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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Johnson KR, Mallon BS, Fann YC, Chen KG. Multivariate meta-analysis reveals global transcriptomic signatures underlying distinct human naive-like pluripotent states. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0251461. [PMID: 33984026 PMCID: PMC8118304 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The ground or naive pluripotent state of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), which was initially established in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs), is an emerging and tentative concept. To verify this vital concept in hPSCs, we performed a multivariate meta-analysis of major hPSC datasets via the combined analytic powers of percentile normalization, principal component analysis (PCA), t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE), and SC3 consensus clustering. This robust bioinformatics approach has significantly improved the predictive values of our meta-analysis. Accordingly, we revealed various similarities or dissimilarities between some naive-like hPSCs (NLPs) generated from different laboratories. Our analysis confirms some previous studies and provides new evidence concerning the existence of three distinct naive-like pluripotent states. Moreover, our study offers global transcriptomic markers that define diverse pluripotent states under various hPSC growth protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kory R. Johnson
- Intramural IT and Bioinformatics Program, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail: (KRJ); (KGC)
| | - Barbara S. Mallon
- NIH Stem Cell Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Yang C. Fann
- Intramural IT and Bioinformatics Program, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Kevin G. Chen
- NIH Stem Cell Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail: (KRJ); (KGC)
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Aljahdali A, Airina RKRI, Velazquez MA, Sheth B, Wallen K, Osmond C, Watkins AJ, Eckert JJ, Smyth NR, Fleming TP. The duration of embryo culture after mouse IVF differentially affects cardiovascular and metabolic health in male offspring. Hum Reprod 2021; 35:2497-2514. [PMID: 33020802 PMCID: PMC7603862 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do the long-term health outcomes following IVF differ depending upon the duration of embryo culture before transfer? SUMMARY ANSWER Using a mouse model, we demonstrate that in male but not female offspring, adverse cardiovascular (CV) health was more likely with prolonged culture to the blastocyst stage, but metabolic dysfunction was more likely if embryo transfer (ET) occurred at the early cleavage stage. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY ART associate with increased risk of adverse CV and metabolic health in offspring, and these findings have been confirmed in animal models in the absence of parental infertility issues. It is unclear which specific ART treatments may cause these risks. There is increasing use of blastocyst, versus cleavage-stage, transfer in clinical ART which does not appear to impair perinatal health of children born, but the longer-term health implications are unknown. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Five mouse groups were generated comprising: (i) natural mating (NM)—naturally mated, non-superovulated and undisturbed gestation; (ii) IV-ET-2Cell—in-vivo derived two-cell embryos collected from superovulated mothers, with immediate ET to recipients; (iii) IVF-ET-2Cell—IVF generated embryos, from oocytes from superovulated mothers, cultured to the two-cell stage before ET to recipients; (iv) IV-ET-BL—in-vivo derived blastocysts collected from superovulated mothers, with immediate ET to recipients; (v) IVF-ET-BL—IVF generated embryos, from oocytes from superovulated mothers, cultured to the blastocyst stage before ET to recipients. Both male and female offspring were analysed for growth, CV and metabolic markers of health. There were 8–13 litters generated for each group for analyses; postnatal data were analysed by multilevel random effects regression to take account of between-mother and within-mother variation and litter size. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTINGS, METHODS C57/BL6 female mice (3–4 weeks old) were used for oocyte production; CBA males for sperm with human tubal fluid medium were used for IVF. Embryos were transferred (ET) to MF1 pseudo-pregnant recipients at the two-cell stage or cultured in synthetic oviductal medium enriched with potassium medium to the blastocyst stage before ET. Control in-vivo embryos from C57BL6 × CBA matings were collected and immediately transferred at the two-cell or blastocyst stage. Postnatal assays included growth rate up to 27 weeks; systolic blood pressure (SBP) at 9, 15 and 21 weeks; lung and serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity at time of cull (27 weeks); glucose tolerance test (GTT; 27 weeks); basal glucose and insulin levels (27 weeks); and lipid accumulation in liver cryosections using Oil Red O imaging (27 weeks). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Blastocysts formed by IVF developed at a slower rate and comprised fewer cells that in-vivo generated blastocysts without culture (P < 0.05). Postnatal growth rate was increased in all four experimental treatments compared with NM group (P < 0.05). SBP, serum and lung ACE and heart/body weight were higher in IVF-ET-BL versus IVF-ET-2Cell males (P < 0.05) and higher than in other treatment groups, with SBP and lung ACE positively correlated (P < 0.05). Glucose handling (GTT AUC) was poorer and basal insulin levels were higher in IVF-ET-2Cell males than in IVF-ET-BL (P < 0.05) with the glucose:insulin ratio more negatively correlated with body weight in IVF-ET-2Cell males than in other groups. Liver/body weight and liver lipid droplet diameter and density in IVF-ET-2Cell males were higher than in IVF-ET-BL males (P < 0.05). IVF groups had poorer health characteristics than their in-vivo control groups, indicating that outcomes were not caused specifically by background techniques (superovulation, ET). No consistent health effects from duration of culture were identified in female offspring. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Results from experimental animal models cannot be extrapolated to humans. Nevertheless, they are valuable to develop conceptual models, in this case, in the absence of confounding parental infertility, in assessing the safety of ART manipulations. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The study indicates that longer duration of embryo culture after IVF up to blastocyst before ET leads to increased dysfunction of CV health in males compared with IVF and shorter cleavage-stage ET. However, the metabolic health of male offspring was poorer after shorter versus longer culture duration. This distinction indicates that the origin of CV and metabolic health phenotypes after ART may be different. The poorer metabolic health of males after cleavage-stage ET coincides with embryonic genome activation occurring at the time of ET. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported through the European Union FP7-CP-FP Epihealth programme (278418) and FP7-PEOPLE-2012-ITN EpiHealthNet programme (317146) to T.P.F., the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) (BB/F007450/1) to T.P.F., and the Saudi government, University of Jeddah and King Abdulaziz University to A.A. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anan Aljahdali
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK.,University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - R K Raja Ili Airina
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Miguel A Velazquez
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Bhavwanti Sheth
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Katrina Wallen
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Clive Osmond
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Adam J Watkins
- Division of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Judith J Eckert
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Neil R Smyth
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Tom P Fleming
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
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Paonessa M, Borini A, Coticchio G. Genetic causes of preimplantation embryo developmental failure. Mol Reprod Dev 2021; 88:338-348. [PMID: 33843124 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Embryo development requires orchestrated events, finely regulated at the molecular and cellular level by mechanisms which are progressively emerging from animal studies. With progress in genetic technologies-such as genome editing and single-cell RNA analysis-we can now assess embryo gene expression with increased precision and gain new insights into complex processes until recently difficult to explore. Multiple genes and regulative pathways have been identified for each developmental stage. We have learned that embryos with undisturbed and timely gene expression have higher chances of successful development. For example, selected genes are highly expressed during the first stages, being involved in cell adhesion, cell cycle, and regulation of transcription; other genes are instead crucial for lineage specification and therefore expressed at later stages. Due to ethical constraints, studies on human embryos remain scarce, mainly descriptive, and unable to provide functional evidence. This highlights the importance of animal studies as basic knowledge to test and appraise in a clinical context. In this review, we report on preimplantation development with a focus on genes whose impairment leads to developmental arrest. Preconceptional genetic screening could identify loss-of-function mutations of these genes; thereby, novel biomarkers of embryo quality could be adopted to improve diagnosis and treatment of infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariagrazia Paonessa
- 9.Baby, Family and Fertility Center, Bologna, Italy.,Casa di Cura Candela Spa, Palermo, Italy
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Zhang HN, Ying YF, Xi HT, Lu XS, Zhao JZ, Chen YL. Comparison of Pregnancy Outcomes Between Single-Morula Embryo Transfer and Single-Blastocyst Transfer in Fresh IVF/ICSI Cycles. Med Sci Monit 2021; 27:e928737. [PMID: 33566796 PMCID: PMC7884499 DOI: 10.12659/msm.928737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study investigated the effectiveness and feasibility of day 4 (D4) morula embryo transfer (ET) in comparison with day 5 (D5) blastocyst ET, with regards to their clinical data, laboratory test results, and pregnancy outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS This retrospective cohort study enrolled 1070 patients, including 178 cases in group D4 and 892 cases in group D5. The endpoint was live birth rate after fresh embryo transfer. Furthermore, the clinical outcomes of D4 embryos with different morphology were compared and assigned to 3 groups: in group 1 (n=66) the embryos were compacted but not expanded, in group 2 (n=102) the embryos were compacted and expanded (early blastocyst), and in group 3 (n=10) the embryos were not compacted. RESULTS Groups D4 and D5 had comparable clinical pregnancy rates (53.37% vs. 59.97%) and live birth rates (43.25% vs 50.89%), and there were no significant differences between the 2 groups. In group 3, there was only 1 clinical pregnancy and no live birth. In comparison between group 1 and group 2, the clinical pregnancy rate of group 2 showed an upward trend (48.48% vs 60.78%), but there was no significant difference. There was also no statistically significant difference in the live birth rate between the 2 groups (42.42% vs 49.01%). CONCLUSIONS Transferring of compacted embryos or early blastocysts can result in high clinical pregnancy rates and live birth rates. In addition to the cleavage and blastocyst ET, morula ET may serve as an alternative option for the clinician.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Na Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China (mainland)
| | - Ying-Fen Ying
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China (mainland)
| | - Hai-Tao Xi
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China (mainland)
| | - Xiao-Sheng Lu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China (mainland)
| | - Jun-Zhao Zhao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China (mainland)
| | - Yi-Lu Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China (mainland)
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Ruebel ML, Zambelli F, Schall PZ, Barragan M, VandeVoort CA, Vassena R, Latham KE. Shared aspects of mRNA expression associated with oocyte maturation failure in humans and rhesus monkeys indicating compromised oocyte quality. Physiol Genomics 2021; 53:137-149. [PMID: 33554756 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00155.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Oocyte maturation failure observed in assisted reproduction technology (ART) cycles can limit the number of quality oocytes obtained and present a pronounced barrier for some patients. The potential exists to use unmatured oocytes for ART through in vitro maturation. Understanding the molecular basis of oocyte maturation failure is pertinent to minimizing this loss of oocytes and considerations of whether such oocytes can be used safely for ART. We identified shared transcriptome abnormalities for rhesus monkey and human failed-to-mature (FTM) oocytes relative to healthy matured MII stage oocytes. We discovered that, although the number of shared affected genes was comparatively small, FTM oocytes in both species shared effects for several pathways and functions, including predicted activation of oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) with additional effects on mitochondrial function, lipid metabolism, transcription, nucleotide excision repair, endoplasmic reticulum stress, unfolded protein response, and cell viability. RICTOR emerged as a prominent upstream regulator with predicted inhibition across all analyses. Alterations in KDM5A, MTOR, MTORC1, INSR, CAB39L, and STK11 activities were implicated along with RICTOR in modulating mitochondrial activity and OxPhos. Defects in cell cycle progression were not a prominent feature of FTM oocytes. These results identify a common set of transcriptome abnormalities associated with oocyte maturation failure. While our results do not demonstrate causality, they indicate that fundamental aspects of cellular function are abnormal in FTM oocytes and raise significant concerns about the potential risks of using FTM oocytes for ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan L Ruebel
- Department of Animal Science and Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | | | - Peter Z Schall
- Department of Animal Science and Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | | | - Catherine A VandeVoort
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, California.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, Davis, California
| | | | - Keith E Latham
- Department of Animal Science and Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
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