1
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Nishio S, Emori C, Wiseman B, Fahrenkamp D, Dioguardi E, Zamora-Caballero S, Bokhove M, Han L, Stsiapanava A, Algarra B, Lu Y, Kodani M, Bainbridge RE, Komondor KM, Carlson AE, Landreh M, de Sanctis D, Yasumasu S, Ikawa M, Jovine L. ZP2 cleavage blocks polyspermy by modulating the architecture of the egg coat. Cell 2024; 187:1440-1459.e24. [PMID: 38490181 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.02.013] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Following the fertilization of an egg by a single sperm, the egg coat or zona pellucida (ZP) hardens and polyspermy is irreversibly blocked. These events are associated with the cleavage of the N-terminal region (NTR) of glycoprotein ZP2, a major subunit of ZP filaments. ZP2 processing is thought to inactivate sperm binding to the ZP, but its molecular consequences and connection with ZP hardening are unknown. Biochemical and structural studies show that cleavage of ZP2 triggers its oligomerization. Moreover, the structure of a native vertebrate egg coat filament, combined with AlphaFold predictions of human ZP polymers, reveals that two protofilaments consisting of type I (ZP3) and type II (ZP1/ZP2/ZP4) components interlock into a left-handed double helix from which the NTRs of type II subunits protrude. Together, these data suggest that oligomerization of cleaved ZP2 NTRs extensively cross-links ZP filaments, rigidifying the egg coat and making it physically impenetrable to sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunsuke Nishio
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Chihiro Emori
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan; Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Benjamin Wiseman
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Dirk Fahrenkamp
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Elisa Dioguardi
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | | | - Marcel Bokhove
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Ling Han
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Alena Stsiapanava
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Blanca Algarra
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Yonggang Lu
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan; Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Mayo Kodani
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan; Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Rachel E Bainbridge
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kayla M Komondor
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Anne E Carlson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Michael Landreh
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, 75124 Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Shigeki Yasumasu
- Department of Materials and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Sophia University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan; Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan; Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan; Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research (CiDER), Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Luca Jovine
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden.
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2
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Fang J, Sun H, Chen L, Wang J, Lin F, Xu Z, Zhu L, Wang S. Embryological characteristics and clinical outcomes of oocytes with different degrees of abnormal zona pellucida during assisted reproductive treatment. ZYGOTE 2024; 32:7-13. [PMID: 38018399 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199423000515] [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] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Abnormalities in the zona pellucida (ZP) adversely affect oocyte maturation, embryo development and pregnancy outcomes. However, the assessment of severity is challenging. To evaluate the effects of different degrees of ZP abnormalities on embryo development and clinical outcomes, in total, 590 retrieval cycles were scored and divided into four categories (control, mild, moderate and severe) based on three parameters: perivitelline space, percentage of immature oocytes and percentage of oocytes with abnormal morphology. As the severity of abnormal ZP increased, both the number of retrieved oocytes and mature oocytes decreased. The fertilization rate did not differ significantly among groups. The rates of embryo cleavage and day-3 high-quality embryos in the mild group and the moderate group did not vary significantly between the two groups but were significantly higher than those in the severe group. The blastulation rates of the abnormal ZP groups were similar; however, they were lower than those of the control group. Moreover, the cycle cancellation rate of the severe abnormal ZP group was as high as 66.20%, which was significantly higher than that of the other three groups. Although the rates of cumulative clinical pregnancy and live births were lower than those in the control group, they were comparable among the abnormal ZP groups. There were no differences in the neonatal outcomes of the different groups. Together, ZP abnormalities show various degrees of severity, and in all patients regardless of the degree of ZP abnormalities who achieve available embryos, there will be an opportunity to eventually give birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junshun Fang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing210008, China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing210008, China
| | - Hua Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing210008, China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing210008, China
| | - Linjun Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing210008, China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing210008, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing210008, China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing210008, China
| | - Fei Lin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing210008, China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing210008, China
| | - Zhipeng Xu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing210008, China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing210008, China
| | - Lihua Zhu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing210008, China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing210008, China
| | - Shanshan Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing210008, China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing210008, China
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3
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Ma M, Zhang L, Liu Z, Teng Y, Li M, Peng X, An L. Effect of blastocyst development on hatching and embryo implantation. Theriogenology 2024; 214:66-72. [PMID: 37857152 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.10.011] [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: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
The mammalian zygote, formed after a sperm fertilizes an egg, undergoes several rounds of mitosis and morphogenesis to form the blastocyst. During the peri-implantation period, the blastocyst hatches out of the zona pellucida (ZP) and invades the receptive uterine endometrium. This process promotes maternal-fetal dialogue at the physiological and molecular level, thereby initiating the implantation process. Blastocyst hatching is a consequence of elevated osmotic pressure due to active Na+/K+ ion transporter in the blastocyst cavity, as well as proteases produced by trophectoderm (TE) that hydrolyze the ZP. This review summarizes the process underpinning blastocyst hatching, such as the hatching schedule, the location of TEs during initial hatching out of the ZP, the molecules involved in blastocyst hatching, and how these processes affect implantation events. Additionally, we focus on identifying crucial molecules that may influence the quality of implantation and predict the outcome of embryo implantation. Further understanding the mechanism of these molecules may help us to improve the efficiency of Assisted reproductive technology (ART) in livestock breeding. This review provides insight into embryonic development, specifically during the short-term process of blastocyst hatching and its effects on the following implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meixiang Ma
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, 830046, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, 830046, China
| | - Zihan Liu
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, 830046, China
| | - Yadi Teng
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, 830046, China
| | - Miaolong Li
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, 830046, China
| | - Xinrong Peng
- Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Xinjiang Academy of Animal Science, Urumqi, 830011, China.
| | - Liyou An
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, 830046, China.
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4
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Israel S, Seyfarth J, Nolte T, Drexler HCA, Fuellen G, Boiani M. Intracellular fraction of zona pellucida protein 3 is required for the oocyte-to-embryo transition in mice. Mol Hum Reprod 2023; 29:gaad038. [PMID: 37930049 PMCID: PMC10640839 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaad038] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In oocyte biology, the zona pellucida has long been known to operate three extracellular functions downstream of the secretory pathway, namely, encasing the oocytes in ovarian follicles, mediating sperm-oocyte interaction, and preventing premature embryo contact with oviductal epithelium. The present study uncovers a fourth function that is fundamentally distinct from the other three, being critical for embryonic cell survival in mice. Intriguingly, the three proteins of the mouse zona pellucida (ZP1, ZP2, ZP3) were found abundantly present also inside the embryo 4 days after fertilization, as shown by mass spectrometry, immunoblotting, and immunofluorescence. Contrary to current understanding of the roles of ZP proteins, ZP3 was associated more with the cytoskeleton than with secretory vesicles in the subcortical region of metaphase II oocytes and zygotes, and was excluded from regions of cell-cell contact in cleavage-stage embryos. Trim-away-mediated knockdown of ZP3 in fertilized oocytes hampered the first zygotic cleavage, while ZP3 overexpression supported blastocyst formation. Transcriptome analysis of ZP3-knockdown embryos pointed at defects of cytoplasmic translation in the context of embryonic genome activation. This conclusion was supported by reduced protein synthesis in the ZP3-knockdown and by the lack of cleavage arrest when Trim-away was postponed from the one-cell to the late two-cell stage. These data place constraints on the notion that zona proteins only operate in the extracellular space, revealing also a role during the oocyte-to-embryo transition. Ultimately, these data recruit ZP3 into the family of maternal factors that contribute to developmental competence of mouse oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Israel
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Department of Cell & Tissue Dynamics, Muenster, Germany
| | - Julia Seyfarth
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Department of Cell & Tissue Dynamics, Muenster, Germany
| | - Thomas Nolte
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Department of Cell & Tissue Dynamics, Muenster, Germany
| | - Hannes C A Drexler
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Department of Cell & Tissue Dynamics, Muenster, Germany
| | - Georg Fuellen
- Rostock University Medical Center, Institute for Biostatistics and Informatics in Medicine and Aging Research (IBIMA), Rostock, Germany
| | - Michele Boiani
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Department of Cell & Tissue Dynamics, Muenster, Germany
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5
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Liu SL, Zuo HY, Zhao BW, Guo JN, Liu WB, Lei WL, Li YY, Ouyang YC, Hou Y, Han ZM, Wang WZ, Sun QY, Wang ZB. A heterozygous ZP2 mutation causes zona pellucida defects and female infertility in mouse and human. iScience 2023; 26:107828. [PMID: 37736051 PMCID: PMC10509300 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107828] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The zona pellucida (ZP) is an extracellular glycoprotein matrix surrounding mammalian oocytes. Recently, numerous mutations in genes encoding ZP proteins have been shown to be possibly related to oocyte abnormality and female infertility; few reports have confirmed the functions of these mutations in living animal models. Here, we identified a novel heterozygous missense mutation (NM_001376231.1:c.1616C>T, p.Thr539Met) in ZP2 from a primary infertile female. We showed that the mutation reduced ZP2 expression and impeded ZP2 secretion in cell lines. Furthermore, we constructed the mouse model with the mutation (Zp2T541M) using CRISPR-Cas9. Zp2WT/T541M female mice had normal fertility though generated oocytes with the thin ZP, whereas Zp2T541M female mice were completely infertile due to degeneration of oocytes without ZP. Additionally, ZP deletion impaired folliculogenesis and caused female infertility in Zp2T541M mice. Our study not only expands the spectrum of ZP2 mutation sites but also, more importantly, increases the understanding of pathogenic mechanisms of ZP2 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai-Li Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Hai-Yang Zuo
- The Six Medical Center of Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Bing-Wang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Jia-Ni Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Wen-Bo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Wen-Long Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Ying-Chun Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yi Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Zhi-Ming Han
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Wei-Zhou Wang
- The Six Medical Center of Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Qing-Yuan Sun
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases and Reproductive Health, Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou 510317, China
| | - Zhen-Bo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
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6
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Kong N, Xu Q, Shen X, Zhu X, Cao G. Case report: A novel homozygous variant in ZP3 is associated with human empty follicle syndrome. Front Genet 2023; 14:1256549. [PMID: 37908588 PMCID: PMC10613883 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1256549] [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: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Empty follicle syndrome (EFS) is a rare condition in female infertility. It is characterized by the inability to retrieve oocytes from visibly large, normally developing follicles in the ovaries, despite ovarian stimulation. The genetic factors contributing to this syndrome remain unclear. This study focused on patients who underwent three consecutive ovarian stimulation procedures for oocyte retrieval but experienced unsuccessful outcomes, despite the presence of observable large follicles. Ultrasound examinations were conducted to assess follicular development during each procedure. In order to investigate potential genetic causes, we performed whole exome sequencing on peripheral blood samples from the patient. Interestingly, we identified that this patient carries a homozygous mutation in the ZP3 genes. Within the ZP3 gene, we identified a homozygous variant [NM_001110354.2, c.176T>A (p.L59H)] specifically located in the zona pellucida (ZP) domain. Further analysis, including bioinformatics methods and protein structure modeling, was carried out to investigate the conservation of the ZP3L59H variant across different species. This homozygous variant exhibited a high degree of conservation across various species. Importantly, the homozygous ZP3L59H variant was associated with the occurrence of empty follicle syndrome in affected female patients. The homozygous ZP3L59H variant represents a newly discovered genetic locus implicated in the development of human empty follicle syndrome. Our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the role of zona pellucida-related genes in infertility and provide valuable insights for the genetic diagnosis of female infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Kong
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qian Xu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoyue Shen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiangyu Zhu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guangyi Cao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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Santos ATD, Kumar S, Albuquerque JVDS, Arcce IML, Chaves OA, Cruz GS, Carretero VJ, Melo LM, Chaves MS, Guijo JMH, Freitas VJDF, Rádis-Baptista G. The anti-infective crotalicidin peptide analog RhoB-Ctn[1-9] is harmless to bovine oocytes and able to induce parthenogenesis in vitro. Toxicon 2023; 234:107274. [PMID: 37657514 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107274] [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: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Crotalicidin is a cathelicidin-related anti-infective (antimicrobial) peptide expressed in the venom glands of the South American rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus. Congener peptides of crotalicidin, named vipericidins, are found in other pit vipers inhabiting South America. Crotalicidin is active against bacteria and pathogenic yeasts and has anti-proliferative activity for some cancer cells. The structural dissection of crotalicidin produced fragments (e.g., Ctn [15-34]) with multiple biological functionalities that mimic the native peptide. Another structural characteristic of crotalidicin and congeners is a unique repetitive stretch of amino acid sequences in tandem embedded in their primary structures. One of the encrypted vipericidn peptides (Ctn [1-9]) was synthesized, and the analog covalently conjugated with rhodamine B (RhoB-Ctn [1-9]) displayed considerable antimicrobial activity and selective cytotoxicity. Methods to evaluate antimicrobial peptides' toxicity include lysis of red blood cells (hemolysis) in vitro and cytotoxicity of healthy cultured cells (e.g., fibroblasts). Here, as a non-conventional model of toxicity, the bovine oocytes were exposed to two standardized concentrations of RhoB-Ctn [1-9], and embryo viability and development at its first stage of cleavage (division of cells) and blastocyst formation were evaluated. Oocytes treated with peptide at 10 and 40 μM induced cleavage rates of 44.94% and 51.53%, resulting in the formation of blastocysts of 7.07% and 11.73%, respectively. Light sheet microscopy and in silico prediction analysis indicated that RhoB-Ctn [1-9] peptide interacts with zona pellucida and internalizes into bovine oocytes and developing embryos. The ADMET prediction estimated good bioavailability of RhoB-Ctn [1-9]. In conclusion, the peptide appeared harmless to bovine oocytes and, remarkably, activated the parthenogenesis in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariane Teixeira Dos Santos
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Dentistry, And Nursing, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil; Department of Pharmacology and Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Instituto Teófilo Hernando, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain
| | - Satish Kumar
- Laboratory of Physiology and Control of Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary, State University of Ceará (UECE), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - João Victor da Silva Albuquerque
- Laboratory of Physiology and Control of Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary, State University of Ceará (UECE), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Irving Mitchell Laines Arcce
- Laboratory of Physiology and Control of Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary, State University of Ceará (UECE), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Otávio Augusto Chaves
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, 21040-360, RJ, Brazil; CQC-IMS, Departament of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga S/n, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Gabriela Silva Cruz
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Dentistry, And Nursing, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Victoria Jimenez Carretero
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Instituto Teófilo Hernando, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain
| | - Luciana Magalhães Melo
- Molecular Genetics Research Unit, University Center Fametro (UNIFAMETRO), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Maiana Silva Chaves
- Laboratory of Physiology and Control of Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary, State University of Ceará (UECE), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Jesus Miguel Hernandez Guijo
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Instituto Teófilo Hernando, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Gandhi Rádis-Baptista
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute for Marine Sciences, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
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8
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Crozet F, Letort G, Bulteau R, Da Silva C, Eichmuller A, Tortorelli AF, Blévinal J, Belle M, Dumont J, Piolot T, Dauphin A, Coulpier F, Chédotal A, Maître JL, Verlhac MH, Clarke HJ, Terret ME. Filopodia-like protrusions of adjacent somatic cells shape the developmental potential of oocytes. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202301963. [PMID: 36944420 PMCID: PMC10029974 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202301963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The oocyte must grow and mature before fertilization, thanks to a close dialogue with the somatic cells that surround it. Part of this communication is through filopodia-like protrusions, called transzonal projections (TZPs), sent by the somatic cells to the oocyte membrane. To investigate the contribution of TZPs to oocyte quality, we impaired their structure by generating a full knockout mouse of the TZP structural component myosin-X (MYO10). Using spinning disk and super-resolution microscopy combined with a machine-learning approach to phenotype oocyte morphology, we show that the lack of Myo10 decreases TZP density during oocyte growth. Reduction in TZPs does not prevent oocyte growth but impairs oocyte-matrix integrity. Importantly, we reveal by transcriptomic analysis that gene expression is altered in TZP-deprived oocytes and that oocyte maturation and subsequent early embryonic development are partially affected, effectively reducing mouse fertility. We propose that TZPs play a role in the structural integrity of the germline-somatic complex, which is essential for regulating gene expression in the oocyte and thus its developmental potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flora Crozet
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, Paris, France
- Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR 3738, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Gaëlle Letort
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, Paris, France
- Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR 3738, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Rose Bulteau
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, Paris, France
| | - Christelle Da Silva
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, Paris, France
| | - Adrien Eichmuller
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, Paris, France
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR 3215, INSERM U934, Paris, France
| | - Anna Francesca Tortorelli
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR 3215, INSERM U934, Paris, France
| | | | - Morgane Belle
- Institut de la Vision, UMRS968/UMR7210/UM80, Paris, France
| | - Julien Dumont
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, Paris, France
| | - Tristan Piolot
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, Paris, France
| | - Aurélien Dauphin
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR 3215, INSERM U934, Paris, France
| | - Fanny Coulpier
- Genomics Core Facility, Institut de Biologie de l'ENS, Département de biologie, Ecole normale supérieure, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, Paris, France
| | - Alain Chédotal
- Institut de la Vision, UMRS968/UMR7210/UM80, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Léon Maître
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR 3215, INSERM U934, Paris, France
| | - Marie-Hélène Verlhac
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, Paris, France
| | - Hugh J Clarke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Marie-Emilie Terret
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, Paris, France
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9
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Okumura H, Mizuno A, Iwamoto E, Sakuma R, Nishio S, Nishijima KI, Matsuda T, Ujita M. New insights into the role of microheterogeneity of ZP3 during structural maturation of the avian equivalent of mammalian zona pellucida. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0283087. [PMID: 36943849 PMCID: PMC10030024 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0283087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The egg coat including mammalian zona pellucida (ZP) and the avian equivalent, i.e., inner-perivitelline layer (IPVL), is a specialized extracellular matrix being composed of the ZP glycoproteins and surrounds both pre-ovulatory oocytes and ovulated egg cells in vertebrates. The egg coat is well known for its potential importance in both the reproduction and early development, although the underlying molecular mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. Interestingly, ZP3, one of the ZP-glycoprotein family members forming scaffolds of the egg-coat matrices with other ZP glycoproteins, exhibits extreme but distinctive microheterogeneity to form a large number of isoelectric-point isoforms at least in the chicken IPVL. In the present study, we performed three-dimensional confocal imaging and two-dimensional polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) of chicken IPVLs that were isolated from the ovarian follicles at different growth stages before ovulation. The results suggest that the relative proportions of the ZP3 isoforms are differentially altered during the structural maturation of the egg-coat matrices. Furthermore, tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) analyses and ZP1 binding assays against separated ZP3 isoforms demonstrated that each ZP3 isoform contains characteristic modifications, and there are large differences among ZP3 isoforms in the ZP1 binding affinities. These results suggest that the microheterogeneity of chicken ZP3 might be regulated to be associated with the formation of egg-coat matrices during the structural maturation of chicken IPVL. Our findings may provide new insights into molecular mechanisms of egg-coat assembly processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Okumura
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, Meijo University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Ayaka Mizuno
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, Meijo University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Eri Iwamoto
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, Meijo University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Rio Sakuma
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, Meijo University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Nishio
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Ken-Ichi Nishijima
- Avian Bioscience Research Center, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Tokai National Higher Education and Research System, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Tsukasa Matsuda
- Faculty of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Fukushima University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Minoru Ujita
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, Meijo University, Nagoya, Japan
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10
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Zhou J, Wang M, Yang Q, Li D, Li Z, Hu J, Jin L, Zhu L. Can successful pregnancy be achieved and predicted from patients with identified ZP mutations? A literature review. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2022; 20:166. [PMID: 36476320 PMCID: PMC9730648 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-022-01046-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In mammals, normal fertilization depends on the structural and functional integrity of the zona pellucida (ZP), which is an extracellular matrix surrounding oocytes. Mutations in ZP may affect oogenesis, fertilization and early embryonic development, which may cause female infertility. METHODS A PubMed literature search using the keywords 'zona pellucida', 'mutation' and 'variant' limited to humans was performed, with the last research on June 30, 2022. The mutation types, clinical phenotypes and pregnancy outcomes were summarized and analyzed. The naive Bayes classifier was used to predict clinical pregnancy outcomes for patients with ZP mutations. RESULTS A total of 29 publications were included in the final analysis. Sixty-nine mutations of the ZP genes were reported in 87 patients with different clinical phenotypes, including empty follicle syndrome (EFS), ZP-free oocytes (ZFO), ZP-thin oocytes (ZTO), degenerated and immature oocytes. The phenotypes of patients were influenced by the types and location of the mutations. The most common effects of ZP mutations are protein truncation and dysfunction. Three patients with ZP1 mutations, two with ZP2 mutations, and three with ZP4 mutations had successful pregnancies through Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) from ZFO or ZTO. A prediction model of pregnancy outcome in patients with ZP mutation was constructed to assess the chance of pregnancy with the area under the curve (AUC) of 0.898. The normalized confusion matrix showed the true positive rate was 1.00 and the true negative rate was 0.38. CONCLUSION Phenotypes in patients with ZP mutations might be associated with mutation sites or the degree of protein dysfunction. Successful pregnancy outcomes could be achieved in some patients with identified ZP mutations. Clinical pregnancy prediction model based on ZP mutations and clinical characteristics will be helpful to precisely evaluate pregnancy chance and provide references and guidance for the clinical treatment of relevant patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juepu Zhou
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095, Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030 China
| | - Meng Wang
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095, Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030 China
| | - Qiyu Yang
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095, Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030 China
| | - Dan Li
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095, Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030 China
| | - Zhou Li
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095, Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030 China
| | - Juan Hu
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095, Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030 China
| | - Lei Jin
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095, Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030 China
| | - Lixia Zhu
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095, Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030 China
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11
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Zou T, Xi Q, Liu Z, Li Z, Hou M, Zhu L, Jin L, Zhang X. A Novel Homozygous Nonsense Mutation in ZP1 Causes Female Infertility due to Empty Follicle Syndrome. Reprod Sci 2022; 29:3516-3520. [PMID: 35773450 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-01024-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
ZP1 is a critical glycoprotein in the formation of the zona pellucida. It plays an indispensable role in the maturation of oocytes. To identify the causative gene of empty follicle syndrome (EFS) in a patient from a consanguineous family, whole-exome sequencing was performed in the proband. We identified a novel homozygous nonsense mutation c.1260C > G (p. Tyr420X) in the ZP1 gene from two primary infertile patients. Western blot showed that Y420X mutation in ZP1 gene produced a truncated protein. However, the mutation had no significant effect on subcellular localization of the mutant protein. Our findings confirmed the important role of the ZP1 gene in human female reproduction, enriched the mutation spectrums of ZP1 gene, and expanded its applications in the clinical and molecular diagnoses of EFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Zou
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430074, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Qingsong Xi
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430074, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhenxing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430074, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhou Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430074, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Meiqi Hou
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430074, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Lixia Zhu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430074, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Lei Jin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430074, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xianqin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430074, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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12
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Xu M, Wu W, Zhao M, Chung JPW, Li TC, Chan DYL. Common dysmorphic oocytes and embryos in assisted reproductive technology laboratory in association with gene alternations. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2022; 152:106298. [PMID: 36122887 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2022.106298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Amorphic or defected oocytes and embryos are commonly observed in assisted reproductive technology (ART) laboratories. It is believed that a proper gene expression at each stage of embryo development contributes to the possibility of a decent-quality embryo leading to successful implantation. Many studies reported that several defects in embryo morphology are associated with gene expressions during in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. There is lacking literature review on summarizing common morphological defects about gene alternations. In this review, we summarized the current literature. We selected 64 genes that have been reported to be involved in embryo morphological abnormalities in animals and humans, 30 of which were identified in humans and might be the causes of embryonic changes. Five papers focusing on associations of multiple gene expressions and embryo abnormalities using RNA transcriptomes were also included during the search. We have also reviewed our time-lapse image database with over 3000 oocytes/embryos to show morphological defects possibly related to gene alternations reported previously in the literature. This holistic review can better understand the associations between gene alternations and morphological changes. It is also beneficial to select important biomarkers with strong evidence in IVF practice and reveal their potential application in embryo selection. Also, identifying genes may help patients with genetic disorders avoid unnecessary treatments by providing preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic/single gene defects (PGT-M), reduce embryo replacements by less potential, and help scientists develop new methods for oocyte/embryo research in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murong Xu
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Waner Wu
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Mingpeng Zhao
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Department of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jacqueline Pui Wah Chung
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tin Chiu Li
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - David Yiu Leung Chan
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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13
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Li R, Qu J, Huang D, He Y, Niu J, Qi J. Expression Analysis of ZPB2a and Its Regulatory Role in Sperm-Binding in Viviparous Teleost Black Rockfish. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169498. [PMID: 36012756 PMCID: PMC9409380 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Black rockfish is a viviparous teleost whose sperm could be stored in the female ovary for five months. We previously proposed that zona pellucida (ZP) proteins of black rockfish play a similar sperm-binding role as in mammals. In this study, SsZPB2a and SsZPB2c were identified as the most similar genes with human ZPA, ZPB1 and ZPB2 by Blastp method. Immunohistochemistry showed that ovary-specific SsZPB2a was initially expressed in the cytoplasm of oocytes at stage III. Then it gradually transferred to the region close to the cell membrane and zona pellucida of oocytes at stage IV. The most obvious protein signal was observed at the zona pellucida region of oocytes at stage V. Furthermore, we found that the recombinant prokaryotic proteins rSsZPB2a and rSsZPB2c could bind with the posterior end of sperm head and rSsZPB2a was able to facilitate the sperm survival in vitro. After knocking down Sszpb2a in ovarian tissues cultivated in vitro, the expressions of sperm-specific genes were down-regulated (p < 0.05). These results illustrated the regulatory role of ZP protein to the sperm in viviparous teleost for the first time, which could advance our understanding about the biological function of ZP proteins in the teleost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Jiangbo Qu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Dan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Aquatic Germplasm of Hainan Province, Sanya Oceanographic Institution, Ocean University of China, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Yan He
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Aquatic Germplasm of Hainan Province, Sanya Oceanographic Institution, Ocean University of China, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Jingjing Niu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
- Correspondence: (J.N.); (J.Q.)
| | - Jie Qi
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Aquatic Germplasm of Hainan Province, Sanya Oceanographic Institution, Ocean University of China, Sanya 572000, China
- Correspondence: (J.N.); (J.Q.)
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14
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Fei CF, Zhou LQ. Gene mutations impede oocyte maturation, fertilization, and early embryonic development. Bioessays 2022; 44:e2200007. [PMID: 35900055 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202200007] [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: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Reproductive diseases are a long-standing problem and have become more common in the world. Currently, 15% of the world's population suffers from infertility, and half of them are women. Maturation of oocytes, successful fertilization, and high-quality embryos are prerequisites for pregnancy. With the development of assisted reproductive technology and advanced genetic assays, we have found that infertility in many young female patients is caused by mutations in various developmental regulators. These pathogenic factors may result in impediment of oocyte maturation, failure of fertilization or early embryonic development arrest. In this review, we categorize these clinically-identified, mutated genetic factors by their molecular characteristics: nuclear factors (PALT2, TRIP13, WEE2, TBPL2, REC114, MEI1 and CDC20), cytoplasmic factors (TLE6, PADI6, NLRP2/5, FBXO43, MOS and BTG4), a factor unique to primates (TUBB8), cell membrane factor (PANX1), and zona pellucida factors (ZP1-3). We compared discrepancies observed in phenotypes between human and mouse models to provide clues for clinical diagnosis and treatment of related reproductive diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cai-Feng Fei
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Li-Quan Zhou
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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15
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Hou M, Zhu L, Jiang J, Liu Z, Li Z, Jia W, Hu J, Zhou X, Zhang D, Luo Y, Peng X, Xi Q, Jin L, Zhang X. Novel Heterozygous Mutations in ZP2 Cause Abnormal Zona Pellucida and Female Infertility. Reprod Sci 2022; 29:3047-3054. [PMID: 35595959 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-00958-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Zona pellucida (ZP) which is an extracellular matrix consisting of ZP1, ZP2, ZP3, and ZP4 plays a vital role in oocyte maturity, early embryonic development, and fertilization process. Any alterations of structure or function may lead to the abnormal formation of ZP and female infertility. Two novel heterozygous mutations c.1859G > A (p.Cys620Tyr) and c.1421 T > C (p.Leu474Pro) in ZP2 gene were recognized in three patients from two unrelated families with abnormal ZP and female infertility in this study. The expression constructs carrying wild-type ZP2 gene, c.1859G > A (p.Cys620Tyr) mutant ZP2 gene, and c.1421 T > C (p.Leu474Pro) mutant ZP2 gene were transfected into CHO cells respectively. There was a remarkable decrease in the expression of p.Cys620Tyr mutant protein with western blot. In addition, secretion of p.Leu474Pro mutant protein in the culture medium reduced markedly compared with that of wild-type ZP2 protein. Furthermore, co-immunoprecipitation showed that the p.Leu474Pro mutation affected the interaction between ZP2 and ZP3. Prediction of three-dimensional (3D) structure of the proteins showed that p.Cys620Tyr mutation altered the disulfide bond of ZP2 protein and may affect its function. These findings extend the ranges of mutations of ZP2 gene. Meanwhile, it will be helpful to the precise diagnosis of abnormal ZP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiqi Hou
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China
| | - Lixia Zhu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jinghang Jiang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Jingmen No. 2 People's Hospital, Jingmen, Hubei, China
| | - Zhenxing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China
| | - Zhou Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Weimin Jia
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China
| | - Juan Hu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaopei Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China
| | - Dazhi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China
| | - Yalin Luo
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China
| | - Xuejie Peng
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China
| | - Qingsong Xi
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Lei Jin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xianqin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China.
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16
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Wassarman PM, Litscher ES. Female fertility and the zona pellucida. eLife 2022; 11:76106. [PMID: 35076396 PMCID: PMC8789258 DOI: 10.7554/elife.76106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Fertility in female mammals, including mice and humans, is dependent on the presence of a zona pellucida (ZP) around growing oocytes and unfertilized eggs. A ZP is required to stabilize contacts between oocyte microvilli and follicle cell projections that traverse the ZP to form gap junctions that support the health of growing oocytes and developing follicles. In the absence of a ZP, due to inactivation or mutation of genes encoding ZP proteins, there is a loss of contacts between growing oocytes and neighboring follicle cells and a concomitant reduction in the production of ovulated eggs that results in female infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul M Wassarman
- Department Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai One Gustave L. Levy Place
| | - Eveline S Litscher
- Department Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai One Gustave L. Levy Place
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17
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Shen Y, Guo J, Zhang X, Wang X, Zhu S, Chen D, Xiong W, Lu G, Liu X, Dai C, Gong F, Wang Y, Lin G, Wang Z, Xu W. OUP accepted manuscript. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:859-872. [PMID: 35211729 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Shen
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Guo
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Xueguang Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiang Wang
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shaomi Zhu
- The Reproductive & Women-Children Hospital, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Daijuan Chen
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Xiong
- The Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of SCU-CUHK, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Guangxiu Lu
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaojun Liu
- Medriv Academy of Genetics and Reproduction, Peking, China
| | - Can Dai
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Fei Gong
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Reproduction Medical Center of West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ge Lin
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- Labortatory of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhenbo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenming Xu
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- The Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of SCU-CUHK, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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18
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Zhang Z, Guo Q, Jia L, Zhou C, He S, Fang C, Zhang M, Sun P, Zeng Z, Wang M, Wang D, Liang X. A novel gene mutation in ZP3 loop region identified in patients with empty follicle syndrome. Hum Mutat 2021; 43:180-188. [PMID: 34816529 DOI: 10.1002/humu.24297] [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: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The zona pellucida (ZP) is an extracellular matrix surrounding mammalian oocytes. It is composed of three to four glycoproteins, ZP1-ZP4. ZP3 is essential for sperm binding and zona matrix formation. Here, we identified a novel heterozygous mutation (NM_001110354.2:c.502_504delGAG) of ZP3, occurring in a pair of sisters with empty follicle syndrome (EFS). A mouse model with the same mutation was established using the CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing system. As in the above family, F0 -, F1 -, and F2 -generation female mice with the mutation were all infertile. Further analysis using the Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO-K1) also showed that this mutation weakens the strength of binding between ZP3 and ZP2, which hinders the assembly of ZP and results in unstable ZP formation. Immunohistochemical analysis using ovarian serial sections in both humans and mice demonstrated that the ZP of preantral follicles was thinner than normal control, or even absent. Our study presents a new gene mutation that leads to EFS, providing new evidence and support for the genetic diagnosis of infertile individuals with similar phenotypes. Our results also show that the loop of ZP3 is not only a linker between two amphiphilic helices but may play a critical role in specifying the correct heterodimerization partner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Zhang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Center of Reproductive Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qi Guo
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Center of Reproductive Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Jia
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Center of Reproductive Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chuanchuan Zhou
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Center of Reproductive Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shujing He
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Center of Reproductive Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cong Fang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Center of Reproductive Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Minfang Zhang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Center of Reproductive Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peng Sun
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Center of Reproductive Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhi Zeng
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Center of Reproductive Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Center of Reproductive Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dandan Wang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Center of Reproductive Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyan Liang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Center of Reproductive Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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19
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Human Oocyte Morphology and Outcomes of Infertility Treatment: a Systematic Review. Reprod Sci 2021; 29:2768-2785. [PMID: 34816375 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00723-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Oocyte morphology assessment is easy to implement in any laboratory with possible quality grading prior to fertilization. At present, comprehensive oocyte morphology scoring is not performed as a routine procedure. However, it may augment chances for successful treatment outcomes if a correlation with certain dysmorphisms can be proven. In order to determine a correlation between oocyte morphology and treatment outcome, we performed a systematic search in PubMed and Cochrane Controlled Trials Register following PRISMA guidelines. A total of 52 articles out of 6,755 search results met the inclusion criteria. Dark colour of the cytoplasm (observed with an incidence rate of 7%), homogeneous granularity of the cytoplasm (19%) and ovoid shape of oocytes (7%) appeared to have no influence on treatment outcome. Abnormalities such as refractile bodies (10%), fragmented first polar body (37%), dark zona pellucida (9%), enlarged perivitelline space (18%) and debris in it (21%) are likely to affect the treatment outcome to some extent. Finally, cytoplasmic vacuoles (4%), centrally located cytoplasmic granularity (12%) and clusters of smooth endoplasmic reticulum (4%) negatively impact infertility treatment outcomes. Nonetheless, morphological assessment is informative rather than predictive. Adding oocyte morphology to the artificial intelligence (AI)-driven selection process may improve the precision of the algorithms. Oocyte morphology assessment can be especially useful in oocyte donation cycles, during oocyte freezing for fertility preservation and finally, objective oocyte scoring can be important in cases of very poor treatment outcome as a tool for explanation of results to the patient.
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20
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Maddirevula S, Coskun S, Al-Qahtani M, Aboyousef O, Alhassan S, Aldeery M, Alkuraya FS. ASTL is mutated in female infertility. Hum Genet 2021; 141:49-54. [PMID: 34704130 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-021-02388-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Female infertility is a relatively common phenotype with a growing number of single gene causes although these account for only a minority of cases. Here, we report a consanguineous family in which adult females who are homozygous for a truncating variant in ASTL display markedly reduced fertility in a pattern strikingly similar to Astl-/- female mice. ASTL encodes ovastacin, which is known to trigger zona pellucida hardening (ZPH) as part of the cortical reaction upon fertilization. ZPH is required for normal early embryonic development and its absence can be caused by pathogenic variants in other zona pellucida proteins that result in a similar infertility phenotype in humans and mouse. This is the first report of ASTL-related infertility in humans and suggests that the inclusion of ASTL in female infertility gene panels is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sateesh Maddirevula
- Department of Translational Genomics, Center for Genomic Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Serdar Coskun
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center and College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mashael Al-Qahtani
- Department of Translational Genomics, Center for Genomic Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Omar Aboyousef
- Department of Translational Genomics, Center for Genomic Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saad Alhassan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Meshael Aldeery
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fowzan S Alkuraya
- Department of Translational Genomics, Center for Genomic Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia.
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, 11533, Saudi Arabia.
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21
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Gao JG, Yang JK, Zhu L, Xu C, Nie LW. Acrylamide impairs the developmental potential of germinal vesicle oocytes by inducing mitochondrial dysfunction and autophagy/apoptosis in mice. Hum Exp Toxicol 2021; 40:S370-S380. [PMID: 34569336 DOI: 10.1177/09603271211045956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background: Acrylamide (ACR), an important endogenous contaminant in carbohydrate-rich foods, has been involved in various negative effects on multiple organ networks, including the reproductive system. Previous studies have reported that ACR affects oocyte quality and fertility. Purpose: This study aimed to explore the toxic effects and regulatory mechanisms of ACR on mouse germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes. Research Design: In this study, adult female mice were exposed to ACR at 10 mg/kg/day/body weight through their drinking water continuously for 4 weeks. Study Sample and Data Analysis: The mitochondrial function, autophagy/apoptosis, and development potential of GV oocytes were investigated. Results: The results showed that ACR reduced the oocyte diameter, sperm-binding ability, parthenogenetic activation and in vitro fertilization (IVF) rate, and development potential of pre-implantation embryos. We also found that ACR exposure disrupted chromatin configuration, mitochondrial distribution, and membrane potential (Δφm) of oocytes. Actin filament expression was significantly reduced in both the membrane and cytoplasm of mouse oocytes. Moreover, ACR exposure increased LC3-positive signals, early apoptosis rate, aberrant ATG3, ATG5, LC3, Beclin1, and mTOR mRNA expression. Conclusions: These results suggest that ACR exposure can affect the developmental potential of GV oocytes by inducing mitochondrial dysfunction, actin filament assembly, and autophagy/apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Guang Gao
- 12514Life Science College of Anhui Normal University, Provincial Key Lab. of the Conservation and Exploitation Research of Biological Resources in Anhui, Wuhu, China.,School of Preclinical Medicine, 74649Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Jian-Ke Yang
- School of Preclinical Medicine, 74649Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Lei Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, 74649Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Cheng Xu
- School of Clinical Medicine, 74649Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Liu-Wang Nie
- 12514Life Science College of Anhui Normal University, Provincial Key Lab. of the Conservation and Exploitation Research of Biological Resources in Anhui, Wuhu, China
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22
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Rojas J, Hinostroza F, Vergara S, Pinto-Borguero I, Aguilera F, Fuentes R, Carvacho I. Knockin' on Egg's Door: Maternal Control of Egg Activation That Influences Cortical Granule Exocytosis in Animal Species. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:704867. [PMID: 34540828 PMCID: PMC8446563 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.704867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Fertilization by multiple sperm leads to lethal chromosomal number abnormalities, failed embryo development, and miscarriage. In some vertebrate and invertebrate eggs, the so-called cortical reaction contributes to their activation and prevents polyspermy during fertilization. This process involves biogenesis, redistribution, and subsequent accumulation of cortical granules (CGs) at the female gamete cortex during oogenesis. CGs are oocyte- and egg-specific secretory vesicles whose content is discharged during fertilization to block polyspermy. Here, we summarize the molecular mechanisms controlling critical aspects of CG biology prior to and after the gametes interaction. This allows to block polyspermy and provide protection to the developing embryo. We also examine how CGs form and are spatially redistributed during oogenesis. During egg activation, CG exocytosis (CGE) and content release are triggered by increases in intracellular calcium and relies on the function of maternally-loaded proteins. We also discuss how mutations in these factors impact CG dynamics, providing unprecedented models to investigate the genetic program executing fertilization. We further explore the phylogenetic distribution of maternal proteins and signaling pathways contributing to CGE and egg activation. We conclude that many important biological questions and genotype–phenotype relationships during fertilization remain unresolved, and therefore, novel molecular players of CG biology need to be discovered. Future functional and image-based studies are expected to elucidate the identity of genetic candidates and components of the molecular machinery involved in the egg activation. This, will open new therapeutic avenues for treating infertility in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Japhet Rojas
- Laboratorio Fisiología de la Reproducción, Departamento de Biología y Química, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile.,Escuela de Ingeniería en Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | - Fernando Hinostroza
- Laboratorio Fisiología de la Reproducción, Departamento de Biología y Química, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile.,Centro de Investigación de Estudios Avanzados del Maule (CIEAM), Vicerrectoría de Investigación y Postgrado, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile.,Centro de Investigación en Neuropsicología y Neurociencias Cognitivas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | - Sebastián Vergara
- Laboratorio Fisiología de la Reproducción, Departamento de Biología y Química, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile.,Escuela de Ingeniería en Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | - Ingrid Pinto-Borguero
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Felipe Aguilera
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Ricardo Fuentes
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Ingrid Carvacho
- Laboratorio Fisiología de la Reproducción, Departamento de Biología y Química, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
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23
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Zona Pellucida Genes and Proteins: Essential Players in Mammalian Oogenesis and Fertility. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12081266. [PMID: 34440440 PMCID: PMC8391237 DOI: 10.3390/genes12081266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
All mammalian oocytes and eggs are surrounded by a relatively thick extracellular matrix (ECM), the zona pellucida (ZP), that plays vital roles during oogenesis, fertilization, and preimplantation development. Unlike ECM surrounding somatic cells, the ZP is composed of only a few glycosylated proteins, ZP1–4, that are unique to oocytes and eggs. ZP1–4 have a large region of polypeptide, the ZP domain (ZPD), consisting of two subdomains, ZP-N and ZP-C, separated by a short linker region, that plays an essential role in polymerization of nascent ZP proteins into crosslinked fibrils. Both subdomains adopt immunoglobulin (Ig)-like folds for their 3-dimensional structure. Mouse and human ZP genes are encoded by single-copy genes located on different chromosomes and are highly expressed in the ovary by growing oocytes during late stages of oogenesis. Genes encoding ZP proteins are conserved among mammals, and their expression is regulated by cis-acting sequences located close to the transcription start-site and by the same/similar trans-acting factors. Nascent ZP proteins are synthesized, packaged into vesicles, secreted into the extracellular space, and assembled into long, crosslinked fibrils that have a structural repeat, a ZP2-ZP3 dimer, and constitute the ZP matrix. Fibrils are oriented differently with respect to the oolemma in the inner and outer layers of the ZP. Sequence elements in the ZPD and the carboxy-terminal propeptide of ZP1–4 regulate secretion and assembly of nascent ZP proteins. The presence of both ZP2 and ZP3 is required to assemble ZP fibrils and ZP1 and ZP4 are used to crosslink the fibrils. Inactivation of mouse ZP genes by gene targeting has a detrimental effect on ZP formation around growing oocytes and female fertility. Gene sequence variations in human ZP genes due to point, missense, or frameshift mutations also have a detrimental effect on ZP formation and female fertility. The latter mutations provide additional support for the role of ZPD subdomains and other regions of ZP polypeptide in polymerization of human ZP proteins into fibrils and matrix.
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24
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Killingbeck EE, Wilburn DB, Merrihew GE, MacCoss MJ, Swanson WJ. Proteomics support the threespine stickleback egg coat as a protective oocyte envelope. Mol Reprod Dev 2021; 88:500-515. [PMID: 34148267 PMCID: PMC8362008 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Ancestrally marine threespine stickleback fish (Gasterosteus aculeatus) have undergone an adaptive radiation into freshwater environments throughout the Northern Hemisphere, creating an excellent model system for studying molecular adaptation and speciation. Ecological and behavioral factors have been suggested to underlie stickleback reproductive isolation and incipient speciation, but reproductive proteins mediating gamete recognition during fertilization have so far remained unexplored. To begin to investigate the contribution of reproductive proteins to stickleback reproductive isolation, we have characterized the stickleback egg coat proteome. We find that stickleback egg coats are comprised of homologs to the zona pellucida (ZP) proteins ZP1 and ZP3, as in other teleost fish. Our molecular evolutionary analyses indicate that across teleosts, ZP3 but not ZP1 has experienced positive Darwinian selection. Mammalian ZP3 is also rapidly evolving, and surprisingly some residues under selection in stickleback and mammalian ZP3 directly align. Despite broad homology, however, we find differences between mammalian and stickleback ZP proteins with respect to glycosylation, disulfide bonding, and sites of synthesis. Taken together, the changes we observe in stickleback ZP protein architecture suggest that the egg coats of stickleback fish, and perhaps fish more generally, have evolved to fulfill a more protective functional role than their mammalian counterparts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily E Killingbeck
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Damien B Wilburn
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Gennifer E Merrihew
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Michael J MacCoss
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Willie J Swanson
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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25
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New Insights into the Mammalian Egg Zona Pellucida. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22063276. [PMID: 33806989 PMCID: PMC8005149 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian oocytes are surrounded by an extracellular coat called the zona pellucida (ZP), which, from an evolutionary point of view, is the most ancient of the coats that envelope vertebrate oocytes and conceptuses. This matrix separates the oocyte from cumulus cells and is responsible for species-specific recognition between gametes, preventing polyspermy and protecting the preimplantation embryo. The ZP is a dynamic structure that shows different properties before and after fertilization. Until very recently, mammalian ZP was believed to be composed of only three glycoproteins, ZP1, ZP2 and ZP3, as first described in mouse. However, studies have revealed that this composition is not necessarily applicable to other mammals. Such differences can be explained by an analysis of the molecular evolution of the ZP gene family, during which ZP genes have suffered pseudogenization and duplication events that have resulted in differing models of ZP protein composition. The many discoveries made in recent years related to ZP composition and evolution suggest that a compilation would be useful. Moreover, this review analyses ZP biosynthesis, the role of each ZP protein in different mammalian species and how these proteins may interact among themselves and with other proteins present in the oviductal lumen.
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26
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Zeng MH, Wang Y, Huang HL, Quan RP, Yang JT, Guo D, Sun Y, Lv C, Li TY, Wang L, Tan HJ, Long PP, Deng HW, Xiao HM. Zp4 is completely dispensable for fertility in female rats†. Biol Reprod 2021; 104:1282-1291. [PMID: 33709118 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Zona pellucida (ZP), which is composed of at most four extracellular glycoproteins (ZP1, ZP2, ZP3, and ZP4) in mammals, shelters the oocytes and is vital in female fertility. Several studies have identified the indispensable roles of ZP1-3 in maintaining normal female fertility. However, the understanding of ZP4 is still very poor because only one study on ZP4-associated infertility performed in rabbits has been reported up to date. Here we investigated the function of mammalian Zp4 by creating a knockout (KO) rat strain (Zp4-/- rat) using CRISPR-Cas9-mediated DNA-editing method. The influence of Zp4 KO on ZP morphology and some pivotal processes of reproduction, including oogenesis, ovulation, fertilization, and pup production, were studied using periodic acid-Schiff's staining, superovulation, in vitro fertilization, and natural mating. The ZP morphology in Zp4-/- rats was normal, and none of these pivotal processes was affected. This study renewed the knowledge of mammalian Zp4 by suggesting that Zp4 was completely dispensable for female fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Hua Zeng
- Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Center of Reproductive Health,School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Center of Reproductive Health,School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hua-Lin Huang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ru-Ping Quan
- Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Center of Reproductive Health,School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jun-Ting Yang
- Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Center of Reproductive Health,School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Dan Guo
- Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Center of Reproductive Health,School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ying Sun
- Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Center of Reproductive Health,School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chao Lv
- Changsha Reproductive Medicine Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Tian-Ying Li
- Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Center of Reproductive Health,School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Le Wang
- Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Center of Reproductive Health,School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hang-Jin Tan
- Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Center of Reproductive Health,School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Pan-Pan Long
- Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Center of Reproductive Health,School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hong-Wen Deng
- Center for Bioinformatics and Genomics, Department of Global Biostatistics and Data Science, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.,Center of System Biology and Data Information, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hong-Mei Xiao
- Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Center of Reproductive Health,School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
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27
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Lv C, Huang HL, Yi DJ, Peng TL, Tan HJ, Quan RP, Deng HW, Xiao HM. Mutant Zp1 impedes incorporation of ZP3 and ZP4 in the zona pellucida, resulting in zona absence and female infertility in rats†. Biol Reprod 2021; 104:1262-1270. [PMID: 33624742 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The zona pellucida (ZP) plays vital roles in reproductive processes including oogenesis, fertilization, and preimplantation development. Both human and rat ZP consist of four glycoproteins, called ZP1, ZP2, ZP3, and ZP4. Our previous research reported a novel Zp1 mutation in cases of human infertility, associated with an abnormal phenotype involving the absence of the ZP. Here, we developed a homologous rat strain to investigate the pathogenic effect. The ovaries of homozygous (Zp1MT/MT) females possessed both growing and fully grown oocytes; the oocytes completely lacked a ZP, but ZP1 was detectable inside the cytoplasm. Only 1-2 eggs were recovered from oviducts of superovulated Zp1MT/MT females, while an average of 21 eggs were recovered from superovulated Zp1WT/WT per female. The eggs of Zp1MT/MT females were not surrounded by a ZP and lost their fertilization capacity in vitro. Zp1MT/MT females mated with wild-type males failed to become pregnant. Studies in 293T cells showed that mutant Zp1 resulted in a truncated ZP1 protein, which might be intracellularly sequestered and interacted with wild-type ZP3 or ZP4. Our results suggest that the Zp1 point mutation led to infertility and loss of the ZP in oocytes in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Lv
- School of Basic Medical Science, Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China.,School of Basic Medical Science, Center of Reproductive Health, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Changsha Reproductive Medicine Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Hua-Lin Huang
- School of Basic Medical Science, Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China.,School of Basic Medical Science, Center of Reproductive Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Da-Jing Yi
- School of Basic Medical Science, Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China.,School of Basic Medical Science, Center of Reproductive Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Tian-Liu Peng
- School of Basic Medical Science, Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China.,School of Basic Medical Science, Center of Reproductive Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hang-Jing Tan
- School of Basic Medical Science, Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China.,School of Basic Medical Science, Center of Reproductive Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ru-Ping Quan
- School of Basic Medical Science, Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China.,School of Basic Medical Science, Center of Reproductive Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hong-Wen Deng
- Department of Global Biostatistics and Data Science, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Center for Bioinformatics and Genomics, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA.,School of Basic Medical Science, Center of System Biology and Data Information, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hong-Mei Xiao
- School of Basic Medical Science, Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China.,School of Basic Medical Science, Center of Reproductive Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
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A novel homozygous variant in ZP2 causes abnormal zona pellucida formation and female infertility. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:1239-1245. [PMID: 33604805 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02107-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We aimed to identify pathogenic variants in two infertile sisters in a family with a thin zona pellucida (ZP) phenotype. METHODS Whole-exome sequencing was performed in the two affected sisters, and Sanger sequencing was used to confirm the identified variants. The effects of the identified variant were further investigated in mouse oocytes and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. RESULTS We identified a novel homozygous frameshift variant in ZP2 (c.1235_1236del, p.Q412Rfs*17) in the two affected individuals. Immunoblotting demonstrated that the variant produced a truncated ZP2 protein that was expressed at low levels in CHO cells. Immunofluorescence in mouse oocytes confirmed the decreased protein level of mutant ZP2, although the subcellular localization was not affected. In addition, immunoprecipitation showed that the pathogenic variant reduced the interaction between ZP2 and ZP3. CONCLUSION This study identified a novel pathogenic variant in ZP2 that produces a truncated ZP2 protein. The variant might disrupt the assembly of ZP2-ZP3 dimers, thus resulting in a thin ZP and female infertility.
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Wei X, Li Y, Liu Q, Liu W, Yan X, Zhu X, Zhou D, Tian Y, Zhang F, Li N, Lu Z. Mutations in ZP4 are associated with abnormal zona pellucida and female infertility. J Clin Pathol 2021; 75:201-204. [PMID: 33461974 DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2020-207170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The zona pellucida (ZP) of human oocytes plays essential protective roles in sperm-egg interactions during fertilisation and embryo development. ZP4-null female rabbits exhibit a thin and irregular ZP, which severely impairs embryo development and fertility. However, the effects of ZP4 defect on human female reproduction remain unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS We performed whole-exome sequencing in 26 female patients with abnormal (thin and irregular) ZP and identified heterozygous variants in ZP4 (OMIM: 613514) from 3 patients (approximately 11%). No ZP4 variant was found in the 30 control women with proven fertility. We constructed ZP4-mutated plasmids and found that the variants reduced the secretion of ZP4 in vitro. Lower suction pressure facilitated egg retrieval, and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was a desirable treatment for ZP4-mutated patients with abnormal ZP. CONCLUSIONS We identified ZP4 as a novel gene for human abnormal ZP and found that lower suction pressure and ICSI are efficient treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Wei
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Youzhu Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Qicai Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Wensheng Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Xiaohong Yan
- Reproductive Medicine Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Xingshen Zhu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Dekun Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Yingpu Tian
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Fuxing Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Na Li
- Intensive Care Unit, Fujian Medical University Xiamen Humanity Hospital, Xiamen, China
| | - Zhongxian Lu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
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30
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Dai C, Chen Y, Hu L, Du J, Gong F, Dai J, Zhang S, Wang M, Chen J, Guo J, Zheng W, Lu C, Wu Y, Lu G, Lin G. ZP1 mutations are associated with empty follicle syndrome: evidence for the existence of an intact oocyte and a zona pellucida in follicles up to the early antral stage. A case report. Hum Reprod 2020; 34:2201-2207. [PMID: 31734689 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Empty follicle syndrome (EFS) is the complete failure to retrieve oocytes after ovarian stimulation. Although LHCGR and ZP3 were identified as causative genes, it is still unclear what happens to these patients' oocytes, and the pathogenesis of EFS remains obscure. Here, we identified six novel ZP1 mutations associated with EFS and female infertility that was inherited recessively in five unrelated families. Studies in CHO-K1 cells showed that these mutations resulted in either degradation or truncation of ZP1 protein. Immunohistochemistry using ovarian serial sections demonstrated that all preantral follicles had normal architecture, but with a thin ZP, lacking ZP1, surrounding the growing oocytes. The antral follicles were also defective in normal cumulus-oocyte complex organisation, leading us to speculate that the lack of ZP1 might lead to oocyte degeneration or increased fragility of the oocyte during follicular puncture, ultimately resulting in EFS. To our knowledge, this is the first study that presents morphological evidence showing normal preantral folliculogenesis with abnormal ZP assembly in EFS patients. Our data provides a better understanding of the biological functions of ZP1 in human ZP assembly and folliculogenesis and gives new insights into the pathogenesis of EFS and possible therapeutic developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Dai
- Department of Basic Medicine, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, No. 371 Tongzipo Road, Changsha 410013, China.,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, No. 84 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, China.,Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Reproductive Engineering, Ministry of Health, No. 88 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Yongzhe Chen
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, No. 88 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Liang Hu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, No. 88 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, China.,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, No. 84 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, China.,Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Reproductive Engineering, Ministry of Health, No. 88 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, China.,National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, No. 8 Luyun Road, Changsha 410205, China
| | - Juan Du
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, No. 88 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, China.,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, No. 84 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, China.,Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Reproductive Engineering, Ministry of Health, No. 88 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Fei Gong
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, No. 88 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, China.,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, No. 84 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, China.,Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Reproductive Engineering, Ministry of Health, No. 88 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Jing Dai
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, No. 88 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, China.,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, No. 84 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Shuoping Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, No. 88 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, China.,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, No. 84 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Mingyi Wang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, No. 88 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, No. 88 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Jing Guo
- Department of Basic Medicine, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, No. 371 Tongzipo Road, Changsha 410013, China.,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, No. 84 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Wei Zheng
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, No. 84 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Changfu Lu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, No. 88 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, China.,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, No. 84 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, China.,Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Reproductive Engineering, Ministry of Health, No. 88 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Yueren Wu
- Department of Basic Medicine, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, No. 371 Tongzipo Road, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Guangxiu Lu
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, No. 84 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, China.,Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Reproductive Engineering, Ministry of Health, No. 88 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, China.,National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, No. 8 Luyun Road, Changsha 410205, China
| | - Ge Lin
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, No. 88 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, China.,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, No. 84 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, China.,Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Reproductive Engineering, Ministry of Health, No. 88 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, China.,National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, No. 8 Luyun Road, Changsha 410205, China
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31
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Wang Y, Lv C, Huang HL, Zeng MH, Yi DJ, Tan HJ, Peng TL, Yu WX, Deng HW, Xiao HM. Influence of mouse defective zona pellucida in folliculogenesis on apoptosis of granulosa cells and developmental competence of oocytes†. Biol Reprod 2020; 101:457-465. [PMID: 31162612 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Zona pellucida (ZP), which enwraps the oocyte during folliculogenesis, initially forms in the primary follicle and plays an important role in female fertility. Here, we investigated a mouse strain ("mutant mice" for short) carrying two types of ZP defects in folliculogenesis, i.e., ZP thinned (but intact) and ZP cracked, caused by targeted mutation in the Zp1 gene. Using this mutant mouse strain and wild-type mouse as control, we studied the effects of the ZP defects on the development of oocytes and granulosa cells during folliculogenesis. For each ZP defect, we examined the morphology of transzonal projections and apoptosis of granulosa cells in the corresponding growing follicles, as well as the morphology of corresponding ovulated eggs and their abilities to develop into viable individuals. Our results suggested that ZP integrity rather than thickness or porosity is crucial for preventing the ectopia of granulosa cells, maintaining adequate routine bilateral signaling between oocyte and surrounding granulosa cells, and thus for ensuring the survival of granulosa cells and the establishment of the full developmental competence of oocytes. This is the first study to elucidate the effects of different degrees of ZP defects caused by the same gene mutation, on the apoptosis of granulosa cells and developmental competence of oocytes, and to explore the potential mechanisms underlying these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Center of Reproductive Health, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chao Lv
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Center of Reproductive Health, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hua-Lin Huang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Center of Reproductive Health, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ming-Hua Zeng
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Center of Reproductive Health, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Da-Jing Yi
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Center of Reproductive Health, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hang-Jing Tan
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Center of Reproductive Health, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Tian-Liu Peng
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Center of Reproductive Health, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wen-Xian Yu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Center of Reproductive Health, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hong-Wen Deng
- Center of System Biology and Data Science, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Tulane Center for Bioinformatics and Genomics, Department of Global Biostatistics and Data Science, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, USA
| | - Hong-Mei Xiao
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Center of Reproductive Health, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
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32
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Luo G, Zhu L, Liu Z, Yang X, Xi Q, Li Z, Duan J, Jin L, Zhang X. Novel mutations in ZP1 and ZP2 cause primary infertility due to empty follicle syndrome and abnormal zona pellucida. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:2853-2860. [PMID: 32829425 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01926-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Mutations in the zona pellucida glycoprotein genes have been reported to be associated with empty follicle syndrome (EFS) and abnormal zona pellucida (ZP). In this study, we performed genetic analysis in the patients with female infertility due to abnormal zona pellucida and empty follicle syndrome to identify the disease-causing gene mutations in these patients. METHODS We characterized three patients from two independent families who had suffered from empty follicle syndrome or abnormal zona pellucida. Whole exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing were used to identify the mutations in the families. Western blot was used to check the expression of wild type and mutant disease genes. RESULTS We identified two novel mutations in these patients, including a novel compound heterozygous mutation (c.507delC, p. His170fs; c.239 G>A, p. Cys80Tyr and c.241 T>C, p. Tyr81His) in ZP1 gene and a compound mutation in ZP2 gene (c.860_861delTG, p.Val287fs and c.1924 C>T, p.Arg642Ter). Expression of the mutant ZP1 protein (p. Cys80Tyr and p. Tyr81His) is significantly decreased compared with the wild-type ZP1. Other three mutations produce truncated proteins. CONCLUSIONS Our findings expand the mutational spectrum of ZP1 and ZP2 genes associated with EFS and abnormal oocytes and provide new support for the genetic diagnosis of female infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geng Luo
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Lixia Zhu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhenxing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Xue Yang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Qingsong Xi
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhou Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jinliang Duan
- Reproductive Medical Center, No.924 Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Guilin, Guangxi, China
| | - Lei Jin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Xianqin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, Hubei, China.
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Novel biallelic loss-of-function variants in ZP1 identified in an infertile female with empty follicle syndrome. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:2151-2157. [PMID: 32556881 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01855-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Empty follicle syndrome (EFS) refers to the inability to obtain mature oocytes after appropriate ovarian stimulation during the process of in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, the specific cause and mechanism of action underlying EFS remain to be further explored. Herein we aimed to investigate the clinical and genetic characteristics of EFS. METHODS After data were collected in an infertile family, we performed whole-exome sequencing (WES) on the patient and confirmed the pathogenic mutations through Sanger sequencing. Western immunoblotting, immunofluorescence staining, and minigene assay were further used to investigate the negative effects of these mutations. RESULTS Absence of oocytes was observed over 2 cycles of IVF in the patient, and we evaluated the novel compound heterozygous mutations c.2T>A (p. M1K) and c.1112+1G>T of the zona pellucida glycoprotein 1 gene (ZP1, MIM# 195000) by WES. For the family under study, EFS was classified as an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. The results of western blotting and immunofluorescence staining analyses confirmed that the missense mutation of c.2T>A [p. M1K] resulted in almost missing protein production. Additionally, using a minigene assay, we demonstrated the deleterious effect on the ZP1 gene of the splice site mutation c.1112+1G>T, which caused truncation of ZP1 protein. CONCLUSIONS The compound heterozygous mutations of ZP1 gene identified in this study by genetic and functional experiments constituted a novel genetic cause of EFS, and further study will expand its use in the clinical and molecular diagnoses of EFS.
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Sun L, Fang X, Chen Z, Zhang H, Zhang Z, Zhou P, Xue T, Peng X, Zhu Q, Yin M, Liu C, Deng Y, Hu H, Li N. Compound heterozygous ZP1 mutations cause empty follicle syndrome in infertile sisters. Hum Mutat 2019; 40:2001-2006. [PMID: 31292994 DOI: 10.1002/humu.23864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Revised: 06/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Empty follicle syndrome (EFS) is a condition in which no oocyte is retrieved from mature follicles after proper ovarian stimulation in an in vitro fertilization procedure. Genetic evidence accumulates for the etiology of recurrent EFS without pharmacological or iatrogenic problems. In this study, we present two infertile sisters in a family with EFS after three cycles of standard ovarian stimulation with human chorionic gonadotrophin and/or gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist therapy. Via whole-exome sequencing and cosegregation test, we identified compound heterozygous mutations in the gene of ZP1 in both of the infertile sisters. Coimmunoprecipitation tests and homology modeling analysis confirmed that both mutated ZP1 disrupt the formation of oocyte zona pellucida by interrupting the interaction among ZP1, ZP2, and ZP3. We thus propose that the specific mutations in ZP1 gene render a causality for the intractable EFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Sun
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiang Fang
- Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiheng Chen
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hanwang Zhang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhan Zhang
- Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pei Zhou
- Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ting Xue
- Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaofang Peng
- Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qianying Zhu
- Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Minna Yin
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunlin Liu
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Deng
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hao Hu
- Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Na Li
- Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Molecular basis of egg coat cross-linking sheds light on ZP1-associated female infertility. Nat Commun 2019; 10:3086. [PMID: 31300655 PMCID: PMC6626044 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-10931-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian fertilisation begins when sperm interacts with the egg zona pellucida (ZP), whose ZP1 subunit is important for fertility by covalently cross-linking ZP filaments into a three-dimensional matrix. Like ZP4, a structurally-related component absent in the mouse, ZP1 is predicted to contain an N-terminal ZP-N domain of unknown function. Here we report a characterisation of ZP1 proteins carrying mutations from infertile patients, which suggests that, in human, filament cross-linking by ZP1 is crucial to form a stable ZP. We map the function of ZP1 to its ZP-N1 domain and determine crystal structures of ZP-N1 homodimers from a chicken homolog of ZP1. These reveal that ZP filament cross-linking is highly plastic and can be modulated by ZP1 fucosylation and, potentially, zinc sparks. Moreover, we show that ZP4 ZP-N1 forms non-covalent homodimers in chicken but not in human. Together, these data identify human ZP1 cross-links as a promising target for non-hormonal contraception.
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36
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Novel mutations in ZP1, ZP2, and ZP3 cause female infertility due to abnormal zona pellucida formation. Hum Genet 2019; 138:327-337. [PMID: 30810869 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-019-01990-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The human zona pellucida (ZP) is an extracellular glycoprotein matrix composed of ZP1, ZP2, ZP3, and ZP4 surrounding the oocyte, and it plays an important role in sperm-egg interactions during fertilization. Structural and functional changes in the ZP can influence the process of fertilization and lead to female infertility. Previous studies have identified mutations in ZP1, ZP2, and ZP3 that lead to female infertility caused by oocyte degeneration, empty follicle syndrome, or in vitro fertilization failure. Here we describe seven patients from six independent families who had several abnormal oocytes or suffered from empty follicle syndrome, similar to the previously reported phenotypes. By whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing, we identified several novel mutations in these patients. These included three homozygous mutations in ZP1 (c.1708G > A, p.Val570Met; c.1228C > T, p.Arg410Trp; c.507del, p.His170Ilefs*52), two mutations in a compound heterozygous state in ZP1 (c.1430 + 1G > T, p.Cys478X and c.1775-8T > C, p.Asp592Glyfs*29), a homozygous mutation in ZP2 (c.1115G > C, p.Cys372Ser), and a heterozygous mutation in ZP3 (c.763C > G, p.Arg255Gly). In addition, studies in CHO cells showed that the mutations in ZP1, ZP2, and ZP3 might affect the corresponding protein expression, secretion, and interaction, thus providing a mechanistic explanation for the phenotypes. Our study expands the spectrum of ZP gene mutations and phenotypes, and provides a further understanding of the pathogenic mechanism of ZP gene mutations in vitro.
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37
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Yuan P, Li R, Li D, Zheng L, Ou S, Zhao H, Zhang Q, Wang W. Novel mutation in the ZP1 gene and clinical implications. J Assist Reprod Genet 2019; 36:741-747. [PMID: 30778819 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-019-01404-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Empty follicle syndrome (EFS) is a complex reproductive disorder characterized by the repeated failure to aspirate oocytes from mature ovarian follicles during in vitro fertilization (IVF). In addition to some cases caused by iatrogenic problems and known genetic factors, there are still many unexplained aspects of EFS. Here, we aimed to assess the clinical and genetic characteristics of two EFS patients. METHODS We have characterized two primary infertility patients with EFS in a nonconsanguineous family from China. Both the patients presented similar clinical phenotypes, that is a few granulosa cells but no oocytes could be retrieved during repeated cycles with normal follicular development, E2 levels, and bioavailable hCG plasma levels. Abnormal oocytes were obtained once or twice between multiple IVF cycles. We performed Sanger sequencing of the LHCGR and ZP1~ZP4 genes in the patients, and further bioinformatics analysis was performed to identify pathogenic elements in the genes. RESULTS A novel mutation, c.181C>T (p.Arg61Cys), and a known mutation, c.1169_1176delTTTTCCCA (p.Ile390Thrfs*16), in the ZP1 gene were both identified in patient 2, but no mutations were identified in patient 1. The novel mutation inherited from her mother was absent in the control cohort and the ExAc database. The arginine residue is conserved at this position, and its replacement by cysteine was predicted to be deleterious. In another allele, a paternal frameshift mutation was predicted to introduce premature stop codons, resulting in the deletion of 234 amino acids from the C-terminus of the ZP1 protein. CONCLUSIONS Our findings presented compound heterozygous mutations in ZP1 associated with EFS and abnormal oocytes and provided further new evidence for the genetic basis of EFS and support for the genetic diagnosis of infertile individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Yuan
- IVF Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yan Jiang West Road, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Ruiqi Li
- IVF Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yan Jiang West Road, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Di Li
- IVF Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yan Jiang West Road, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Lingyan Zheng
- IVF Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yan Jiang West Road, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Songbang Ou
- IVF Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yan Jiang West Road, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Haijing Zhao
- IVF Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yan Jiang West Road, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Qingxue Zhang
- IVF Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yan Jiang West Road, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenjun Wang
- IVF Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yan Jiang West Road, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China.
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Bach À. Effects of nutrition and genetics on fertility in dairy cows. Reprod Fertil Dev 2019; 31:40-54. [DOI: 10.1071/rd18364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Optimal reproductive function in dairy cattle is mandatory to maximise profits. Dairy production has progressively improved milk yields, but, until recently, the trend in reproductive performance has been the opposite. Nutrition, genetics, and epigenetics are important aspects affecting the reproductive performance of dairy cows. In terms of nutrition, the field has commonly fed high-energy diets to dairy cows during the 3 weeks before calving in an attempt to minimise postpartum metabolic upsets. However, in the recent years it has become clear that feeding high-energy diets during the dry period, especially as calving approaches, may be detrimental to cow health, or at least unnecessary because cows, at that time, have low energy requirements and sufficient intake capacity. After calving, dairy cows commonly experience a period of negative energy balance (NEB) characterised by low blood glucose and high non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations. This has both direct and indirect effects on oocyte quality and survival. When oocytes are forced to depend highly on the use of energy resources derived from body reserves, mainly NEFA, their development is compromised due to a modification in mitochondrial β-oxidation. Furthermore, the indirect effect of NEB on reproduction is mediated by a hormonal (both metabolic and reproductive) environment. Some authors have attempted to overcome the NEB by providing the oocyte with external sources of energy via dietary fat. Conversely, fertility is affected by a large number of genes, each with small individual effects, and thus it is unlikely that the decline in reproductive function has been directly caused by genetic selection for milk yield per se. It is more likely that the decline is the consequence of a combination of homeorhetic mechanisms (giving priority to milk over other functions) and increased metabolic pressure (due to a shortage of nutrients) with increasing milk yields. Nevertheless, genetics is an important component of reproductive efficiency, and the incorporation of genomic information is allowing the detection of genetic defects, degree of inbreeding and specific single nucleotide polymorphisms directly associated with reproduction, providing pivotal information for genetic selection programs. Furthermore, focusing on improving bull fertility in gene selection programs may represent an interesting opportunity. Conversely, the reproductive function of a given cow depends on the interaction between her genetic background and her environment, which ultimately modulates gene expression. Among the mechanisms modulating gene expression, microRNAs (miRNAs) and epigenetics seem to be most relevant. Several miRNAs have been described to play active roles in both ovarian and testicular function, and epigenetic effects have been described as a consequence of the nutrient supply and hormonal signals to which the offspring was exposed at specific stages during development. For example, there are differences in the epigenome of cows born to heifers and those born to cows, and this epigenome seems to be sensitive to the availability of methyl donor compounds of the dam. Lastly, recent studies in other species have shown the relevance of paternal epigenetic marks, but this aspect has been, until now, largely overlooked in dairy cattle.
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Fuentes R, Letelier J, Tajer B, Valdivia LE, Mullins MC. Fishing forward and reverse: Advances in zebrafish phenomics. Mech Dev 2018; 154:296-308. [PMID: 30130581 PMCID: PMC6289646 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2018.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Revised: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Understanding how the genome instructs the phenotypic characteristics of an organism is one of the major scientific endeavors of our time. Advances in genetics have progressively deciphered the inheritance, identity and biological relevance of genetically encoded information, contributing to the rise of several, complementary omic disciplines. One of them is phenomics, an emergent area of biology dedicated to the systematic multi-scale analysis of phenotypic traits. This discipline provides valuable gene function information to the rapidly evolving field of genetics. Current molecular tools enable genome-wide analyses that link gene sequence to function in multi-cellular organisms, illuminating the genome-phenome relationship. Among vertebrates, zebrafish has emerged as an outstanding model organism for high-throughput phenotyping and modeling of human disorders. Advances in both systematic mutagenesis and phenotypic analyses of embryonic and post-embryonic stages in zebrafish have revealed the function of a valuable collection of genes and the general structure of several complex traits. In this review, we summarize multiple large-scale genetic efforts addressing parental, embryonic, and adult phenotyping in the zebrafish. The genetic and quantitative tools available in the zebrafish model, coupled with the broad spectrum of phenotypes that can be assayed, make it a powerful model for phenomics, well suited for the dissection of genotype-phenotype associations in development, physiology, health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Fuentes
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Joaquín Letelier
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo (CSIC/UPO/JA), Seville, Spain; Center for Integrative Biology, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Benjamin Tajer
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Leonardo E Valdivia
- Center for Integrative Biology, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Mary C Mullins
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Moros-Nicolás C, Leza A, Chevret P, Guillén-Martínez A, González-Brusi L, Boué F, Lopez-Bejar M, Ballesta J, Avilés M, Izquierdo-Rico MJ. Analysis of ZP1 gene reveals differences in zona pellucida composition in carnivores. Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 30:272-285. [PMID: 28679462 DOI: 10.1071/rd17022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The zona pellucida (ZP) is an extracellular envelope that surrounds mammalian oocytes. This coat participates in the interaction between gametes, induction of the acrosome reaction, block of polyspermy and protection of the oviductal embryo. Previous studies suggested that carnivore ZP was formed by three glycoproteins (ZP2, ZP3 and ZP4), with ZP1 being a pseudogene. However, a recent study in the cat found that all four proteins were expressed. In the present study, in silico and molecular analyses were performed in several carnivores to clarify the ZP composition in this order of mammals. The in silico analysis demonstrated the presence of the ZP1 gene in five carnivores: cheetah, panda, polar bear, tiger and walrus, whereas in the Antarctic fur seal and the Weddell seal there was evidence of pseudogenisation. Molecular analysis showed the presence of four ZP transcripts in ferret ovaries (ZP1, ZP2, ZP3 and ZP4) and three in fox ovaries (ZP2, ZP3 and ZP4). Analysis of the fox ZP1 gene showed the presence of a stop codon. The results strongly suggest that all four ZP genes are expressed in most carnivores, whereas ZP1 pseudogenisation seems to have independently affected three families (Canidae, Otariidae and Phocidae) of the carnivore tree.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Moros-Nicolás
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca-UMU), University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - A Leza
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca-UMU), University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - P Chevret
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, UMR5558, CNRS, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69622, Villeurbanne, France
| | - A Guillén-Martínez
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca-UMU), University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - L González-Brusi
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca-UMU), University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - F Boué
- ANSES, Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife, CS 40009, 54220 Malzéville, France
| | - M Lopez-Bejar
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J Ballesta
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca-UMU), University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - M Avilés
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca-UMU), University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - M J Izquierdo-Rico
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca-UMU), University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
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Tokuhiro K, Dean J. Glycan-Independent Gamete Recognition Triggers Egg Zinc Sparks and ZP2 Cleavage to Prevent Polyspermy. Dev Cell 2018; 46:627-640.e5. [PMID: 30122633 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2018.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The zona pellucida surrounding ovulated eggs regulates monospermic fertilization necessary for successful development. Using mouse transgenesis, we document that the N terminus of ZP2 is sufficient for sperm binding to the zona matrix and for in vivo fertility. Sperm binding is independent of ZP2 glycans and does not occur after complete cleavage of ZP2 by ovastacin, a zinc metalloendopeptidase stored in egg cortical granules. Immediately following fertilization, a rapid block to sperm penetration of the zona pellucida is established that precedes ZP2 cleavage but requires ovastacin enzymatic activity. This block to penetration is associated with release of zinc from cortical granules coincident with exocytosis. High levels of zinc affect forward motility of sperm to prevent their passage through the zona matrix. This transient, post-fertilization block to sperm penetration provides a temporal window to complete the cleavage of ZP2, which prevents sperm binding to ensure monospermy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keizo Tokuhiro
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jurrien Dean
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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Körschgen H, Kuske M, Karmilin K, Yiallouros I, Balbach M, Floehr J, Wachten D, Jahnen-Dechent W, Stöcker W. Intracellular activation of ovastacin mediates pre-fertilization hardening of the zona pellucida. Mol Hum Reprod 2018; 23:607-616. [PMID: 28911209 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gax040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION How and where is pro-ovastacin activated and how does active ovastacin regulate zona pellucida hardening (ZPH) and successful fertilization? STUDY FINDING Ovastacin is partially active before exocytosis and pre-hardens the zona pellucida (ZP) before fertilization. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The metalloproteinase ovastacin is stored in cortical granules, it cleaves zona pellucida protein 2 (ZP2) upon fertilization and thereby destroys the ZP sperm ligand and triggers ZPH. Female mice deficient in the extracellular circulating ovastacin-inhibitor fetuin-B are infertile due to pre-mature ZPH. STUDY DESIGN, SAMPLES/MATERIALS, METHODS We isolated oocytes from wild-type and ovastacin-deficient (Astlnull) FVB mice before and after fertilization (in vitro and in vivo) and quantified ovastacin activity and cleavage of ZP2 by immunoblot. We assessed ZPH by measuring ZP digestion time using α-chymotrypsin and by determining ZP2 cleavage. We determined cellular distribution of ovastacin by immunofluorescence using domain-specific ovastacin antibodies. Experiments were performed at least in triplicate with a minimum of 20 oocytes. Data were pre-analyzed using Shapiro-Wilk test. In case of normal distribution, significance was determined via two-sided Student's t-test, whereas in case of non-normal distribution via Mann-Whitney U-test. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Metaphase II (MII) oocytes contained both inactive pro-ovastacin and activated ovastacin. Immunoblot and ZP digestion assays revealed a partial cleavage of ZP2 even before fertilization in wild-type mice. Partial cleavage coincided with germinal-vesicle breakdown and MII, despite the presence of fetuin-B protein, an endogenous ovastacin inhibitor, in the follicular and oviductal fluid. Upon exocytosis, part of the C-terminal domain of ovastacin remained attached to the plasmalemma, while the N-terminal active ovastacin domain was secreted. This finding may resolve previously conflicting data showing that ovastacin acts both as an oolemmal receptor termed SAS1B (sperm acrosomal SLLP1 binding protein; SLLP, sperm lysozyme like protein) and a secreted protease mediating ZP2 cleavage. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION For this study, only oocytes isolated from wild-type and ovastacin-deficient FVB mice were investigated. Some experiments involved oocyte activation by the Ca2+ ionophore A23187 to trigger ZPH. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study provides a detailed spatial and temporal view of pre-mature cleavage of ZP2 by ovastacin, which is known to adversely affect IVF rate in mice and humans. LARGE SCALE DATA None. STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the Center of Natural Sciences and Medicine and by a start-up grant of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz to W.S., and by a grant from Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft and by the START program of the Medical Faculty of RWTH Aachen University to J.F. and W.J.D. There are no competing interests to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hagen Körschgen
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Department of Biology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55099 Mainz, Germany
| | - Michael Kuske
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Department of Biology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55099 Mainz, Germany
| | - Konstantin Karmilin
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Department of Biology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55099 Mainz, Germany
| | - Irene Yiallouros
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Department of Biology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55099 Mainz, Germany
| | - Melanie Balbach
- Max-Planck Research Group Molecular Physiology, Center of Advanced European Studies And Research (CAESAR), 53175 Bonn, Germany
| | - Julia Floehr
- Biointerface Laboratory, Helmholtz-Institute for Biomedical Engineering, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Dagmar Wachten
- Max-Planck Research Group Molecular Physiology, Center of Advanced European Studies And Research (CAESAR), 53175 Bonn, Germany.,Institute of Innate Immunity, University Hospital, University of Bonn, 53175 Bonn, Germany
| | - Willi Jahnen-Dechent
- Biointerface Laboratory, Helmholtz-Institute for Biomedical Engineering, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Walter Stöcker
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Department of Biology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55099 Mainz, Germany
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Abstract
The egg coat, an extracellular matrix made up of glycoprotein filaments, plays a key role in animal fertilization by acting as a gatekeeper for sperm. Egg coat components polymerize using a common zona pellucida (ZP) "domain" module that consists of two related immunoglobulin-like domains, called ZP-N and ZP-C. The ZP module has also been recognized in a large number of other secreted proteins with different biological functions, whose mutations are linked to severe human diseases. During the last decade, tremendous progress has been made toward understanding the atomic architecture of the ZP module and the structural basis of its polymerization. Moreover, sperm-binding regions at the N-terminus of mollusk and mammalian egg coat subunits were found to consist of domain repeats that also adopt a ZP-N fold. This discovery revealed an unexpected link between invertebrate and vertebrate fertilization and led to the first structure of an egg coat-sperm protein recognition complex. In this review we summarize these exciting findings, discuss their functional implications, and outline future challenges that must be addressed in order to develop a comprehensive view of this family of biomedically important extracellular molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel Bokhove
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition & Center for Innovative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Luca Jovine
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition & Center for Innovative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden.
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Abstract
All animal oocytes are surrounded by a glycoproteinaceous egg coat, a specialized extracellular matrix that serves both structural and species-specific roles during fertilization. Egg coat glycoproteins polymerize into the extracellular matrix of the egg coat using a conserved protein-protein interaction module-the zona pellucida (ZP) domain-common to both vertebrates and invertebrates, suggesting that the basic structural features of egg coats have been conserved across hundreds of millions of years of evolution. Egg coat proteins, as with other proteins involved in reproduction, are frequently found to be rapidly evolving. Given that gamete compatibility must be maintained for the fitness of sexually reproducing organisms, this finding is somewhat paradoxical and suggests a role for adaptive diversification in reproductive protein evolution. Here we review the structure and function of metazoan egg coat proteins, with an emphasis on the potential role their evolution has played in the creation and maintenance of species boundaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily E Killingbeck
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.
| | - Willie J Swanson
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.
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45
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Abstract
An ovulated egg of vertebrates is surrounded by unique extracellular matrix, the egg coat or zona pellucida, playing important roles in fertilization and early development. The vertebrate egg coat is composed of two to six zona pellucida (ZP) glycoproteins that are characterized by the evolutionarily conserved ZP-domain module and classified into six subfamilies based on phylogenetic analyses. Interestingly, investigations of biochemical and functional features of the ZP glycoproteins show that the roles of each ZP-glycoprotein family member in the egg-coat formation and the egg-sperm interactions seemingly vary across vertebrates. This might be one reason why comprehensive understandings of the molecular basis of either architecture or physiological functions of egg coat still remain elusive despite more than 3 decades of intensive investigations. In this chapter, an overview of avian egg focusing on the oogenesis are provided in the first section, and unique features of avian egg coat, i.e., perivitelline layer, including the morphology, biogenesis pathway, and physiological functions are discussed mainly on chicken and quail in terms of the characteristics of ZP glycoproteins in the following sections. In addition, these features of avian egg coat are compared to mammalian zona pellucida, from the viewpoint that the structural and functional varieties of ZP glycoproteins might be associated with the evolutionary adaptation to their reproductive strategies. By comparing the egg coat of birds and mammals whose reproductive strategies are largely different, new insights into the molecular mechanisms of vertebrate egg-sperm interactions might be provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Okumura
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, Meijo University, Nagoya, Japan.
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Abstract
All mammalian eggs are surrounded by a highly specialized extracellular matrix (ECM), called the zona pellucida (ZP), that functions before, during, and after fertilization. Unlike somatic cell ECM the mouse ZP is composed of three different proteins, ZP1-3, that are synthesized and secreted by growing oocytes and assembled into long interconnected fibrils. ECM or vitelline envelope (VE) that surrounds fish, reptilian, amphibian, and avian eggs also consists of a limited number of proteins all closely related to ZP1-3. Messenger RNAs encoding ZP1-3 are expressed only by growing oocytes at very high levels from single-copy genes present on different chromosomes. Processing at the amino- and carboxy-termini of nascent ZP1-3 permits secretion of mature proteins into the extracellular space and assembly into fibrils and matrix. Structural features of nascent ZP proteins prevent assembly within secretory vesicles of growing oocytes. Homozygous knockout female mice that fail to synthesize either ZP2 or ZP3 are unable to construct a ZP, ovulate few if any eggs, and are infertile. ZP1-3 have a common structural feature, the ZP domain (ZPD), that has been conserved through 600 million years of evolution and is essential for ZP protein assembly into fibrils. The ZPD consists of two subdomains, each with four conserved cysteine residues present as two intramolecular disulfides, and resembles an immunoglobulin (Ig) domain found in a wide variety of proteins that have diverse functions, from receptors to mechanical transducers. ZP2 and ZP3 function as receptors for acrosome-reacted and acrosome-intact sperm, respectively, during fertilization of ovulated eggs, but are inactivated as sperm receptors as a result of fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul M Wassarman
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.
| | - Eveline S Litscher
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
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Canosa S, Adriaenssens T, Coucke W, Dalmasso P, Revelli A, Benedetto C, Smitz J. Zona pellucida gene mRNA expression in human oocytes is related to oocyte maturity, zona inner layer retardance and fertilization competence. Mol Hum Reprod 2018; 23:292-303. [PMID: 28204536 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gax008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do the mRNA expression levels of zona pellucida (ZP) genes, ZP1, 2, 3 and 4 in oocyte and cumulus cells (CC) reveal relevant information on the oocyte? SUMMARY ANSWER The ZP mRNA expression in human oocytes is related to oocyte maturity, zona inner layer (IL) retardance and fertilization capacity. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY ZP structure and birefringence provide useful information on oocyte cytoplasmic maturation, developmental competence for embryonic growth, blastocyst formation and pregnancy. In order to understand the molecular basis of morphological changes in the ZP, in the current study, the polarized light microscopy (PLM) approach was combined with analysis of the expression of the genes encoding ZP1, 2, 3 and 4, both in the oocytes and in the surrounding CC. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This is a retrospective study comprising 98 supernumerary human cumulus oocyte complexes (COC) [80 Metaphase II (MII), 10 Metaphase I (MI) and 8 germinal vesicle (GV)] obtained from 39 patients (median age 33.4 years, range 22-42) after controlled ovarian stimulation. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Single oocytes and their corresponding CC were analysed. Oocytes were examined using PLM, and quantitative RT-PCR was performed for ZP1, 2, 3 and 4 in these individual oocytes and their CC. Ephrin-B2 (EFNB2) mRNA was measured in CC as a control. Presence of ZP3 protein in CC and oocytes was investigated using immunocytochemistry. Data were analysed using one-parametric and multivariate analysis and were corrected for the potential impact of patient and cycle characteristics. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Oocytes contained ZP1/2/3 and 4 mRNA while in CC only ZP3 was quantifiable. Also ZP3 protein was detected in human CC. When comparing mature (MII) and immature oocytes (MI/GV) or their corresponding CC, ZP1/2 and 4 expression was lower in mature oocytes compared to the expression in immature oocytes (all P < 0.05) and ZP3 expression was lower in the CC of mature oocytes compared to the expression in CC of immature oocytes (P < 0.05). This coincided with a significantly smaller IL-ZP area and thickness in mature oocytes than in immature oocytes (all P < 0.05). In mature oocytes, IL-ZP retardance was significantly correlated with the expression of all four ZP mRNAs (all P < 0.05). The oocyte ZP3 expression was the main predictor of the fertilization capacity, next to IL-retardance and IL-thickness. Using stepwise regression analysis, IL-thickness combined with EFNB2 expression in CC and the patient's ovarian response resulted in a noninvasive oocyte fertilization prediction model. LARGE SCALE DATA Not applicable. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This is a retrospective study and the relation of oocyte mRNA levels to fertilization capacity is indirect as oocyte gene expression analysis required lysis of the oocyte. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Overall relations between PLM observations, mRNA expression changes and intrinsic oocyte competence were successfully documented. As such PLM and CC gene expression are confirmed as valuable noninvasive techniques to evaluate oocyte competence. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was funded by University of Torino, Italy, WFWG UZ-Brussel and Agentschap voor Innovatie door Wetenschap en Technologie IWT 110680, Belgium. All authors declare that their participation in the study did not involve actual or potential conflicts of interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Canosa
- Chair Gynecology and Obstetrics 1, Physiopathology of Reproduction and IVF Unit, University Department of Surgical Sciences, S. Anna Hospital, Via Ventimiglia 3, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - T Adriaenssens
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - W Coucke
- Department of Clinical Biology, Scientific Institute of Public Health, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - P Dalmasso
- Medical Statistics Unit, Department of Public Health and Paediatrics, University of Torino, Via Santena 5b, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - A Revelli
- Chair Gynecology and Obstetrics 1, Physiopathology of Reproduction and IVF Unit, University Department of Surgical Sciences, S. Anna Hospital, Via Ventimiglia 3, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - C Benedetto
- Chair Gynecology and Obstetrics 1, Physiopathology of Reproduction and IVF Unit, University Department of Surgical Sciences, S. Anna Hospital, Via Ventimiglia 3, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - J Smitz
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
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Que EL, Duncan FE, Bayer AR, Philips SJ, Roth EW, Bleher R, Gleber SC, Vogt S, Woodruff TK, O'Halloran TV. Zinc sparks induce physiochemical changes in the egg zona pellucida that prevent polyspermy. Integr Biol (Camb) 2017; 9:135-144. [PMID: 28102396 DOI: 10.1039/c6ib00212a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
During fertilization or chemically-induced egg activation, the mouse egg releases billions of zinc atoms in brief bursts known as 'zinc sparks.' The zona pellucida (ZP), a glycoprotein matrix surrounding the egg, is the first structure zinc ions encounter as they diffuse away from the plasma membrane. Following fertilization, the ZP undergoes changes described as 'hardening', which prevent multiple sperm from fertilizing the egg and thereby establish a block to polyspermy. A major event in zona hardening is cleavage of ZP2 proteins by ovastacin; however, the overall physiochemical changes contributing to zona hardening are not well understood. Using X-ray fluorescence microscopy, transmission and scanning electron microscopy, and biological function assays, we tested the hypothesis that zinc release contributes to ZP hardening. We found that the zinc content in the ZP increases by 300% following activation and that zinc exposure modulates the architecture of the ZP matrix. Importantly, zinc-induced structural changes of the ZP have a direct biological consequence; namely, they reduce the ability of sperm to bind to the ZP. These results provide a paradigm-shifting model in which fertilization-induced zinc sparks contribute to the polyspermy block by altering conformations of the ZP matrix. This adds a previously unrecognized factor, namely zinc, to the process of ZP hardening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily L Que
- The Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, 2170 North Campus Drive, Silverman 4611, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.
| | - Francesca E Duncan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 East Superior Street, Lurie 10-121, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| | - Amanda R Bayer
- The Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, 2170 North Campus Drive, Silverman 4611, Evanston, IL 60208, USA. and Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Steven J Philips
- The Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, 2170 North Campus Drive, Silverman 4611, Evanston, IL 60208, USA. and Department of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Eric W Roth
- The Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, 2170 North Campus Drive, Silverman 4611, Evanston, IL 60208, USA. and Northwestern University Atomic and Nanoscale Characterization Experimental Center, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Reiner Bleher
- The Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, 2170 North Campus Drive, Silverman 4611, Evanston, IL 60208, USA. and Northwestern University Atomic and Nanoscale Characterization Experimental Center, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Sophie C Gleber
- X-ray Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL 60439, USA
| | - Stefan Vogt
- X-ray Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL 60439, USA
| | - Teresa K Woodruff
- The Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, 2170 North Campus Drive, Silverman 4611, Evanston, IL 60208, USA. and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 East Superior Street, Lurie 10-121, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. and Department of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Thomas V O'Halloran
- The Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, 2170 North Campus Drive, Silverman 4611, Evanston, IL 60208, USA. and Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA and Department of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
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49
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Additive-effect pattern of both ZP2 and ZP3 in human and mouse. Hum Genet 2017; 136:1493-1495. [PMID: 29094202 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-017-1848-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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50
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Yurttas Beim P, Parfitt DE, Tan L, Sugarman EA, Hu-Seliger T, Clementi C, Levy B. At the dawn of personalized reproductive medicine: opportunities and challenges with incorporating multigene panel testing into fertility care. J Assist Reprod Genet 2017; 34:1573-1576. [PMID: 29063499 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-017-1068-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lei Tan
- Celmatix Inc., New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | - Brynn Levy
- Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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