The beneficial effects of antifreeze proteins in the vitrification of immature mouse oocytes

Antifreeze protein type I in the vitrification solution improves the cryopreservation of immature cat oocytes

Oocyte cryopreservation is not yet considered a reliable technique since it can reduce the quality and survival of oocytes in several species. This study determined the effect of different concentrations of antifreeze protein I (AFP I) on the vitrification solution of immature cat oocytes. For this, oocytes were randomly distributed in three groups and vitrified with 0 μg/mL (G0, 0 μM); 0.5 μg/mL (G0.5, 0.15 μM), or 1 μg/mL (G1, 0.3 μM) of AFP I. After thawing, oocytes were evaluated for morphological quality, and compared to a fresh group (FG) regarding actin integrity, mitochondrial activity and mass, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione (GSH) levels, nuclear maturation, expression of GDF9, BMP15, ZAR-1, PRDX1, SIRT1, and SIRT3 genes (normalized by ACTB and YWHAZ genes), and ultrastructure. G0.5 and G1 presented a higher proportion of COCs graded as I and while G0 had a significantly lower quality. G1 had a higher percentage of intact actin in COCs than G0 and G0.5 (P < 0.05). There was no difference (P > 0.05) in the mitochondrial activity between FG and G1 and they were both higher (P < 0.05) than G0 and G0.5. G1 had a significantly lower (P < 0.05) mitochondrial mass than FG and G0, and there was no difference among FG, G0, and G0.5. G1 had higher ROS than all groups (P < 0.05), and there was no difference in GSH levels among the vitrified groups (P > 0.05). For nuclear maturation, there was no difference between G1 and G0.5 (P > 0.05), but these were both higher (P < 0.05) than G0 and lower (P < 0.05) compared to FG. Regarding gene expression, in G0 and G0.5, most genes were downregulated compared to FG, except for SIRT1 and SIRT3 in G0 and SIRT3 in G0.5. In addition, G1 kept the expression more similar to FG. Regardless of concentration, AFP I supplementation in vitrification solution of immature cat oocytes improved maturation rates, morphological quality, and actin integrity and did not impact GSH levels. In the highest concentration tested (1 μg/mL), AFP maintained the mitochondrial activity, reduced mitochondrial mass, increased ROS levels, and had the gene expression more similar to FG. Altogether these data show that AFP supplementation during vitrification seems to mitigate some of the negative impact of cryopreservation improving the integrity and cryosurvival of cat oocytes.

Microenvironment factors promoting the quality of vitrified cat oocytes

In oocyte cryopreservation programs, vitrification has overthrown conventional slow freezing both in veterinary and human medicine. In animals, its feasibility in field conditions makes it the preferred technique for the safeguard of genetic resources from zoo or wild animals, including threatened felids, for which the domestic cat is an excellent model. However, many cellular injuries, such as cytoskeleton, mitochondria and meiotic spindle alterations, DNA damage, zona pellucida hardening and cumulus cell loss, might occur following vitrification. After warming, although the exact mechanisms are still unclear, degeneration is a frequent outcome for cat vitrified oocytes. For immature (germinal vesicle) gametes, in vitro maturation after warming is a challenge, and cleavage after fertilization barely reaches 15-30%, while for mature (metaphase II) cryopreserved gametes it can get to 30-50%. Anyway, the progression to late embryos stages is often impaired, and improvements are needed. Standard cryopreservation protocol and the use of conventional in vitro culture systems after warming may not be enough for vitrified oocytes to recover and demonstrate their full developmental potential. Physical or chemical factors applied to oocytes undergoing vitrification, as an enrichment to the vitrification step, or to the culture microenvironment, could create more favorable conditions and promote vitrified oocyte survival and development. From the use of three-dimensional culture systems to the regulation of metabolic activities and cellular pathways, this review aims to explore all the possibilities employed so far, including the studies performed by our own lab, and the future perspectives, to present the most effective strategies for cat oocyte vitrification and the best time for their application (i.e., before, during, or after vitrification-warming).

Molecular Factors of Ice Growth Inhibition for Hyperactive and Globular Antifreeze Proteins: Insights from Molecular Dynamics Simulation

The molecular mechanism behind the ice growth inhibition by antifreeze proteins (AFPs) is yet to be understood completely. Also, what physical parameters differentiate between the AFP and non-AFP are largely unknown. Thus, to get an atomistic overview of the differential antifreeze activities of different classes of AFPs, we have studied ice growth from different ice surfaces in the presence of a moderately active globular type III AFP and a hyperactive spruce budworm (sbw) AFP. Results are compared with the observations of ice growth simulations in the presence of topologically similar non-AFPs using all-atom molecular dynamics simulations. Simulation data suggest that the ice surface coverage is a critical factor in ice growth inhibition. Due to the presence of an ice binding surface (IBS), AFPs form a high affinity complex with ice, accompanied by a transition of hydration water around the IBS from clathrate-like to ice-like. Several residues around the periphery of the IBS anchor the AFP to the curved ice surface mediated by multiple strong hydrogen bonds, stabilizing the complex immensely. In the high surface coverage regime, the slow unbinding kinetics dominates over the ice growth kinetics and thus facilitates the ice growth inhibition. Due to the non-availability of a proper IBS, non-AFPs form a low-affinity complex with the growing ice surface. As a result, the non-AFPs are continuously repelled by the surface. If the concentration of AFPs is low, then the effective surface coverage is reduced significantly. In this low surface coverage regime, AFPs can also behave like impurities and are engulfed by the growing ice crystal.

RBM3 is an outstanding cold shock protein with multiple physiological functions beyond hypothermia

RNA-binding motif protein 3 (RBM3), an outstanding cold shock protein, is rapidly upregulated to ensure homeostasis and survival in a cold environment, which is an important physiological mechanism in response to cold stress. Meanwhile, RBM3 has multiple physiological functions and participates in the regulation of various cellular physiological processes, such as antiapoptosis, circadian rhythm, cell cycle, reproduction, and tumogenesis. The structure, conservation, and tissue distribution of RBM3 in human are demonstrated in this review. Herein, the multiple physiological functions of RBM3 were summarized based on recent research advances. Meanwhile, the cytoprotective mechanism of RBM3 during stress under various adverse conditions and its regulation of transcription were discussed. In addition, the neuroprotection of RBM3 and its oncogenic role and controversy in various cancers were investigated in our review.

Cryoprotective effect of antifreeze protein III on the rabbit ovary

CONTEXT

Ovarian tissue cryopreservation is effective in preserving fertility in cancer patients who have concerns about fertility loss due to cancer treatment. However, ischemia reduces the lifespan of grafts. Microvascular transplantation of cryopreserved whole ovary may allow immediate revascularisation, but the damage incurred during the cryopreservation procedure may cause follicular depletion; hence, preventing chilling injury would help maintain ovarian function.

AIM

This study was designed to investigate the beneficial effects of antifreeze protein III (AFP III) on rabbit ovary cryopreservation.

METHODS

Ovaries (n =25) obtained from 5-month-old female rabbits (n =13) were frozen by slow freezing and vitrification. Cryoprotectant media were supplemented with and without 1mg/mL of AFP III. The experiment was divided into five groups: fresh control group (F), slow freezing group (S), slow freezing group with AFP III (AFP III-S), vitrification group (V) and vitrification group with AFP III (AFP III-V). All groups of ovaries were examined by histological characteristics analysis, ultrastructural analysis, apoptosis detection and follicle viability test.

KEY RESULTS

With slow freezing, the normal rate of change in follicle morphology, density of stromal cells and the survival rate of follicles in the AFP III supplemented group were significantly higher than those in the non-supplemented group, and a lower oocyte apoptotic rate was shown in the AFP III supplemented group. In the vitrification groups, the normal rate of change in follicle morphology and density of stromal cells in the AFP III supplemented group were significantly higher than those in the non-supplemented group, and a lower oocyte apoptotic rate was found in the AFP III supplemented group. But there was no obvious difference in the survival rate of follicles between the two groups. There was also no significant difference in the normal rate of change in follicle morphology, the survival rate of follicles and the apoptotic rate of oocytes between the vitrification and slow freezing groups (P >0.05), but the density of stromal cells in the vitrification groups was statistically higher than that of the slow freezing group (P <0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The addition of AFP III in slow freezing and vitrification could improve the cryoprotective effect of ovaries, which was more evident in slow freezing.

IMPLICATIONS

The findings of this study provide a foundation for further research on the effects of AFP III in human ovarian tissue.

Antifreeze Proteins: Novel Applications and Navigation towards Their Clinical Application in Cryobanking

Antifreeze proteins (AFPs) or thermal hysteresis (TH) proteins are biomolecular gifts of nature to sustain life in extremely cold environments. This family of peptides, glycopeptides and proteins produced by diverse organisms including bacteria, yeast, insects and fish act by non-colligatively depressing the freezing temperature of the water below its melting point in a process termed thermal hysteresis which is then responsible for ice crystal equilibrium and inhibition of ice recrystallisation; the major cause of cell dehydration, membrane rupture and subsequent cryodamage. Scientists on the other hand have been exploring various substances as cryoprotectants. Some of the cryoprotectants in use include trehalose, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), ethylene glycol (EG), sucrose, propylene glycol (PG) and glycerol but their extensive application is limited mostly by toxicity, thus fueling the quest for better cryoprotectants. Hence, extracting or synthesizing antifreeze protein and testing their cryoprotective activity has become a popular topic among researchers. Research concerning AFPs encompasses lots of effort ranging from understanding their sources and mechanism of action, extraction and purification/synthesis to structural elucidation with the aim of achieving better outcomes in cryopreservation. This review explores the potential clinical application of AFPs in the cryopreservation of different cells, tissues and organs. Here, we discuss novel approaches, identify research gaps and propose future research directions in the application of AFPs based on recent studies with the aim of achieving successful clinical and commercial use of AFPs in the future.

Anti freeze proteins (Afp): Properties, sources and applications - A review

Extreme cold marine and freshwater temperatures (below 4 °C) induce massive deterioration to the cell membranes of organisms resulting in the formation of ice crystals, consequently causing organelle damage or cell death. One of the adaptive mechanisms organisms have evolved to thrive in cold environments is the production of antifreeze proteins with the functional capabilities to withstand frigid temperatures. Antifreeze proteins are extensively identified in different cold-tolerant species and they facilitate the persistence of cold-adapted organisms by decreasing the freezing point of their body fluids. Various structurally diverse types of antifreeze proteins detected possess the ability to modify ice crystal growth by thermal hysteresis and ice recrystallization inhibition. The unique properties of antifreeze proteins have made them a promising resource in industry, biomedicine, food storage and cryobiology. This review collates the findings of the various studies carried out in the past and the recent developments observed in the properties, functional mechanisms, classification, distinct sources and the ever-increasing applications of antifreeze proteins. This review also summarizes the possibilities of the way forward to identify new avenues of research on anti-freeze proteins.

Antifreeze proteins for low-temperature preservation in reproductive medicine: A systematic review over the last three decades

Antifreeze proteins (AFPs) are synthesized by diverse non-mammalian species, allowing them to survive in severely cold environments. Since the 1990s, the scientific literature reports their use for low-temperature preservation of germplasm. The aim of this systematic review was to compile available scientific evidence regarding the use of AFP for low-temperature preservation of several reproductive specimens. Internet databases were consulted using the terms: "antifreeze protein" OR "AFP" OR "antifreeze glycoprotein" OR "AFGP" OR "ice-binding protein" OR "IBP" OR "thermal hysteresis protein" AND "cryopreservation". From 56 articles, 87 experiments testing AFPs in low-temperature preservation of gametes, embryos or reproductive tissues/cells were fully analyzed and outcomes were annotated. A positive outcome was considered as a statistically significant improvement on any parameter evaluated after low-temperature preservation with AFP, whereas a negative outcome included worsening of any evaluated parameter, in comparison to untreated groups or groups treated with a lower concentration of AFP. The findings indicated that research on the use of AFP as a cryoprotectant for reproductive specimens has increased markedly over the past decade. Some experiments reported both positive and negative results, which depended, on AFP concentration in the preservation media. Variation in the outcomes associated with species was also observed. Among the 66 experiments conducted in mammals, 77.3% resulted in positive, and 28.8% in negative outcomes after the use of AFP. In fishes, positive and negative outcomes were observed in 71.4% and 33.3% of 21 experiments, respectively. Most positive outcomes included preserving cell post-warming survival. The beneficial effect of AFP supports its use in cryobiological approaches used in human and veterinary medicines and animal protein industry. Moreover, combination of different AFP types, or AFP with antioxidants, or even the use of AFP-biosimilar, comprise some promising approaches to be further explored in cryopreservation.

Antifreeze Protein Supplementation During the Warming of Vitrified Bovine Ovarian Tissue Can Improve the Ovarian Tissue Quality After Xenotransplantation

The occurrence of ice crystallization during ovarian tissue (OT) cryopreservation causes unavoidable cryodamage, and ice recrystallization during the warming is more detrimental than ice crystallization. Here, we investigated that antifreeze protein (AFP) treatment during the warming procedure can improve the bovine OT quality after xenotransplantation (XT). Bovine OTs (n=120) were evenly assigned to four groups: fresh, vitrified-warmed, vitrified-warmed with 10 mg/mL Leucosporidium ice-binding protein (LeIBP, a type of AFP) (LeIBP-10), and vitrified-warmed with 20 mg/mL LeIBP (LeiBP-20). LeIBPs were added to the first warming solution. Twenty pieces of OTs were assigned to each category. The remaining 10 OTs from each category were assigned to the XT-Fresh control, XT-Vitrified-warmed control, XT-LeIBP-10, and XT-LeIBP-20 groups, respectively, and xenotransplanted to 9-week-old ovariectomized nude mice for one week. LeIBP treatment during the warming step increased morphological follicle normality and decreased apoptotic follicle ratios after vitrification-warming and XT. The XT-vitrified-warmed control group showed significantly reduced microvessel density and increased fibrosis when compared to that of the XT-fresh group. Microvessel density and fibrosis were recovered in both LeIBP treated groups. There was no significant difference between the LeIBP-10 and LeIBP-20 groups in all outcomes. AFP treatment during the warming procedure can prevent OT damage, and improve ovarian follicle morphology and apoptosis in both the vitrified-warmed bovine OT and its graft. After confirmation in a human study, AFPs can potentially be applied to human OT cryopreservation to reduce cryodamage and improve the OT quality.

Antifreeze Proteins and Their Practical Utilization in Industry, Medicine, and Agriculture

Antifreeze proteins (AFPs) are specific proteins, glycopeptides, and peptides made by different organisms to allow cells to survive in sub-zero conditions. AFPs function by reducing the water’s freezing point and avoiding ice crystals’ growth in the frozen stage. Their capability in modifying ice growth leads to the stabilization of ice crystals within a given temperature range and the inhibition of ice recrystallization that decreases the drip loss during thawing. This review presents the potential applications of AFPs from different sources and types. AFPs can be found in diverse sources such as fish, yeast, plants, bacteria, and insects. Various sources reveal different α-helices and β-sheets structures. Recently, analysis of AFPs has been conducted through bioinformatics tools to analyze their functions within proper time. AFPs can be used widely in various aspects of application and have significant industrial functions, encompassing the enhancement of foods’ freezing and liquefying properties, protection of frost plants, enhancement of ice cream’s texture, cryosurgery, and cryopreservation of cells and tissues. In conclusion, these applications and physical properties of AFPs can be further explored to meet other industrial players. Designing the peptide-based AFP can also be done to subsequently improve its function.

The protective effect of Leucosporidium-derived ice-binding protein (LeIBP) on bovine oocytes and embryos during vitrification

Ice-binding proteins (IBPs) facilitate organism survival under extreme conditions by inhibiting thermal hysteresis and ice recrystallization. IBPs have been widely used as cryoprotectants to cryopreserve mammalian gametes and embryos. In the present study, we evaluated the protective effects of an Arctic yeast, Leucosporidium sp. AY30 derived ice-binding protein (LeIBP), on the vitrification of bovine metaphase II (MII) oocytes and embryos. When oocytes and embryos were frozen using the two-step vitrification method, the survival rate was significantly increased in the presence of LeIBP. The LeIBP supplementation decreased the levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and enhanced mitochondrial functions in the vitrified-warmed oocytes. Furthermore, LeIBP improved the developmental potential and suppressed apoptosis of the embryos derived from vitrified-warmed oocytes. Collectively, these data indicate that LeIBP can be used as a promising cryoprotectant to prevent cryoinjury during vitrification in bovine oocytes.

The properties, biotechnologies, and applications of antifreeze proteins

By natural selection, organisms evolve different solutions to cope with extremely cold weather. The emergence of an antifreeze protein gene is one of the most momentous solutions. Antifreeze proteins possess an importantly functional ability for organisms to survive in cold environments and are widely found in various cold-tolerant species. In this review, we summarize the origin of antifreeze proteins, describe the diversity of their species-specific properties and functions, and highlight the related biotechnology on the basis of both laboratory tests and bioinformatics analysis. The most recent advances in the applications of antifreeze proteins are also discussed. We expect that this systematic review will contribute to the comprehensive knowledge of antifreeze proteins to readers.

Mild hypothermia promotes the viability of in vitro-produced bovine blastocysts and their transcriptional expression of the cold-inducible transcription factor Rbm3 during in vitro culture

In this study, we evaluated the effects of holding in vitro-produced bovine blastocysts under mild hypothermia (33°C or 35°C), by examining viability and hatching rates of day 7 blastocysts (day 0: in vitro fertilization) cultured for 6 days and transcriptional expression of cold-inducible transcription factors Cirp and Rbm3, implicated in mild hypothermia-induced cellular protection against various types of stress. In the normothermic control (38.5°C), viability of the embryos decreased rapidly after day 10, and most samples were degenerated on day 13. However, mild hypothermia, particularly at 33°C, resulted in maintenance of high embryonic survival rates until day 13 (77.1% on day 13) and significant increases in transcriptional expression of Rbm3 in day 11 embryos compared with those at 38.5°C. Thus, our results suggested that upregulation of Rbm3 may occur in response to mild hypothermia in many bovine embryos, providing insights into the effects of mild hypothermia on embryo quality.

A New Vision for Therapeutic Hypothermia in the Era of Targeted Temperature Management: A Speculative Synthesis

Three decades of animal studies have reproducibly shown that hypothermia is profoundly cerebroprotective during or after a central nervous system (CNS) insult. The success of hypothermia in preclinical acute brain injury has not only fostered continued interest in research on the classic secondary injury mechanisms that are prevented or blunted by hypothermia but has also sparked a surge of new interest in elucidating beneficial signaling molecules that are increased by cooling. Ironically, while research into cold-induced neuroprotection is enjoying newfound interest in chronic neurodegenerative disease, conversely, the scope of the utility of therapeutic hypothermia (TH) across the field of acute brain injury is somewhat controversial and remains to be fully defined. This has led to the era of Targeted Temperature Management, which emphasizes a wider range of temperatures (33–36°C) showing benefit in acute brain injury. In this comprehensive review, we focus on our current understandings of the novel neuroprotective mechanisms activated by TH, and discuss the critical importance of developmental age germane to its clinical efficacy. We review emerging data on four cold stress hormones and three cold shock proteins that have generated new interest in hypothermia in the field of CNS injury, to create a framework for new frontiers in TH research. We make the case that further elucidation of novel cold responsive pathways might lead to major breakthroughs in the treatment of acute brain injury, chronic neurological diseases, and have broad potential implications for medicines of the distant future, including scenarios such as the prevention of adverse effects of long-duration spaceflight, among others. Finally, we introduce several new phrases that readily summarize the essence of the major concepts outlined by this review—namely, Ultramild Hypothermia, the “Responsivity of Cold Stress Pathways,” and “Hypothermia in a Syringe.”

Proteomic analysis of germinal vesicles in the domestic cat model reveals candidate nuclear proteins involved in oocyte competence acquisition

STUDY QUESTION

Do nuclear proteins in the germinal vesicle (GV) contribute to oocyte competence acquisition during folliculogenesis?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Proteomic analysis of GVs identified candidate proteins for oocyte competence acquisition, including a key RNA processing protein-heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2/B1 (hnRNPA2B1).

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

The domestic cat GV, which is physiologically similar to the human GV, gains the intrinsic ability to resume meiosis and support early embryo development during the pre-antral-to-antral follicle transition. However, little is known about nuclear proteins that contribute to this developmental process.

STUDY DESIGN SIZE, DURATION

GVs were enriched from pre-antral (incompetent) and antral (competent) follicles from 802 cat ovaries. Protein lysates were subjected to quantitative proteomic analysis to identify differentially expressed proteins in GVs from the two follicular categories.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Two biological replicates (from independent pools of ovaries) of pre-antral versus antral samples were labeled by tandem mass tags and then assessed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Proteomic data were analyzed according to gene ontology and a protein-protein interaction network. Immunofluorescent staining and protein inhibition assays were used for validation.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

A total of 174 nuclear proteins was identified, with 54 being up-regulated and 22 down-regulated (≥1.5-fold) after antrum formation. Functional protein analysis through gene ontology over-representation tests revealed that changes in molecular network within the GVs during this transitional phase were related to chromatin reorganization, gene transcription, and maternal RNA processing and storage. Protein inhibition assays verified that hnRNPA2B1, a key nuclear protein identified, was required for oocyte meiotic maturation and subsequent blastocyst formation.

LARGE SCALE DATA

Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD007211.

LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION

Proteins identified by proteomic comparison may (i) be involved in processes other than competence acquisition during the pre-antral-to-antral transition or (ii) be co-expressed in other macrostructures besides the GV. Expressional and functional validations should be performed for candidate proteins before downstream application.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Collective results generated a blueprint to better understand the molecular mechanisms involved in GV competence acquisition and identified potential nuclear competence markers for human fertility preservation.

STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETING INTEREST(S)

Funded by the National Center for Research Resources (R01 RR026064), a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and currently by the Office of Research Infrastructure Programs/Office of the Director (R01 OD010948). The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

An improved method for vitrification of in vitro matured ovine oocytes; beneficial effects of Ethylene Glycol Tetraacetic acid, an intracellular calcium chelator

Vitrification affects fertilization ability and developmental competence of mammalian oocytes. This effect may be more closely associated with an intracellular calcium rise induced by cryoprotectants. The present study aimed to assess whether addition of Ethylene Glycol Tetraacetic acid (EGTA) to vitrification solution could improve quality and developmental competence of in vitro matured ovine oocytes. Vitrified groups were designed according to the presence or absence of EGTA and/or calcium in base media, including: mPB1+ (modified PBS with Ca²⁺), mPB1^- (modified PBS without Ca²⁺), mPB1⁺/EGTA (mPB1⁺ containing EGTA), mPB1^-/EGTA (mPB1^- containing EGTA). In vitro development, numerical chromosome abnormalities, hardening of zona pellucida, mitochondrial distribution and function of viable oocytes were evaluated and compared between groups. Quality of blastocysts was assessed by differential and TUNEL staining. Also, mRNA expression levels of six candidate genes (KIF11, KIF2C, CENP-E, KIF20A, KIF4A and KIF2A), were quantitatively evaluated by RT-PCR. Our results showed that calcium-free vitrification and EGTA supplementation can significantly increase the percentage of normal haploid oocytes and maintain normal distribution and function of mitochondria in vitrified ovine oocytes, consequently improving developmental rate after in vitro fertilization. qRT-PCR analysis showed no significant difference in mRNA expression levels of kinesin genes between vitrified and fresh oocytes. Also, the presence of calcium in vitrification solution significantly increased zona hardening. In conclusion, we have shown for the first time that supplementation of vitrification solution with EGTA, as a calcium chelator, improved the ability of vitrified ovine oocytes to preserve mitochondrial distribution and function, as well as normal chromosome segregation.

Comparison of the Oocyte Quality Derived from Two-Dimensional Follicle Culture Methods and Developmental Competence of In Vitro Grown and Matured Oocytes

In vitro follicle growth (IVFG) is an emerging fertility preservation technique, which can obtain fertilizable oocytes from an in vitro culture system in female. This study aimed to compare efficiency of the most widely used two-dimensional follicle culture methods [with or without oil layer (O+ or O- group)]. Preantral follicles were isolated from mice and randomly assigned. Follicles were cultured for 10 days and cumulus-oocyte complexes harvested 16-18 hours after hCG treatment. Follicle and oocyte growth, hormones in spent medium, meiotic spindle localization, expression of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial activity, and gene expression were evaluated. In follicle growth, survival, pseudoantral cavity formation, ovulation, and oocyte maturation were also significantly higher in O+ group than O- group. Hormone production was significantly higher in follicles cultured in O+ than O-. There were no significant differences in mRNA expression related to development. On the other hand, the level of ROS was increased while the mitochondrial activity of in vitro grown matured oocyte was less than in vivo matured oocytes. In conclusion, follicle culture with O+ group appears to be superior to the culture in O- group in terms of follicle growth, development, oocyte growth, maturation, and microorganelles in oocyte.

Applications of Antifreeze Proteins: Practical Use of the Quality Products from Japanese Fishes

Numerous embryonic ice crystals are generated in water at the moment of freezing. These crystals grow and merge together to form an ice block that can be generally observed. Antifreeze protein (AFP) is capable of binding to the embryonic ice crystals, inhibiting such an ice block formation. Fish-derived AFP additionally binds to membrane lipid bilayers to prolong the lifetime of cells. These unique abilities of AFP have been studied extensively for the development of advanced techniques, such as ice recrystallization inhibitors, freeze-tolerant gels, cell preservation fluids, and high-porosity ceramics, for which mass-preparation method of the quality product of AFP utilizing fish muscle homogenates made a significant contribution. In this chapter, we present both fundamental and advanced information of fish AFPs that have been especially discovered from mid-latitude sea area, which will provide a hint to develop more advanced techniques applicable in both medical and industrial fields.

Motoring through: the role of kinesin superfamily proteins in female meiosis

BACKGROUND

The kinesin motor protein family consists of 14 distinct subclasses and 45 kinesin proteins in humans. A large number of these proteins, or their orthologues, have been shown to possess essential function(s) in both the mitotic and the meiotic cell cycle. Kinesins have important roles in chromosome separation, microtubule dynamics, spindle formation, cytokinesis and cell cycle progression. This article contains a review of the literature with respect to the role of kinesin motor proteins in female meiosis in model species. Throughout, we discuss the function of each class of kinesin proteins during oocyte meiosis, and where such data are not available their role in mitosis is considered. Finally, the review highlights the potential clinical importance of this family of proteins for human oocyte quality.

OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE

To examine the role of kinesin motor proteins in oocyte meiosis.

SEARCH METHODS

A search was performed on the Pubmed database for journal articles published between January 1970 and February 2017. Search terms included 'oocyte kinesin' and 'meiosis kinesin' in addition to individual kinesin names with the terms oocyte or meiosis.

OUTCOMES

Within human cells 45 kinesin motor proteins have been discovered, with the role of only 13 of these proteins, or their orthologues, investigated in female meiosis. Furthermore, of these kinesins only half have been examined in mammalian oocytes, despite alterations occurring in gene transcripts or protein expression with maternal ageing, cryopreservation or behavioral conditions, such as binge drinking, for many of them.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS

Kinesin motor proteins have distinct and important roles throughout oocyte meiosis in many non-mammalian model species. However, the functions these proteins have in mammalian meiosis, particularly in humans, are less clear owing to lack of research. This review brings to light the need for more experimental investigation of kinesin motor proteins, particularly those associated with maternal ageing, cryopreservation or exposure to environmental toxicants.

From ice-binding proteins to bio-inspired antifreeze materials

Ice-binding proteins (IBP) facilitate survival under extreme conditions in diverse life forms. IBPs in polar fishes block further growth of internalized environmental ice and inhibit ice recrystallization of accumulated internal crystals. Algae use IBPs to structure ice, while ice adhesion is critical for the Antarctic bacterium Marinomonas primoryensis. Successful translation of this natural cryoprotective ability into man-made materials holds great promise but is still in its infancy. This review covers recent advances in the field of ice-binding proteins and their synthetic analogues, highlighting fundamental insights into IBP functioning as a foundation for the knowledge-based development of cheap, bio-inspired mimics through scalable production routes. Recent advances in the utilisation of IBPs and their analogues to e.g. improve cryopreservation, ice-templating strategies, gas hydrate inhibition and other technologies are presented.

Insertion of inter-domain linkers improves expression and bioactivity of Zygote arrest (Zar) fusion proteins

Developmentally important proteins that are crucial for fertilization and embryogenesis are synthesized through highly regulated translation of maternal mRNA. The Zygote arrest proteins, Zar1 and Zar2, are crucial for embryogenesis and have been implicated in binding mRNA and repressing mRNA translation. To investigate Zar1 and Zar2, the full-length proteins had been fused to glutathione-S-transferase (GST) or MS2 protein tags with minimal inter-domain linkers derived from multiple cloning sites; however, these fusion proteins expressed poorly and/or lacked robust function. Here, we tested the effect of inserting additional linkers between the fusion domains. Three linkers were tested, each 17 amino acids long with different physical and chemical properties: flexible hydrophilic, rigid extended or rigid helical. In the presence of any of the three linkers, GST-Zar1 and GST-Zar2 had fewer breakdown products. Moreover, in the presence of any of the linkers, MS2-Zar1 was expressed to higher levels, and in dual luciferase tethered assays, both MS2-Zar1 and MS2-Zar2 repressed luciferase translation to a greater extent. These data suggest that for Zar fusion proteins, increasing the length of linkers, regardless of their physical or chemical properties, improves stability, expression and bioactivity.

Marine Antifreeze Proteins: Structure, Function, and Application to Cryopreservation as a Potential Cryoprotectant

Antifreeze proteins (AFPs) are biological antifreezes with unique properties, including thermal hysteresis(TH),ice recrystallization inhibition(IRI),and interaction with membranes and/or membrane proteins. These properties have been utilized in the preservation of biological samples at low temperatures. Here, we review the structure and function of marine-derived AFPs, including moderately active fish AFPs and hyperactive polar AFPs. We also survey previous and current reports of cryopreservation using AFPs. Cryopreserved biological samples are relatively diverse ranging from diatoms and reproductive cells to embryos and organs. Cryopreserved biological samples mainly originate from mammals. Most cryopreservation trials using marine-derived AFPs have demonstrated that addition of AFPs can improve post-thaw viability regardless of freezing method (slow-freezing or vitrification), storage temperature, and types of biological sample type.

Chapter 4 Role of Antioxidants and Antifreeze Proteins in Cryopreservation/Vitrification

In recent years, supplementation of antioxidants and antifreeze proteins during cryopreservation/vitrification has significantly improved the survival and function of oocytes and ovarian tissues (OT) in animal models. In this chapter, the experimental protocols for the use of antioxidants and antifreeze proteins in cryopreservation/vitrification are described.

The use of antifreeze protein type III for vitrification of in vitro matured bovine oocytes

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of antifreeze protein type III (AFP III) into vitrification medium on meiotic spindle morphology of in vitro matured bovine oocytes as well as the fertilization and blastocyst rates. Mature cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) were distributed in four groups: control (untreated), vitrified without supplementation (AFP₀) or supplemented with 500 (AFP₅₀₀) or 1000 ng/mL (AFP₁₀₀₀) into vitrification solutions. Samples from each group were used to analyze the organization of meiotic spindle by confocal microscopy and the remaining COC were submitted to in vitro fertilization and culture for eight days. Control group exhibited only 15% of abnormal spindle. However, the spindle morphology was affected in all vitrified groups regardless to AFP concentration: 75.8%, 76.1% and 69.2% (P > 0.05) for AFP₀, AFP₅₀₀ and AFP₁₀₀₀, respectively. Similar cleavage rate was obtained among the vitrified groups (AFP₀ = 17.9%, AFP₅₀₀ = 16.9% and AFP₁₀₀₀ = 17.8%), but lower (P < 0.05) compared with control group (68.7%). At Day 5 of culture, embryo production rate of AFP₅₀₀ (30.8%) and AFP₁₀₀₀ (25.0%) were similar to control group (49.4%). However, at Day 8 of culture, AFP_0, AFP₅₀₀ and AFP₁₀₀₀ groups exhibited lower (P < 0.05) blastocyst rates (10.0%, 3.8% and 9.4%, respectively) when compared to control (41.1%). In conclusion, AFP III did not preserve meiotic spindle organization against the cryoinjuries. However, the use of AFP III improved embryo development at Day 5 of culture, although this effect was not maintained up to the blastocyst formation.

Cold-inducible proteins CIRP and RBM3, a unique couple with activities far beyond the cold

Cold-inducible RNA-binding protein (CIRP) and RNA-binding motif protein 3 (RBM3) are two evolutionarily conserved RNA-binding proteins that are transcriptionally upregulated in response to low temperature. Featuring an RNA-recognition motif (RRM) and an arginine-glycine-rich (RGG) domain, these proteins display many similarities and specific disparities in the regulation of numerous molecular and cellular events. The resistance to serum withdrawal, endoplasmic reticulum stress, or other harsh conditions conferred by RBM3 has led to its reputation as a survival gene. Once CIRP protein is released from cells, it appears to bolster inflammation, contributing to poor prognosis in septic patients. A variety of human tumor specimens have been analyzed for CIRP and RBM3 expression. Surprisingly, RBM3 expression was primarily found to be positively associated with the survival of chemotherapy-treated patients, while CIRP expression was inversely linked to patient survival. In this comprehensive review, we summarize the evolutionary conservation of CIRP and RBM3 across species as well as their molecular interactions, cellular functions, and roles in diverse physiological and pathological processes, including circadian rhythm, inflammation, neural plasticity, stem cell properties, and cancer development.

Enhanced non-vitreous cryopreservation of immortalized and primary cells by ice-growth inhibiting polymers

Cell cryopreservation is an essential tool in modern biotechnology and medicine. The ability to freeze, store and distribute materials underpins basic cell biology and enables storage of donor cells needed for transplantation and regenerative medicine. However, many cell types do not survive freezing and the current state-of-the-art involves the addition of significant amounts of organic solvents as cryoprotectants, which themselves can be cytotoxic, or simply interfere with assays. A key cause of cell death in cryopreservation is ice recrystallization (growth), which primarily occurs during thawing. Here it is demonstrated that the addition of ice recrystalization inhibiting polymers to solutions containing low (non vitrifying) concentrations of DMSO enhance cell recovery rates by up to 75%. Cell functionality is also demonstrated using a placental cell line, and enhanced cryopreservation of primary rat hepatocytes is additionally shown. The crucial role of the polymers architecture (chain length) is shown, with shorter polymers being more effective than longer ones.

Effect of antifreeze glycoprotein 8 supplementation during vitrification on the developmental competence of bovine oocytes

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of antifreeze glycoprotein 8 (AFGP8) supplementation during vitrification on the survival, fertilization, and embryonic development of bovine oocytes and the underlying molecular mechanism(s). Survival, fertilization, early embryonic development, apoptosis, DNA double-strand breaks, reactive oxygen species levels, meiotic cytoskeleton assembly, chromosome alignment, and energy status of mitochondria were measured in the present experiments. Compared with that in the nonsupplemented group; survival, monospermy, blastocyst formation rates, and blastomere counts were significantly higher in the AFGP8-supplemented animals. Oocytes of the latter group also presented fewer double-strand breaks and lower cathepsin B and caspase activities. Rates of normal spindle organization and chromosome alignment, actin filament impairment, and mitochondrial distribution were significantly higher in the AFGP8-supplemented group. In addition, intracellular reactive oxygen species levels significantly decreased in the AFGP8-supplemented groups, maintaining a higher ΔΨm than that in the nonsupplemented group. Taken together, these results indicated that supplementation with AFGP8 during vitrification has a protective effect on bovine oocytes against chilling injury.

Effects of three different types of antifreeze proteins on mouse ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation

Background

Ovarian tissue (OT) cryopreservation is effective in preserving fertility in cancer patients who have concerns about fertility loss due to cancer treatment. However, the damage incurred at different steps during the cryopreservation procedure may cause follicular depletion; hence, preventing chilling injury would help maintain ovarian function.

Objective

This study was designed to investigate the beneficial effects of different antifreeze proteins (AFPs) on mouse ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation.

Methodology

Ovaries were obtained from 5-week-old B6D2F1 mice, and each ovary was cryopreserved using two-step vitrification and four-step warming procedures. In Experiment I, ovaries were randomly allocated into fresh, vitrification control, and nine experimental groups according to the AFP type (FfIBP, LeIBP, type III) and concentration (0.1, 1, 10 mg/mL) used. After vitrification and warming, 5,790 ovarian follicles were evaluated using histology and TUNEL assays, and immunofluorescence for τH2AX and Rad51 was used to detect DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and repair (DDR), respectively. In Experiment II, 20 mice were randomly divided into two groups: one where the vitrification and warming media were supplemented with 10 mg/mL LeIBP, and the other where media alone were used (control). Ovaries were then autotransplanted under both kidney capsules 7 days after vitrification together with the addition of 10 mg/mL LeIBP in the vitrification-warming media. After transplantation, the ovarian follicles, the percentage of apoptotic follicles, the extent of the CD31-positive area, and the serum FSH levels of the transplanted groups were compared.

Principal Findings

In Experiment I, the percentage of total grade 1 follicles was significantly higher in the 10 mg/mL LeIBP group than in the vitrification control, while all AFP-treated groups had significantly improved grade 1 primordial follicle numbers compared with those of the vitrification control. The number of apoptotic (TUNEL-positive) follicles was significantly decreased in the groups treated with 1 and 10 mg/mL LeIBP. The proportion of τH2AX-positive follicles was significantly reduced in all AFP-treated groups, while the proportion of Rad51-positive follicles was significantly decreased in only the FfIBP- and LeIBP-treated groups. In Experiment II, after autotransplantation of OT vitrified with 10 mg/mL of LeIBP, the percentage of total grade 1 and primordial grade 1 follicles, and the extent of the CD31-positive area, were increased significantly. Moreover, the levels of serum FSH and the percentage of TUNEL-positive follicles were significantly lower in the LeIBP-treated than in the control group.

Conclusion

A supplementation with high concentrations of AFPs had protective effects on follicle preservation during OT vitrification-warming procedures. The group treated with LeIBP was protected most effectively. The beneficial effects of LeIBP were also observed after autotransplantation of vitrified-warmed OT. Further studies are necessary to determine the exact mechanism of these protective effects.

Effect of antifreeze protein on mouse ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation

PURPOSE

To investigate the effect of antifreeze protein (AFP) supplementation on ovarian vitrification and transplantation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this experimental study, we researched a total of 182 ovaries from 4-week-old ICR mice. The equilibration solution included 20% ethylene glycol (EG), and the vitrification solution included 40% EG, 18% Ficoll, and 0.3 M sucrose. Intact ovaries were first suspended in 1 mL of equilibration solution for 10 min, and then mixed with 0.5 mL of vitrification solution for 5 min. Ovaries were randomly assigned to 3 groups and 0, 5, or 20 mg/mL of type III AFP was added into the vitrification solution (control, AFP5, and AFP20 groups, respectively). The vitrified ovaries were evaluated after warming and 2 weeks after autotransplantation. The main outcome measurements are follicular morphology and apoptosis assessed by histology and the TUNEL assay.

RESULTS

A significantly higher intact follicle ratio was shown in the AFP treated groups (control, 28.9%; AFP5, 42.3%; and AFP20, 44.7%). The rate of apoptotic follicles was significantly lower in the AFP treated groups (control, 26.6%; AFP5, 18.7%; and AFP20, 12.6%). After transplantation of the vitrified-warmed ovaries, a significantly higher intact follicle ratio was shown in the AFP20 group. The rate of apoptotic follicles was similar among the groups.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study suggest that supplementing AFP in the vitrification solution has beneficial effects on the survival of ovarian tissue during cryopreservation and transplantation.

Exposing mouse oocytes to necrostatin 1 during in vitro maturation improves maturation, survival after vitrification, mitochondrial preservation, and developmental competence

Necrostatin 1 (Nec1) is widely used in disease models to examine the contribution of receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 in cell death. The biological actions of Nec1 are blocking necrotic cell death. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether adding Nec1 into in vitro maturation (IVM) media, followed by vitrification procedures, could enhance the survival and developmental competency of oocytes. Germinal vesicle oocytes were matured in IVM medium containing 2 different doses of Nec1 (0.5 and 1 μmol/L). After IVM, the oocytes were vitrified using a 2-step exposure to equilibrium and vitrification solutions. After warming, the rates of survival, fertilization, embryonic development up to blastocyst in vitro, morphology of spindle and chromosome, membrane integrity, mitochondria integrity, and several gene expressions were evaluated. The survival and developmental competency of oocytes were higher in the 1 μmol/L Nec1-treated group than control. The proportion with intact spindles/chromosomes and stable membranes was similar in all the groups. The mitochondrial integrity of all Nec1-treated groups showed a higher score with strong staining. The 1 μmol/L Nec1 showed significantly increased expressions of Mad2, Gdf9, and Bcl2. The Cirp level had a tendency to be downregulated in the 0.5 µmol/L Nec1 but upregulated in the 1 μmol/L Nec1, compared with the control. The Mtgenome expressions were significantly decreased in both Nec1 groups. The supplementation of 1 μmol/L Nec1 into the IVM medium could be beneficial for the survival and development of immature oocytes after vitrification.

The protective role of antifreeze protein 3 on the structure and function of mature mouse oocytes in vitrification

Several studies have reported the oocyte damage in mice during vitrification; however, little has been known about the protective role that antifreeze protein 3 (Afp3) plays on their cellular structure and function during vitrification. In order to observe the extracellular cryo-protective role of Afp3, four groups were divided randomly. The observations were made for changes in cytoskeleton, expression of the related genes before and after vitrification, and also for changes in the in vitro developmental potential of oocytes. The outcomes were as follows: (i) microtubules, actin filaments and chromosomal integrity were more intact in the vitrification group supplemented with additional Afp3 compared to the vitrification group. In the fresh control group and the group with additional cryoprotectant containing ethylene glycol (EG), dimethyl sulfoxide (Me2SO) and sucrose, the organelles were more intact than the other two vitrification groups. (ii) Real-time PCR analysis revealed that the relative quantification of mitotic arrest deficient 2 (Mad2) and centromere protein E (Cenp-e) were significantly higher in the vitrification group with additional Afp3, the fresh control group and the one group with additional cryoprotectant, in comparison to the vitrification group. On the contrary, the expression of cold inducible RNA-binding protein (Cirbp) and kinesin-5 motor protein (Eg5) were up-regulated in the vitrification group compared to the remaining groups. (iii) The fertilization rate and the recovery rate in the fresh control group and the group with additional cryoprotectant were higher than the other two vitrification groups; furthermore, the recovery rate and the fertilization rate in the vitrification group with Afp3 were higher than the vitrification group. However, the blastocyst formation rate in all the four groups showed no statistical significance. In conclusion, Afp3 plays a positive role in the structure and function of mice oocytes in vitrification.

The impact of vitrification on immature oocyte cell cycle and cytoskeletal integrity in a rat model

PURPOSE

To test the effects of varying vitrification protocols on the cell cycle status and chromosomal integrity in cumulus-enclosed GV stage rat oocytes.

METHODS

Vitrified and thawed rat oocytes were labeled with fluorescent markers for chromatin, cell cycle activation, and f-actin and analyzed by conventional and laser scanning confocal microscopy.

RESULTS

In all vitrification groups, significant alterations in cumulus cell connectivity, cell cycle status, and cytoplasmic actin integrity were observed following warming compared to fresh control oocytes. Based on the protein phosphorylation marker MPM-2, it is clear that warmed oocytes rapidly enter M-phase but are unable to maintain chromosome integrity as a result of multiple chromatin fusions. A prominent reduction in f-actin is evident in both the ooplasm and at the cortex of vitrified oocytes. Finally, an irreversible but irregular retraction of TZPs occurs on the majority of oocytes subjected to any of the vitrification protocols.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings draw attention to undesirable consequences of immature oocyte vitrification that compromise cell cycle status and chromatin and cytoskeleton integrity that may not be evident until after fertilization.

Effect of Imatinib Coadministration on in Vitro Oocyte Acquisition and Subsequent Embryo Development in Cyclophosphamide-Treated Mice

The study aimed to investigate the effect of imatinib coadministration on in vitro oocyte acquisition and subsequent embryo development in cyclophosphamide (Cp)-treated mice. Female BDF1 mice were injected with 5 IU equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) followed by 5 IU human chorionic gonadotropin 48 hours later and then oocytes were retrieved 14 hours later. Twenty-four hours prior to eCG administration, 25, 50, or 75 mg/kg Cp with or without 7.5 mg/kg imatinib was injected. In the 25 and 50 mg/kg Cp groups, imatinib coadministration significantly enhanced the percentage of mature oocytes (+16.4% and +10.4%) and significantly decreased the percentage of dead oocytes (-25.9% and -15.3%). Imatinib coadministration significantly enhanced the fertilization rate (FR) in the 50 mg/kg Cp group (+12.2%). Intraoocyte spindle integrity was significantly affected by Cp and was rescued by imatinib coadministration. Coadministration of imatinib prior to ovarian stimulation has the benefit of enhancing oocyte maturity and the in vitro FR in Cp-treated mice .

Production of good-quality blastocyst embryos following IVF of ovine oocytes vitrified at the germinal vesicle stage using a cryoloop

The cryopreservation of immature oocytes at the germinal vesicle (GV) stage would create an easily accessible, non-seasonal source of female gametes for research and reproduction. The present study investigated the ability of ovine oocytes vitrified at the GV stage using a cryoloop to be subsequently matured, fertilised and cultured in vitro to blastocyst-stage embryos. Selected cumulus–oocyte complexes obtained from mature ewes at the time of death were randomly divided into vitrified, toxicity and control groups. Following vitrification and warming, viable oocytes were matured in vitro for 24 h. Matured oocytes were either evaluated for nuclear maturation, spindle and chromosome configuration or fertilised and cultured in vitro for 7 days. No significant differences were observed in the frequencies of IVM (oocytes at the MII stage), oocytes with normal spindle and chromatin configuration and fertilised oocytes among the three groups. Cleavage at 24 and 48 h post insemination was significantly decreased (P < 0.01) in vitrified oocytes. No significant differences were observed in the proportion of blastocyst development between vitrified and control groups (29.4% v. 45.1%, respectively). No significant differences were observed in total cell numbers, the number of apoptotic nuclei or the proportion of diploid embryos among the three groups. In conclusion, we report for the first time that ovine oocytes vitrified at the GV stage using a cryoloop have the ability to be matured, fertilised and subsequently developed in vitro to produce good-quality blastocyst embryos at frequencies comparable to those obtained using fresh oocytes.