1
|
Duy PT, Nhu BLQ, Dinh PQ, Nam CH, Phuong LDT, Tri DQ, Chien PM, Nguyen NT, Van Thuan N, Bui HT. Developmental Competence of Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer Embryos and Interspecies ICSI Zygotes From Bovine Small Antral Follicles. Reprod Domest Anim 2024; 59:e14726. [PMID: 39344426 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2024] [Revised: 08/24/2024] [Accepted: 09/10/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) play a crucial role in conserving threatened wildlife species such as Bos gaurus. ART requires a large number of mature oocytes, and small antral follicles (SAFs) in the ovary are often used to obtain abundant sources of bovine oocytes. However, oocytes from SAFs often experience difficulty completing maturation and obtaining high quality and quantity of blastocyst formation compared to fully grown oocytes. This study aimed to increase the number of high-quality mature oocytes and improve their potential for ART applications in cloned and interspecies intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) embryos by utilising L-ascorbic acid (LAA) in pre in vitro maturation (pre-IVM) culture. First, oocytes isolated from SAFs were cultured with the duration of pre-IVM 0, 6, 8, 10 h and different concentrations of LAA to determine good conditions for oocyte maturation. Then, mature oocytes were assessed for their developmental competence through parthenogenesis, cloned and interspecies ICSI embryos. The results showed that 8-h pre-IVM with 50 μg/mL LAA improved the maturation rate and developmental competence of parthenogenetic and clone embryos, especially, improving the high blastocyst quality by increasing cell number and expression of histone acetylation at lysine 9 (H3K9ac). In addition, the culture process improved the nuclear reprogramming of somatic cells after nuclear transfer into mature oocytes, resulting in an increased hatching rate of cloned embryos. It also enhanced the activation and the pronuclear formation rate of Gaurus-Taurus zygotes. Overall, the established pre-IVM culture method enhanced the meiotic and developmental competence of embryos. This procedure opened hope for the preservation of endangered species and other applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pham-Truong Duy
- Cellular Reprogramming Laboratory, School of Biotechnology, International University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Bui Le Quynh Nhu
- Cellular Reprogramming Laboratory, School of Biotechnology, International University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Pham Quoc Dinh
- Cellular Reprogramming Laboratory, School of Biotechnology, International University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Cao Hoang Nam
- Cellular Reprogramming Laboratory, School of Biotechnology, International University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Lam Do Truc Phuong
- Cellular Reprogramming Laboratory, School of Biotechnology, International University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Dao Quang Tri
- Cellular Reprogramming Laboratory, School of Biotechnology, International University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Pham Minh Chien
- Cellular Reprogramming Laboratory, School of Biotechnology, International University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Nhat-Thinh Nguyen
- Cellular Reprogramming Laboratory, School of Biotechnology, International University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- School of Medicine-VNU, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen Van Thuan
- Cellular Reprogramming Laboratory, School of Biotechnology, International University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Hong-Thuy Bui
- Cellular Reprogramming Laboratory, School of Biotechnology, International University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Comizzoli P, Amelkina O, Lee PC. Damages and stress responses in sperm cells and other germplasms during dehydration and storage at nonfreezing temperatures for fertility preservation. Mol Reprod Dev 2022; 89:565-578. [PMID: 36370428 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23651] [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: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Long-term preservation of sperm, oocytes, and gonadal tissues at ambient temperatures has the potential to lower the costs and simplify biobanking in human reproductive medicine, as well as for the management of animal populations. Over the past decades, different dehydration protocols and long-term storage solutions at nonfreezing temperatures have been explored, mainly for mammalian sperm cells. Oocytes and gonadal tissues are more challenging to dehydrate so little to no progress have been made. Currently, the detrimental effects of the drying process itself are better characterized than the impact of long-term storage at nonfreezing temperatures. While structural and functional properties of germ cells can be preserved after dehydration, a long list of damages and stresses in nuclei, organelles, and cytoplasmic membranes have been reported and sometimes mitigated. Characterizing those damages and better understanding the response of germ cells and tissues to the stress of dehydration is fundamental. It will contribute to the development of optimal protocols while proving the safety of alternative storage options for fertility preservation. The objective of this review is to (1) document the types of damages and stress responses, as well as their mitigation in cells dried with different techniques, and (2) propose new research directions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Comizzoli
- Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Veterinary Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Olga Amelkina
- Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Veterinary Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Pei-Chih Lee
- Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Veterinary Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Milazzotto MP, Noonan MJ, de Almeida Monteiro Melo Ferraz M. Mining RNAseq data reveals dynamic metaboloepigenetic profiles in human, mouse and bovine pre-implantation embryos. iScience 2022; 25:103904. [PMID: 35252810 PMCID: PMC8889150 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.103904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Metaboloepigenetic regulation has been reported in stem cells, germ cells, and tumor cells. Embryonic metaboloepigenetics, however, have just begun to be described. Here we analyzed RNAseq data to characterize the metaboloepigenetic profiles of human, mouse, and bovine pre-implantation embryos. In embryos, metaboloepigenetic reprogramming was species-specific, varied with the developmental stage and was disrupted with in vitro culture. Metabolic pathways and gene expressions were strongly correlated with early embryo DNA methylation and were changed with in vitro culture. Although the idea that the in vitro environment may influence development is not new, there has been little progress on improving pregnancy rates after decades using in vitro fertilization. Hence, the present data will contribute to understanding how the in vitro manipulation affects the metaboloepigenetic status of early embryos, which can be used to establish culture strategies aimed at improving the in vitro environment and, consequently, pregnancy rates and offspring health. Embryonic metaboloepigenetic reprogramming is stage- and species-specific In vitro culture disrupts the in vivo embryonic metaboloepigenetic reprogramming Metabolic genes and pathways are highly correlated with embryo methylome
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcella Pecora Milazzotto
- Center of Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, São Paulo, 09210-580 Santo André, Brazil
| | - Michael James Noonan
- The Irving K. Barber School of Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Marcia de Almeida Monteiro Melo Ferraz
- Gene Center Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany
- Clinic of Ruminants, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany
- Corresponding author
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zafar MI, Lu S, Li H. Sperm-oocyte interplay: an overview of spermatozoon's role in oocyte activation and current perspectives in diagnosis and fertility treatment. Cell Biosci 2021; 11:4. [PMID: 33407934 PMCID: PMC7789549 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-020-00520-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The fertilizing spermatozoon is a highly specialized cell that selects from millions along the female tract until the oocyte. The paternal components influence the oocyte activation during fertilization and are fundamental for normal embryo development; however, the sperm-oocyte interplay is in a continuous debate. This review aims to analyze the available scientific information related to the role of the male gamete in the oocyte activation during fertilization, the process of the interaction of sperm factors with oocyte machinery, and the implications of any alterations in this interplay, as well as the advances and limitations of the reproductive techniques and diagnostic tests. At present, both PLCζ and PAWP are the main candidates as oocyte activated factors during fertilization. While PLCζ mechanism is via IP3, how PAWP activates the oocyte still no clear, and these findings are important to study and treat fertilization failure due to oocyte activation, especially when one of the causes is the deficiency of PLCζ in the sperm. However, no diagnostic test has been developed to establish the amount of PLCζ, the protocol to treat this type of pathologies is broad, including treatment with ionophores, sperm selection improvement, and microinjection with PLCζ protein or RNA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ishraq Zafar
- Institute of Reproductive Health/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hang Kong Road, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Shi Lu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jeifang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022, People's Republic of China
| | - Honggang Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hang Kong Road, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China. .,Wuhan Tongji Reproductive Medicine Hospital, 128 Sanyang Road, Wuhan, 430013, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bennemann J, Grothmann H, Wrenzycki C. Reduced oxygen concentration during in vitro oocyte maturation alters global DNA methylation in the maternal pronucleus of subsequent zygotes in cattle. Mol Reprod Dev 2018; 85:849-857. [PMID: 30307668 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Preimplantation epigenetic reprogramming is sensitive to the environment of the gametes and the embryo. In vitro maturation (IVM) of bovine oocytes is a critical step of embryo in vitro production procedures and several factors influence its efficiency, including atmospheric oxygen tension. The possibility that the IVM environment can alter this process is tested by determining whether the global DNA methylation pattern (measured via immunofluorescent labeling of 5-methylcytosine [5meC]) in the parental pronuclei of bovine zygotes produced from cumulus-oocyte complexes matured under low (5%) and atmospheric (~20%) oxygen tension. Normalized 5meC signals differed significantly between maternal and paternal pronuclei of oocytes matured in vitro at 5% oxygen (p ≤ 0.05). There was a significant difference of 5meC between maternal pronuclei of oocytes matured at 5% oxygen and 20% oxygen ( p ≤ 0.05). The relative methylation level (normalized fluorescence intensity of paternal pronucleus divided by the normalized fluorescence intensity of maternal pronucleus) subsequent to maturation in vitro at 5% and 20% oxygen was also significantly altered ( p ≤ 0.05). Our results show that the pattern of global DNA methylation in the maternal pronucleus of bovine zygotes is affected by maturing the oocytes under low oxygen tension which may have an impact on early embryonic development. These data may contribute to the understanding of possible effects of IVM conditions on pronucleus reprogramming.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Bennemann
- Clinic for Cattle, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (Foundation), Hannover, Germany.,Clinic for Veterinary Obstetrics, Gynecology and Andrology, Chair for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Hanna Grothmann
- Clinic for Veterinary Obstetrics, Gynecology and Andrology, Chair for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Christine Wrenzycki
- Clinic for Veterinary Obstetrics, Gynecology and Andrology, Chair for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abstract
Early - intrauterine - environmental factors are linked to the development of cardiovascular disease in later life. Traditionally, these factors are considered to be maternal factors such as maternal under and overnutrition, exposure to toxins, lack of micronutrients, and stress during pregnancy. However, in the recent years, it became obvious that also paternal environmental factors before conception and during sperm development determine the health of the offspring in later life. We will first describe clinical observational studies providing evidence for paternal programming of adulthood diseases in progeny. Next, we describe key animal studies proving this relationship, followed by a detailed analysis of our current understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of paternal programming. Alterations of noncoding sperm micro-RNAs, histone acetylation, and targeted as well as global DNA methylation seem to be in particular involved in paternal programming of offspring's diseases in later life.
Collapse
|
7
|
Heras S, Smits K, De Schauwer C, Van Soom A. Dynamics of 5-methylcytosine and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine during pronuclear development in equine zygotes produced by ICSI. Epigenetics Chromatin 2017; 10:13. [PMID: 28331549 PMCID: PMC5353960 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-017-0120-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Global epigenetic reprogramming is considered to be essential during embryo development to establish totipotency. In the classic model first described in the mouse, the genome-wide DNA demethylation is asymmetric between the paternal and the maternal genome. The paternal genome undergoes ten-eleven translocation (TET)-mediated active DNA demethylation, which is completed before the end of the first cell cycle. Since TET enzymes oxidize 5-methylcytosine to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine, the latter is postulated to be an intermediate stage toward DNA demethylation. The maternal genome, on the other hand, is protected from active demethylation and undergoes replication-dependent DNA demethylation. However, several species do not show the asymmetric DNA demethylation process described in this classic model, since 5-methylcytosine and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine are present during the first cell cycle in both parental genomes. In this study, global changes in the levels of 5-methylcytosine and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine throughout pronuclear development in equine zygotes produced in vitro were assessed using immunofluorescent staining. Results We were able to show that 5-methylcytosine and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine both were explicitly present throughout pronuclear development, with similar intensity levels in both parental genomes, in equine zygotes produced by ICSI. The localization patterns of 5-methylcytosine and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine, however, were different, with 5-hydroxymethylcytosine homogeneously distributed in the DNA, while 5-methylcytosine tended to be clustered in certain regions. Fluorescence quantification showed increased 5-methylcytosine levels in the maternal genome from PN1 to PN2, while no differences were found in PN3 and PN4. No differences were observed in the paternal genome. Normalized levels of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine were preserved throughout all pronuclear stages in both parental genomes. Conclusions In conclusion, the horse does not seem to follow the classic model of asymmetric demethylation as no evidence of global DNA demethylation of the paternal pronucleus during the first cell cycle was demonstrated. Instead, both parental genomes displayed sustained and similar levels of methylation and hydroxymethylation throughout pronuclear development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Heras
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Katrien Smits
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Catharina De Schauwer
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Jia G, Fu X, Cheng K, Yue M, Jia B, Hou Y, Zhu S. Spermatozoa cryopreservation alters pronuclear formation and zygotic DNA demethylation in mice. Theriogenology 2015; 83:1000-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.11.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2014] [Revised: 11/18/2014] [Accepted: 11/30/2014] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
|
9
|
DNA counterstaining for methylation and hydroxymethylation immunostaining in bovine zygotes. Anal Biochem 2014; 454:14-6. [PMID: 24631518 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2014.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2014] [Revised: 02/27/2014] [Accepted: 03/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Immunostaining is the preferred technique to assess differences in methylation and hydroxymethylation status of both pronuclei in single zygotes. DNA counterstaining is needed to delimitate the pronuclear area for quantification purposes. For a correct epitope retrieval of 5-methylcytosine and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine in bovine zygotes, 1h of denaturation with 4N HCl is needed. However, DNA stains are sensitive to denaturation. Therefore, four DNA stains were tested after 1h of denaturation with 4N HCl in this study. After this treatment, DAPI (4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole) and Hoechst failed to bind DNA, but both propidium iodide and ethidium homodimer-2 successfully bound it and both pronuclei were stained.
Collapse
|
10
|
Castillo J, Amaral A, Oliva R. Sperm nuclear proteome and its epigenetic potential. Andrology 2013; 2:326-38. [PMID: 24327354 DOI: 10.1111/j.2047-2927.2013.00170.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2013] [Revised: 11/08/2013] [Accepted: 11/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The main function of the sperm cell is to transmit the paternal genetic message and epigenetic information to the embryo. Importantly, the majority of the genes in the sperm chromatin are highly condensed by protamines, whereas genes potentially needed in the initial stages of development are associated with histones, representing a form of epigenetic marking. However, so far little attention has been devoted to other sperm chromatin-associated proteins that, in addition to histones and protamines, may also have an epigenetic role. Therefore, with the goal of contributing to cover this subject we have compiled, reviewed and report a list of 581 chromatin or nuclear proteins described in the human sperm cell. Furthermore, we have analysed their Gene Ontology Biological Process enriched terms and have grouped them into different functional categories. Remarkably, we show that 56% of the sperm nuclear proteins have a potential epigenetic activity, being involved in at least one of the following functions: chromosome organization, chromatin organization, protein-DNA complex assembly, DNA packaging, gene expression, transcription, chromatin modification and histone modification. In addition, we have also included and compared the sperm cell proteomes of different model species, demonstrating the existence of common trends in the chromatin composition in the mammalian mature male gamete. Taken together, our analyses suggest that the mammalian sperm cell delivers to the offspring a rich combination of histone variants, transcription factors, chromatin-associated and chromatin-modifying proteins which have the potential to encode and transmit an extremely complex epigenetic information.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Castillo
- Human Genetics Research Group, IDIBAPS, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Jenkins TG, Carrell DT. Dynamic alterations in the paternal epigenetic landscape following fertilization. Front Genet 2012; 3:143. [PMID: 23024648 PMCID: PMC3442791 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2012.00143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2012] [Accepted: 07/13/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryonic development is a complex and dynamic process with frequent changes in gene expression, ultimately leading to cellular differentiation and commitment of various cell lines. These changes are likely preceded by changes to signaling cascades and/or alterations to the epigenetic program in specific cells. The process of epigenetic remodeling begins early in development. In fact, soon after the union of sperm and egg massive epigenetic changes occur across the paternal and maternal epigenetic landscape. The epigenome of these cells includes modifications to the DNA itself, in the form of DNA methylation, as well as nuclear protein content and modification, such as modifications to histones. Sperm chromatin is predominantly packaged by protamines, but following fertilization the sperm pronucleus undergoes remodeling in which maternally derived histones replace protamines, resulting in the relaxation of chromatin and ultimately decondensation of the paternal pronucleus. In addition, active DNA demethylation occurs across the paternal genome prior to the first cell division, effectively erasing many spermatogenesis derived methylation marks. This complex interplay begins the dynamic process by which two haploid cells unite to form a diploid organism. The biology of these events is central to the understanding of sexual reproduction, yet our knowledge regarding the mechanisms involved is extremely limited. This review will explore what is known regarding the post-fertilization epigenetic alterations of the paternal chromatin and the implications suggested by the available literature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy G Jenkins
- Andrology and IVF Laboratories, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ma JY, Liang XW, Schatten H, Sun QY. Active DNA demethylation in mammalian preimplantation embryos: new insights and new perspectives. Mol Hum Reprod 2012; 18:333-40. [PMID: 22447119 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gas014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation and demethylation are crucial for modulating gene expression and regulating cell differentiation. Functions and mechanisms of DNA methylation/demethylation in mammalian embryos are still far from being understood clearly. In this review we firstly describe new insights into DNA demethylation mechanisms, and secondly introduce the differences in active DNA methylation patterns in zygotes and early embryos in various mammalian species. Thirdly, we attempt to clarify the functions of DNA demethylation in early embryos. Most importantly we summarize the importance of active DNA demethylation and its possible relevance to human IVF clinics. Finally research perspectives regarding DNA demethylation are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Yu Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Loi P, Fulka J, Hildebrand T, Ptak G. Genome of non-living cells: trash or recycle? Reproduction 2011; 142:497-503. [PMID: 21778214 DOI: 10.1530/rep-11-0063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Reproductive technologies have been often used as a tool in research not strictly connected with developmental biology. In this study, we retrace the experimental routes that have led to the adoption of two reproductive technologies, ICSI and somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), as biological assays to probe the 'functionality' of the genome from dead cells. The structural peculiarities of the spermatozoa nucleus, namely its lower water content and its compact chromatin structure, have made it the preferred cell for these experiments. The studies, primarily focused on mice, have demonstrated an unexpected stability of the spermatozoa nuclei, which retained the capacity to form pronuclei once injected into the oocytes even after severe denaturing agents like acid treatment and high-temperature exposure. These findings inspired further research culminating in the production of mice after ICSI of lyophilized spermatozoa. The demonstrated non-equivalence between cell vitality and nuclear vitality in spermatozoa prompted analogous studies on somatic cells. Somatic cells were treated with the same physical stress applied to spermatozoa and were injected into enucleated sheep oocytes. Despite the presumptive fragile nuclear structure, nuclei from non-viable cells (heat treated) directed early and post-implantation embryonic development on nuclear transfer, resulting in normal offspring. Recently, lyophilized somatic cells used for nuclear transfer have developed into normal embryos. In summary, ICSI and SCNT have been useful tools to prove that alternative strategies for storing banks of non-viable cells are realistic. Finally, the potential application of freeze-dried spermatozoa and cells is also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pasqualino Loi
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Teramo, Piazza Aldo Moro 45, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Kusakabe H. Chromosomal integrity and DNA damage in freeze-dried spermatozoa. Reprod Med Biol 2011; 10:199-210. [PMID: 29699095 DOI: 10.1007/s12522-011-0092-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2011] [Accepted: 05/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Freeze-drying technology may one day be used to preserve mammalian spermatozoa indefinitely without cryopreservation. Freeze-dried mouse spermatozoa stored below 4°C for up to 1 year have maintained the ability to fertilize oocytes and support normal development. The maximum storage period for spermatozoa increases at lower storage temperatures. Freeze-drying, per se, may reduce the integrity of chromosomes in freeze-dried mouse spermatozoa, but induction of chromosomal damage is suppressed if spermatozoa are incubated with divalent cation chelating agents prior to freeze-drying. Nevertheless, chromosomal damage does accumulate in spermatozoa stored at temperatures above 4°C. Currently, no established methods or strategies can prevent or reduce damage accumulation, and damage accumulation during storage is a serious obstacle to advances in freeze-drying technology. Chromosomal integrity of freeze-dried human spermatozoa have roughly background levels of chromosomal damage after storage at 4°C for 1 month, but whether these spermatozoa can produce healthy newborns is unknown. The safety of using freeze-dried human spermatozoa must be evaluated based on the risks of heritable chromosome and DNA damage that accumulates during storage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hirokazu Kusakabe
- Department of Biological Sciences Asahikawa Medical University 2-1-1-1 Midorigaoka-higashi 078-8510 Asahikawa Japan
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
HARA H, ABDALLA H, MORITA H, KUWAYAMA M, HIRABAYASHI M, HOCHI S. Procedure for Bovine ICSI, not Sperm Freeze-drying, Impairs the Function of the Microtubule-organizing Center. J Reprod Dev 2011; 57:428-32. [DOI: 10.1262/jrd.10-167n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hiromasa HARA
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University
| | - Hany ABDALLA
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University
| | | | | | - Masumi HIRABAYASHI
- National Institute for Physiological Sciences
- The Graduate University for Advanced Studies
| | - Shinichi HOCHI
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University
- Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
HOCHI S, ABDALLA H, HARA H, HIRABAYASHI M. Challenging Endeavour for Preservation of Freeze-Dried Mammalian Spermatozoa. J Reprod Dev 2011; 57:557-63. [DOI: 10.1262/jrd.11-061o] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Shinichi HOCHI
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Nagano 386-8567, Japan
| | - Hany ABDALLA
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Nagano 386-8567, Japan
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Sharkia 44519, Egypt
| | - Hiromasa HARA
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Nagano 386-8567, Japan
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
BARNETOVA I, FULKA H, FULKA, JR J. Epigenetic Characteristics of Paternal Chromatin in Interspecies Zygotes. J Reprod Dev 2010; 56:601-6. [DOI: 10.1262/jrd.09-172a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Irena BARNETOVA
- Institute of Animal Science
- Center for Cell Therapy and Tissue Repair
| | - Helena FULKA
- Institute of Animal Science
- Center for Cell Therapy and Tissue Repair
| | - Josef FULKA, JR
- Institute of Animal Science
- Center for Cell Therapy and Tissue Repair
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Abdalla H, Yoshizawa Y, Hochi S. Active demethylation of paternal genome in mammalian zygotes. J Reprod Dev 2009; 55:356-60. [PMID: 19721335 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.20234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic reprogramming in early preimplantation embryos, that refers to erasing and remodeling epigenetic marks such as DNA methylation, is essential for differentiation and development. In many species, paternal genome is subjected to genome-wide active demethylation before the DNA replication commences, while maternal genome maintains its methylation status until being demethylated passively during the subsequent cleavage divisions. The purpose of this manuscript was to review the available knowledge about the paternal genome active demethylation process concerning the possible mechanisms, species variation and the factors affecting the active demethylation dynamics such as in vitro protocols for production of pronuclear-stage zygotes. Better understanding the mechanisms by which the epigenetic reprogramming is occurred may contribute to clarify the biological significance of this process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hany Abdalla
- Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Nagano, Japan
| | | | | |
Collapse
|