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Fujishima A, Takahashi K, Goto M, Hirakawa T, Iwasawa T, Togashi K, Maeda E, Shirasawa H, Miura H, Sato W, Kumazawa Y, Terada Y. Live visualisation of electrolytes during mouse embryonic development using electrolyte indicators. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0246337. [PMID: 33513193 PMCID: PMC7845971 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies have shown that some electrolytes, including Na+ and K+, play important roles in embryonic development. However, these studies evaluated these electrolytes by using inhibitors or knockout mice, with no mention on the changes in the intracellular electrolyte concentrations during embryogenesis. In this study, we used the electrolyte indicators CoroNa Green AM and ION Potassium Green-2 AM to directly visualise intracellular concentrations of Na+ and K+, respectively, at each embryonic developmental stage in mouse embryos. We directly observed intracellular electrolyte concentrations at the morula, blastocyst, and hatching stages. Our results revealed dynamic changes in intracellular electrolyte concentrations; we found that the intracellular Na+ concentration decreased, while K+ concentration increased during blastocoel formation. The degree of change in intensity in response to ouabain, an inhibitor of Na+/K+ ATPase, was considered to correspond to the degree of Na+/K+ ATPase activity at each developmental stage. Additionally, after the blastocyst stage, trophectoderm cells in direct contact with the blastocoel showed higher K+ concentrations than in direct contact with inner cell mass, indicating that Na+/K+ ATPase activity differs depending on the location in the trophectoderm. This is the first study to use CoroNa Green AM and ION Potassium Green-2 AM in mouse embryos and visualise electrolytes during embryonic development. The changes in electrolyte concentration observed in this study were consistent with the activity of Na+/K+ ATPase reported previously, and it was possible to image more detailed electrolyte behaviour in embryo cells. This method can be used to improve the understanding of cell physiology and is useful for future embryonic development studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akiko Fujishima
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - Kazumasa Takahashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - Mayumi Goto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - Takeo Hirakawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - Takuya Iwasawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Omagari Kousei Medical Center, Akita, Japan
| | - Kazue Togashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - Eri Maeda
- Department of Environmental Health Science and Public Health, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - Hiromitsu Shirasawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Miura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - Wataru Sato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - Yukiyo Kumazawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Terada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
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do Nascimento AD, Marques JCC, Cezar ARR, Batista AM, Kastelic JP, Câmara DR. Inhibition of Na +, K + -ATPase with ouabain is detrimental to equine blastocysts. Anim Reprod 2020; 17:arAO20190079. [PMID: 32368275 PMCID: PMC7189547 DOI: 10.21451/1984-3143-ar2019-0079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Although equine blastocysts ≤ 300 µm in diameter can be successfully vitrified, larger equine blastocysts are not good candidates for cryopreservation. As Na+, K+-ATPase is involved in maintaining blastocyst expansion, perhaps inhibition of this enzyme would be a viable method of reducing blastocyst diameter prior to cryopreservation. Objectives were to evaluate effects of ouabain-induced inhibition of Na+, K+-ATPase in equine blastocysts. Sixteen mares were ultrasonographically monitored, given deslorelin acetate to induce ovulation, and inseminated. Embryos (D7 and D9) were harvested and Na+, K+-ATPase inhibited for 1 or 6 h by exposure to 10-6 M ouabain, either natural ouabain or conjugated to fluorescein (OuabainFL), during incubation at 37° C. Evaluations included morphometric characteristics (bright field microscopy) and viability (Hoescht 33342 + propidium iodide). Blastocysts incubated for 6 h in Holding medium + ouabain (n=3) had, on average, a 45.7% reduction in diameter, with adverse morphologic features and no re-expansion after subsequent incubation in Holding medium for 12 h. In subsequent studies, even a 1-h exposure to Ouabain or OuabainFL, caused similar reductions, namely 38.7 ± 6.7% (n=5) and 33.6 ± 3.3% (n=7) for D7 and D9 blastocysts, respectively. Ouabain binding was confirmed after OuabainFL exposition and all embryos (n=12) lost viability. We concluded that Na+, K+-ATPase inhibition with ouabain caused death of equine blastocysts and therefore was not a viable method of reducing blastocyst size prior to cryopreservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnelo Douglas do Nascimento
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Laboratório de Reprodução Animal, Universidade Federal de Alagoas, Viçosa, AL, Brasil
| | | | - Allan Rodolf Ribeiro Cezar
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Laboratório de Reprodução Animal, Universidade Federal de Alagoas, Viçosa, AL, Brasil
| | - André Mariano Batista
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brasil
| | - John Patrick Kastelic
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Diogo Ribeiro Câmara
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Laboratório de Reprodução Animal, Universidade Federal de Alagoas, Viçosa, AL, Brasil
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Câmara DR, Kastelic JP, Thundathil JC. Role of the Na +/K +-ATPase ion pump in male reproduction and embryo development. Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 29:1457-1467. [PMID: 27456939 DOI: 10.1071/rd16091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Na+/K+-ATPase was one of the first ion pumps studied because of its importance in maintaining osmotic and ionic balances between intracellular and extracellular environments, through the exchange of three Na+ ions out and two K+ ions into a cell. This enzyme, which comprises two main subunits (α and β), with or without an auxiliary polypeptide (γ), can have specific biochemical properties depending on the expression of associated isoforms (α1β1 and/or α2β1) in the cell. In addition to the importance of Na+/K+-ATPase in ensuring the function of many tissues (e.g. brain, heart and kidney), in the reproductive tract this protein is essential for embryo development because of its roles in blastocoel formation and embryo hatching. In the context of male reproduction, the discovery of a very specific subunit (α4), apparently restricted to male germ cells, only expressed after puberty and able to influence sperm function (e.g. motility and capacitation), opened a remarkable field for further investigations regarding sperm biology. Therefore, the present review focuses on the importance of Na+/K+-ATPase on male reproduction and embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- D R Câmara
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Alagoas, Fazenda São Luiz, s/n, Zona Rural do Município de Viçosa, Viçosa-AL, CEP: 57700-000, Brazil
| | - J P Kastelic
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr., NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - J C Thundathil
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr., NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
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Kort J, Behr B. Biomechanics and developmental potential of oocytes and embryos. Fertil Steril 2017; 108:738-741. [PMID: 28987788 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2017.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Revised: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The high incidence of multiple embryo transfers is evidence of the need for better methods of embryo selection. Additionally, methods to determine the reproductive competence of unfertilized oocytes are critically needed to inform the growing population of patients undergoing fertility preservation. The ideal method of oocyte and embryo selection would be noninvasive, inexpensive, and able to be incorporated into embryology workflow with minimal disruption. Methods to assess the biomechanical properties of cells offer many of these traits, and there is a growing body of evidence in multiple cell types demonstrating the biomechanical properties of cells are reflective of a cell's intrinsic health. The associations with these properties are not mere coincidence, as many of the biomechanical properties are critical to cellular function. The biomechanical properties of oocytes and embryos undergo a dynamic, characteristic transformation from oocyte maturation through blastocyst formation, lending itself to biomechanical assessment. Many of the assessments made by embryologists, from ease of microinjection during intracytoplasmic sperm injection to degree of blastocyst expansion, are direct proxies for cellular biomechanics. Newer, objective and quantitative methods of biomechanical assessment are being applied to oocyte and embryo selection, with early use supporting their application in assisted reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Kort
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Stanford University, Stanford, California.
| | - Barry Behr
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Stanford University, Stanford, California
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Yang J, Zhang D, Yu Y, Zhang RJ, Hu XL, Huang HF, Lu YC. Binding of FGF2 to FGFR2 in an autocrine mode in trophectoderm cells is indispensable for mouse blastocyst formation through PKC-p38 pathway. Cell Cycle 2016; 14:3318-30. [PMID: 26378412 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2015.1087622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factors (FGF1, FGF2 and FGF4) and fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR3 and FGFR4) have been reported to be expressed in preimplantation embryos and be required for their development. However, the functions of these molecules in trophectoderm cells (TEs) that lead to the formation of the blastocyst as well as the underlying mechanism have not been elucidated. The present study has demonstrated for the first time that endogenous FGF2 secreted by TEs can regulate protein expression and distribution in TEs via the FGFR2-mediated activation of PKC and p38, which are important for the development of expanded blastocysts. This finding provides the first explanation for the long-observed phenomenon that only high concentrations of exogenous FGFs have effects on embryonic development, but in vivo the amount of endogenous FGFs are trace. Besides, the present results suggest that FGF2/FGFR2 may act in an autocrine fashion and activate the downstream PKC/p38 pathway in TEs during expanded blastocyst formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yang
- a Department of Reproductive Endocrinology ; Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine ; Hangzhou, Zhejiang , China.,b The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University ; Hangzhou, Zhejiang , China.,d Department of Assisted Reproduction ; Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine ; Shanghai , China
| | - Dan Zhang
- a Department of Reproductive Endocrinology ; Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine ; Hangzhou, Zhejiang , China.,b The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University ; Hangzhou, Zhejiang , China
| | - Ying Yu
- a Department of Reproductive Endocrinology ; Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine ; Hangzhou, Zhejiang , China.,b The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University ; Hangzhou, Zhejiang , China
| | - Run-Ju Zhang
- a Department of Reproductive Endocrinology ; Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine ; Hangzhou, Zhejiang , China.,b The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University ; Hangzhou, Zhejiang , China
| | - Xiao-Ling Hu
- a Department of Reproductive Endocrinology ; Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine ; Hangzhou, Zhejiang , China.,b The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University ; Hangzhou, Zhejiang , China
| | - He-Feng Huang
- b The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University ; Hangzhou, Zhejiang , China.,c The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University ; Shanghai , China
| | - Yong-Chao Lu
- a Department of Reproductive Endocrinology ; Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine ; Hangzhou, Zhejiang , China.,b The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University ; Hangzhou, Zhejiang , China
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Choi I, Carey TS, Wilson CA, Knott JG. Transcription factor AP-2γ is a core regulator of tight junction biogenesis and cavity formation during mouse early embryogenesis. Development 2016; 139:4623-32. [PMID: 23136388 DOI: 10.1242/dev.086645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The trophectoderm epithelium is the first differentiated cell layer to arise during mammalian development. Blastocyst formation requires the proper expression and localization of tight junction, polarity, ion gradient and H2O channel proteins in the outer cell membranes. However, the underlying transcriptional mechanisms that control their expression are largely unknown. Here, we report that transcription factor AP-2γ (Tcfap2c) is a core regulator of blastocyst formation in mice. Bioinformatics, chromatin immunoprecipitation and transcriptional analysis revealed that Tcfap2c binds and regulates a diverse group of genes expressed during blastocyst formation. RNA interference experiments demonstrated that Tcfap2c regulates genes important for tight junctions, cell polarity and fluid accumulation. Functional and ultrastructural studies revealed that Tcfap2c is necessary for tight junction assembly and paracellular sealing in trophectoderm epithelium. Aggregation of control eight-cell embryos with Tcfap2c knockdown embryos rescued blastocyst formation via direct contribution to the trophectoderm epithelium. Finally, we found that Tcfap2c promotes cellular proliferation via direct repression of p21 transcription during the morula-to-blastocyst transition. We propose a model in which Tcfap2c acts in a hierarchy to facilitate blastocyst formation through transcriptional regulation of core genes involved in tight junction assembly, fluid accumulation and cellular proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inchul Choi
- Developmental Epigenetics Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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Aperia A, Akkuratov EE, Fontana JM, Brismar H. Na+-K+-ATPase, a new class of plasma membrane receptors. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2016; 310:C491-5. [PMID: 26791490 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00359.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase (NKA) differs from most other ion transporters, not only in its capacity to maintain a steep electrochemical gradient across the plasma membrane, but also as a receptor for a family of cardiotonic steroids, to which ouabain belongs. Studies from many groups, performed during the last 15 years, have demonstrated that ouabain, a member of the cardiotonic steroid family, can activate a network of signaling molecules, and that NKA will also serve as a signal transducer that can provide a feedback loop between NKA and the mitochondria. This brief review summarizes the current knowledge and controversies with regard to the understanding of NKA signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Aperia
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Women and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; and
| | - Evgeny E Akkuratov
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Women and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; and
| | - Jacopo Maria Fontana
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Applied Physics, Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hjalmar Brismar
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Women and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; and Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Applied Physics, Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
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Eckert JJ, Velazquez MA, Fleming TP. Cell signalling during blastocyst morphogenesis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2015; 843:1-21. [PMID: 25956293 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-2480-6_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Blastocyst morphogenesis is prepared for even before fertilisation. Information stored within parental gametes can influence both maternal and embryonic gene expression programmes after egg activation at fertilisation. A complex network of intrinsic, cell-cell mediated and extrinsic, embryo-environment signalling mechanisms operates throughout cleavage, compaction and cavitation. These signalling events not only ensure developmental progression, cell differentiation and lineage allocation to inner cell mass (embryo proper) and trophectoderm (future extraembryonic lineages) but also provide a degree of developmental plasticity ensuring survival in prevailing conditions by adaptive responses. Indeed, many cellular functions including differentiation, metabolism, gene expression and gene expression regulation are subject to plasticity with short- or long-term consequences even into adult life. The interplay between intrinsic and extrinsic signals impacting on blastocyst morphogenesis is becoming clearer. This has been best studied in the mouse which will be the focus of this chapter but translational significance to human and domestic animal embryology will be a focus in future years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith J Eckert
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, SO16 6YD, Southampton, UK
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Balasubramaniam SL, Gopalakrishnapillai A, Barwe SP. Ion dependence of Na-K-ATPase-mediated epithelial cell adhesion and migration. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2015; 309:C437-41. [PMID: 26157008 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00140.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sona Lakshme Balasubramaniam
- Nemours Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, Delaware; and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware
| | | | - Sonali P Barwe
- Nemours Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, Delaware; and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware
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10
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Ouabain induces endocytosis and degradation of tight junction proteins through ERK1/2-dependent pathways. Exp Cell Res 2014; 320:108-18. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2013.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2013] [Revised: 10/07/2013] [Accepted: 10/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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11
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Hu YJ, Wang YD, Tan FQ, Yang WX. Regulation of paracellular permeability: factors and mechanisms. Mol Biol Rep 2013; 40:6123-42. [PMID: 24062072 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-013-2724-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2012] [Accepted: 09/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial permeability is composed of transcellular permeability and paracellular permeability. Paracellular permeability is controlled by tight junctions (TJs). Claudins and occludin are two major transmembrane proteins in TJs, which directly determine the paracellular permeability to different ions or large molecules. Intracellular signaling pathways including Rho/Rho-associated protein kinase, protein kinase Cs, and mitogen-activated protein kinase, modulate the TJ proteins to affect paracellular permeability in response for diverse stimuli. Cytokines, growth factors and hormones in organism can regulate the paracellular permeability via signaling pathway. The transcellular transporters such as Na-K-ATPase, Na(+)-coupled transporters and chloride channels, can interact with paracellular transport and regulate the TJs. In this review, we summarized the factors affecting paracellular permeability and new progressions of the related mechanism in recent studies, and pointed out further research areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Jun Hu
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310006, People's Republic of China
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Civan MM. DIDS and the Janus-faced Na⁺-K⁺-activated ATPase. Focus on "DIDS inhibits Na-K-ATPase activity in porcine nonpigmented ciliary epithelial cells by a Src family kinase-dependent mechanism". Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2013; 305:C479-80. [PMID: 23636455 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00114.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Bell CE, Watson AJ. p38 MAPK regulates cavitation and tight junction function in the mouse blastocyst. PLoS One 2013; 8:e59528. [PMID: 23593143 PMCID: PMC3617173 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0059528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2012] [Accepted: 02/15/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Blastocyst formation is essential for implantation and maintenance of pregnancy and is dependent on the expression and coordinated function of a series of proteins involved in establishing and maintaining the trans-trophectoderm ion gradient that enables blastocyst expansion. These consist of Na/K-ATPase, adherens junctions, tight junctions (TJ) and aquaporins (AQP). While their role in supporting blastocyst formation is established, the intracellular signaling pathways that coordinate their function is unclear. The p38 MAPK pathway plays a role in regulating these proteins in other cell types and is required for embryo development at the 8–16 cell stage, but its role has not been investigated in the blastocyst.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine E Bell
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
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