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Franko R, de Almeida Monteiro Melo Ferraz M. Exploring the potential of in vitro extracellular vesicle generation in reproductive biology. JOURNAL OF EXTRACELLULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 3:e70007. [PMID: 39238549 PMCID: PMC11375532 DOI: 10.1002/jex2.70007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
The interest in the growing field of extracellular vesicle (EV) research highlights their significance in intercellular signalling and the selective transfer of biological information between donor and recipient cells. EV studies have provided valuable insights into intercellular communication mechanisms, signal identification and their involvement in disease states, offering potential avenues for manipulating pathological conditions, detecting biomarkers and developing drug-delivery systems. While our understanding of EV functions in reproductive tissues has significantly progressed, exploring their potential as biomarkers for infertility, therapeutic interventions and enhancements in assisted reproductive technologies remains to be investigated. This knowledge gap stems partly from the difficulties associated with large-scale EV production relevant to clinical applications. Most existing studies on EV production rely on conventional 2D cell culture systems, characterized by suboptimal EV yields and a failure to replicate in vivo conditions. This results in the generation of EVs that differ from their in vivo counterparts. Hence, this review firstly delves into the importance of EVs in reproduction to then expand on current techniques for in vitro EV production, specifically examining diverse methods of culture and the potential of bioengineering technologies to establish innovative systems for enhanced EV production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roksan Franko
- Clinic of Ruminants, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München Oberschleißheim Germany
- Gene Center Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München Munich Germany
| | - Marcia de Almeida Monteiro Melo Ferraz
- Clinic of Ruminants, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München Oberschleißheim Germany
- Gene Center Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München Munich Germany
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2
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Caamaño D, Cabezas J, Aguilera C, Martinez I, Wong YS, Sagredo DS, Ibañez B, Rodriguez S, Castro FO, Rodriguez-Alvarez L. DNA Content in Embryonic Extracellular Vesicles Is Independent of the Apoptotic Rate in Bovine Embryos Produced In Vitro. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1041. [PMID: 38612280 PMCID: PMC11011075 DOI: 10.3390/ani14071041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Pre-implantation embryos release extracellular vesicles containing different molecules, including DNA. The presence of embryonic DNA in E-EVs released into the culture medium during in vitro embryo production could be useful for genetic diagnosis. However, the vesicles containing DNA might be derived from embryos suffering from apoptosis, i.e., embryos of bad quality. This work intended to confirm that embryos release DNA that is useful for genotyping by evaluating the effect of embryonic apoptosis on DNA content in E-EVs. Bovine embryos were produced by parthenogenesis and in vitro fertilization (IVF). On Day 5, morulae were transferred to individual cultures in an EV-depleted SOF medium. On Day 7, embryos were used to evaluate cellular apoptosis, and each culture medium was collected to evaluate E-EV concentration, characterization, and DNA quantification. While no effect of the origin of the embryo on the apoptotic rate was found, arrested morulae had a higher apoptotic rate. E-EVs containing DNA were identified in all samples, and the concentration of those vesicles was not affected by the origin or quality of the embryos. However, the concentration of DNA was higher in EVs released by the arrested parthenogenetic embryos. There was a correlation between the concentration of E-EVs, the concentration of DNA-positive E-EVs, and the concentration of DNA. There was no negative effect of apoptotic rate on DNA-positive E-EVs and DNA concentration; however, embryos of the best quality with a low apoptotic rate still released EVs containing DNA. This study confirms that the presence of DNA in E-EVs is independent of embryo quality. Therefore, E-EVs could be used in liquid biopsy for noninvasive genetic diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Lleretny Rodriguez-Alvarez
- Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Mendez 595, Chillán 3780000, Chile; (D.C.); (J.C.); (C.A.); (I.M.); (Y.S.W.); (D.S.S.); (B.I.); (S.R.); (F.O.C.)
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3
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Cañón-Beltrán K, Cajas YN, Almpanis V, Egido SG, Gutierrez-Adan A, González EM, Rizos D. MicroRNA-148b secreted by bovine oviductal extracellular vesicles enhance embryo quality through BPM/TGF-beta pathway. Biol Res 2024; 57:11. [PMID: 38520036 PMCID: PMC10960404 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-024-00488-z] [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: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extracellular vesicles (EVs) and their cargoes, including MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in cell-to-cell communication. We previously demonstrated the upregulation of bta-mir-148b in EVs from oviductal fluid of cyclic cows. This miRNA is linked to the TGF-β pathway in the cell proliferation. Our aim was to verify whether miR-148b is taken up by embryos through gymnosis, validate its target genes, and investigate the effect of miR-148b supplementation on early embryo development and quality. METHODS Zygotes were cultured in SOF + 0.3% BSA (Control) or supplemented with: 1 µM miR-148b mimics during: D1-D7 (miR148b) or D1-D4 (miR148b-OV: representing miRNA effect in the oviduct) or D4-D7 (miR148b-UT: representing miRNA effect in the uterus) or 1 µM control mimics was used during: D1-D7 (CMimic). Embryos at ≥ 16-cells and D7 blastocysts (BD7) were collected to examine the mRNA abundance of transcripts linked to the TGF-β pathway (TGFBR2, SMAD1, SMAD2, SMAD3, SMAD5, BMPR2, RPS6KB1, POU5F1, NANOG), total cell number (TC), trophectoderm (TE), and inner cell mass (ICM) were also evaluated. One-way ANOVA was used for all analyses. RESULTS We demonstrated that miR-148b can be taken up in both 16-cell embryos and BD7 by gymnosis, and we observed a decrease in SMAD5 mRNA, suggesting it's a potential target of miR-148b. Cleavage and blastocysts rates were not affected in any groups; however, supplementation of miR-148b mimics had a positive effect on TC, TE and ICM, with values of 136.4 ± 1.6, 92.5 ± 0.9, 43.9 ± 1.3 for miR148b and 135.3 ± 1.5, 92.6 ± 1.2, 42.7 ± 0.8, for miR148b-OV group. Furthermore, mRNA transcripts of SMAD1 and SMAD5 were decreased (P ≤ 0.001) in 16-cell embryos and BD7 from miR148b and miR148b-OV groups, while POU5F1 and NANOG were upregulated (P ≤ 0.001) in BD7 and TGFBR2 was only downregulated in 16-cell embryos. pSMAD1/5 levels were higher in the miR148b and miR148b-OV groups. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that supplementation of bta-miR-148b mimics during the entire culture period (D1 - D7) or from D1 - D4 improves embryo quality and influences the TGF-β signaling pathway by altering the transcription of genes associated with cellular differentiation and proliferation. This highlights the importance of miR-148b on embryo quality and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Cañón-Beltrán
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
- Programa de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Corporación Universitaria del Huila (CORHUILA), Grupo Kyron, Huila, Colombia
| | - Yulia N Cajas
- Department Agrarian Production, Technical University of Madrid (UPM), Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja (UTPL), Loja, Ecuador
| | - Vasileios Almpanis
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sandra Guisado Egido
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alfonso Gutierrez-Adan
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Encina M González
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Dimitrios Rizos
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Madrid, Spain.
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Silva Júnior RAD, Desenzi R, Ramires MMDS, Souza AFD, Donato MAM, Peixoto CA, Bartolomeu CC, Batista AM. Use of Antifreeze Protein from Tenebrio molitor (TmAFP) in Vitrification of In Vitro-Produced Bovine Embryos: An Ultrastructural Study. Biopreserv Biobank 2024; 22:51-59. [PMID: 37192475 DOI: 10.1089/bio.2022.0186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of antifreeze protein (AFP) extracted from the larva of the beetle, Tenebrio molitor (TmAFP), on vitrification of in vitro-produced bovine embryos. In vitro-produced blastocysts were divided into three experimental groups and vitrified using a cryotop. TmAFP was added to the equilibrium solution (ES) and vitrification solution (VS) at a concentration of 0 ng/mL (control), 500 ng/mL (500TmAFP), or 1000 ng/mL (1000TmAFP). Vitrification was carried out by first placing the blastocysts in ES for 2 minutes (7.5% ethylene glycol [EG] and 7.5% dimethyl sulfoxide [DMSO]). The blastocysts were then transferred to VS (15% EG and 15% DMSO) and promptly deposited on a cryotop stem and submerged in liquid nitrogen. Warming was carried out in three steps with decreasing sucrose concentrations. After warming, the blast cells were cultured for 24 hours for subsequent survival analysis and ultrastructural evaluation. There was a significant difference in the survival rate and expansion in the 500TmAFP group compared with the other groups. The ultrastructural analysis revealed intracellular lesions in all vitrified embryos; however, the embryos of the 500TmAFP and 1000TmAFP groups showed fewer cytoplasmic lesions compared with the control group. Taken together, addition of TmAFP can mitigate cellular changes that involve organelles and cellular components essential for proper functioning and improve the viability of warmed and vitrified in vitro-produced bovine embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Artur da Silva Júnior
- Laboratório de Biotécnicas Aplicadas à Reprodução, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Raquel Desenzi
- Laboratório de Biotécnicas Aplicadas à Reprodução, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Christina Alves Peixoto
- Laboratory of Ultrastructure, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM), Recife, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM, CNPq), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cláudio Coutinho Bartolomeu
- Laboratório de Biotécnicas Aplicadas à Reprodução, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - André Mariano Batista
- Laboratório de Biotécnicas Aplicadas à Reprodução, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
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Aguilera C, Wong YS, Gutierrez-Reinoso MA, Velásquez AE, Melo-Báez B, Cabezas J, Caamaño D, Navarrete F, Castro FO, Rodriguez-Alvarez LL. Embryo-maternal communication mediated by extracellular vesicles in the early stages of embryonic development is modified by in vitro conditions. Theriogenology 2024; 214:43-56. [PMID: 37852113 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have become important in embryo-maternal communication during early development. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an in vitro system on early bidirectional embryo-maternal communication mediated by EVs. For this purpose, two experiments were performed: one to evaluate the effect of embryonic EVs on maternal cells and the second to determine the effect of maternal EVs on early embryonic development. For the first in vitro (IVP) and in vivo (IVV) experiments, bovine blastocysts were selected and individually cultured for 48 h to collect embryonic EVs secreted during days 7-9 of embryonic development. Embryonic EVs were added to the medium of in vitro-cultured bovine endometrial cells to evaluate their effect on the expression pattern of genes associated with endometrial function and response to interferon tau (IFNT). Non-classical interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) were only induced by in vitro-derived embryos. In the second experiment, EVs released by endometrial cells cultured in vitro (EVC) and collected from uterine fluid (EV-UF) of cows in the early luteal phase were added to the culture medium of bovine embryos produced in vitro during days 5-9 of development. The effect of maternal in vitro or in vivo-derived EVs differs in the quality of bovine embryos produced in vitro during the pre-implantation period. The expression of IFNT in bovine embryos is increased by the effect of EV-UF treatment. Additionally, EV-UF treatment induces a sustained increase in diameter during embryonic development and a tendency towards a greater number of expanded and hatched blastocysts. However, some genes related to embryo quality are induced by EVC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Aguilera
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepcion, Chillan, Chile
| | - Y S Wong
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepcion, Chillan, Chile
| | - M A Gutierrez-Reinoso
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepcion, Chillan, Chile
| | - A E Velásquez
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepcion, Chillan, Chile
| | - B Melo-Báez
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepcion, Chillan, Chile
| | - J Cabezas
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepcion, Chillan, Chile
| | - D Caamaño
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepcion, Chillan, Chile
| | - F Navarrete
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepcion, Chillan, Chile
| | - F O Castro
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepcion, Chillan, Chile
| | - L L Rodriguez-Alvarez
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepcion, Chillan, Chile.
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Salassa BN, Cueto JA, Vanrell MC, López MB, Descoteaux A, Labriola CA, Romano PS. The host Rab9a/Rab32 axis is actively recruited to the Trypanosoma cruzi parasitophorous vacuole and benefits the infection cycle. Mol Microbiol 2024. [PMID: 38193389 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.15217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease is a protozoan parasite that infects phagocytic and non-phagocytic mammalian cells. At early stages of infection, trypomastigotes, the infective forms of this parasite, localize in a vesicular compartment called the T. cruzi parasitophorous vacuole until the exit of parasites to the host cell cytoplasm where continue their infective cycle. Rab proteins participate in the membrane traffic's molecular machinery, functioning as central regulators of vesicle recognition and transport. In previous work, we demonstrated that endocytic Rabs are key factors of the T. cruzi infection process in non-phagocytic cells, regulating the formation and the maturation of the vacuole. In this work, we identified and characterized other molecular components of the vesicular transport pathways and their participation in the T. cruzi infection. We found that Rab9a and Rab32, two regulators of the endocytic and autophagic pathways, were actively recruited to the T. cruzi vacuoles and favored the late stages of the infective process. The recruitment was specific and dependent on T. cruzi protein synthesis. Interestingly, Rab32 association depends on the presence of Rab9a in the vacuolar membrane, while the inhibition of the cysteine-protease cruzipain, a T. cruzi virulence factor, significantly decreases both Rab9a and Rab32 association with the vacuole. In summary, this work showed for the first time that specific molecules produced and secreted by the parasite can subvert intracellular components of host cells to benefit the infection. These new data shed light on the complex map of interactions between T. cruzi and the host cell and introduce concepts that can be useful in finding new forms of intervention against this parasite in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betiana Nebaí Salassa
- Laboratorio de Biología de Trypanosoma cruzi y la célula hospedadora-Instituto de Histología y Embriología "Dr. Mario H. Burgos", IHEM-CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
- Facultad de Odontología, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Juan Agustín Cueto
- Laboratorio de Biología de Trypanosoma cruzi y la célula hospedadora-Instituto de Histología y Embriología "Dr. Mario H. Burgos", IHEM-CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
- Instituto de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - María Cristina Vanrell
- Laboratorio de Biología de Trypanosoma cruzi y la célula hospedadora-Instituto de Histología y Embriología "Dr. Mario H. Burgos", IHEM-CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
- Área Biología celular y molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - María Belén López
- Laboratorio de Biología de Trypanosoma cruzi y la célula hospedadora-Instituto de Histología y Embriología "Dr. Mario H. Burgos", IHEM-CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
- Área Biología celular y molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Albert Descoteaux
- Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut national de la recherche scientifique, Laval, Quebec, Canada
- Infectiopole INRS, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Carlos Alberto Labriola
- Laboratorio de Biología estructural y celular, Fundación Instituto Leloir (FIL-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Patricia Silvia Romano
- Laboratorio de Biología de Trypanosoma cruzi y la célula hospedadora-Instituto de Histología y Embriología "Dr. Mario H. Burgos", IHEM-CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
- Área Biología celular y molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
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Sui C, Liao Z, Bai J, Hu D, Yue J, Yang S. Current knowledge on the role of extracellular vesicles in endometrial receptivity. Eur J Med Res 2023; 28:471. [PMID: 37899459 PMCID: PMC10614333 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-023-01459-y] [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: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometrial receptivity has been widely understood as the capacity of the endometrium to receive implantable embryos. The establishment of endometrial receptivity involves multiple biological processes including decidualization, tissue remodeling, angiogenesis, immune regulation, and oxidative metabolism. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid-bilayer-membrane nanosized vesicles mediating cell-to-cell communication. Recently, EVs and their cargo have been proven as functional factors in the establishment of endometrial receptivity. In this review, we comprehensively summarized the alteration of endometrium/embryo-derived EVs during the receptive phase and retrospected the current findings which revealed the pivotal role and potential mechanism of EVs to promote successful implantation. Furthermore, we highlight the potentiality and limitations of EVs being translated into clinical applications such as biomarkers of endometrial receptivity or reproductive therapeutic mediators, and point out the direction for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Sui
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue 1095#, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiqi Liao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue 1095#, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Bai
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue 1095#, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Hu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue 1095#, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Yue
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue 1095#, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Shulin Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue 1095#, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China.
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8
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Lu J, Li H, Zheng X, Liu Y, Zhao P. Small RNA sequencing analysis of exosomes derived from umbilical plasma in IUGR lambs. Commun Biol 2023; 6:943. [PMID: 37714996 PMCID: PMC10504244 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05276-1] [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: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
During the summer, pregnant ewes experience heat stress, leading to the occurrence of IUGR lambs. This study aims to explore the biomarkers of exosomal miRNAs derived from umbilical plasma in both IUGR and normal Hu lambs. We establish a heat-stressed Hu sheep model during mid-late gestation and selected IUGR and normal lambs for analysis. Exosomes from umbilical plasma were separated and small RNA sequencing is used to identify differentially expressed miRNAs. Next, we utilize MiRanda to predict the target genes of the differentially expressed miRNAs. To further understand the biological significance of these miRNAs, we conduct GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis for their target genes. The study's findings indicate that oar-miR-411a-5p is significantly downregulated in exosomes derived from umbilical plasma of IUGR lambs, while oar-miR-200c is significantly upregulated in the HS-IUGR group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, GO and KEGG enrichment analysis demonstrate that the target genes are involved in the Wnt, TGF-beta, and Rap1 signaling pathways. miRNAs found in exosomes have the potential to be utilized as biomarkers for both the diagnosis and treatment of IUGR fetuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Lu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, 210095, Nanjing, China
| | - Huixia Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, 210095, Nanjing, China.
| | - Xiaomin Zheng
- Research Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Genetic Diseases, Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Wuxi, 214002, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Yuan Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, 210095, Nanjing, China
| | - Peng Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, 210095, Nanjing, China
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9
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Guzewska MM, Szuszkiewicz J, Kaczmarek MM. Extracellular vesicles: Focus on peri-implantation period of pregnancy in pigs. Mol Reprod Dev 2023; 90:634-645. [PMID: 36645872 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The establishment of cell-to-cell communication between the endometrium and the developing embryo is the most important step in successful mammalian pregnancy. Close interaction between the uterine luminal epithelium and trophoblast cells requires triggering timely molecular dialog for successful maternal recognition of pregnancy, embryo implantation, and placenta development. Quite recently, extracellular vesicles (EVs) carrying unique molecular cargo emerged as evolutionarily conserved mediators of cell-to-cell communication during early pregnancy. To date, the presence of EVs at the embryo-maternal interface has been demonstrated in numerous mammals, including domestic livestock, such as pigs. However, few studies have focused on revealing the mechanism of EV-mediated crosstalk between developing early embryos and receptive endometrium. Over the past years, it has appeared that understanding the role of EVs in mammalian reproduction can substantially improve our understanding of the biological challenges of successful reproductive performance. This review describes current knowledge of EVs, specifically in relation to the peri-implantation period in pigs, characterized by common features of embryo implantation and high embryonic mortality in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria M Guzewska
- Department of Hormonal Action Mechanisms, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Joanna Szuszkiewicz
- Department of Hormonal Action Mechanisms, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Monika M Kaczmarek
- Department of Hormonal Action Mechanisms, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
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10
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Rabel RAC, Marchioretto PV, Bangert EA, Wilson K, Milner DJ, Wheeler MB. Pre-Implantation Bovine Embryo Evaluation-From Optics to Omics and Beyond. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2102. [PMID: 37443900 DOI: 10.3390/ani13132102] [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: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Approximately 80% of the ~1.5 million bovine embryos transferred in 2021 were in vitro produced. However, only ~27% of the transferred IVP embryos will result in live births. The ~73% pregnancy failures are partly due to transferring poor-quality embryos, a result of erroneous stereomicroscopy-based morphological evaluation, the current method of choice for pre-transfer embryo evaluation. Numerous microscopic (e.g., differential interference contrast, electron, fluorescent, time-lapse, and artificial-intelligence-based microscopy) and non-microscopic (e.g., genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and nuclear magnetic resonance) methodologies have been tested to find an embryo evaluation technique that is superior to morphologic evaluation. Many of these research tools can accurately determine embryo quality/viability; however, most are invasive, expensive, laborious, technically sophisticated, and/or time-consuming, making them futile in the context of in-field embryo evaluation. However accurate they may be, using complex methods, such as RNA sequencing, SNP chips, mass spectrometry, and multiphoton microscopy, at thousands of embryo production/collection facilities is impractical. Therefore, future research is warranted to innovate field-friendly, simple benchtop tests using findings already available, particularly from omics-based research methodologies. Time-lapse monitoring and artificial-intelligence-based automated image analysis also have the potential for accurate embryo evaluation; however, further research is warranted to innovate economically feasible options for in-field applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Chanaka Rabel
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Paula V Marchioretto
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Bangert
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Kenneth Wilson
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Derek J Milner
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Matthew B Wheeler
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Translational Sciences, Carle-Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
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11
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Aguilera C, Velásquez AE, Gutierrez-Reinoso MA, Wong YS, Melo-Baez B, Cabezas J, Caamaño D, Navarrete F, Rojas D, Riadi G, Castro FO, Rodriguez-Alvarez L. Extracellular Vesicles Secreted by Pre-Hatching Bovine Embryos Produced In Vitro and In Vivo Alter the Expression of IFNtau-Stimulated Genes in Bovine Endometrial Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087438. [PMID: 37108601 PMCID: PMC10138918 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The embryo-maternal interaction occurs during the early stages of embryo development and is essential for the implantation and full-term development of the embryo. In bovines, the secretion of interferon Tau (IFNT) during elongation is the main signal for pregnancy recognition, but its expression starts around the blastocyst stage. Embryos release extracellular vesicles (EVs) as an alternative mechanism of embryo-maternal communication. The aim of the study was to determine whether EVs secreted by bovine embryos during blastulation (D5-D7) could induce transcriptomic modifications, activating IFNT signaling in endometrial cells. Additionally, it aims to assess whether the EVs secreted by embryos produced in vivo (EVs-IVV) or in vitro (EVs-IVP) have different effects on the transcriptomic profiles of the endometrial cells. In vitro- and in vivo-produced bovine morulae were selected and individually cultured for 48 h to collect embryonic EVs (E-EVs) secreted during blastulation. E-EVs stained with PKH67 were added to in vitro-cultured bovine endometrial cells to assess EV internalization. The effect of EVs on the transcriptomic profile of endometrial cells was determined by RNA sequencing. EVs from both types of embryos induced several classical and non-classical IFNT-stimulated genes (ISGs) and other pathways related to endometrial function in epithelial endometrial cells. Higher numbers of differentially expressed genes (3552) were induced by EVs released by IVP embryos compared to EVs from IVV (1838). Gene ontology analysis showed that EVs-IVP/IVV induced the upregulation of the extracellular exosome pathway, the cellular response to stimulus, and the protein modification processes. This work provides evidence regarding the effect of embryo origin (in vivo or in vitro) on the early embryo-maternal interaction mediated by extracellular vesicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constanza Aguilera
- Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Mendez 595, Chillan 3780000, Chile
| | - Alejandra Estela Velásquez
- Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Mendez 595, Chillan 3780000, Chile
| | - Miguel Angel Gutierrez-Reinoso
- Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Mendez 595, Chillan 3780000, Chile
| | - Yat Sen Wong
- Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Mendez 595, Chillan 3780000, Chile
| | - Barbara Melo-Baez
- Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Mendez 595, Chillan 3780000, Chile
| | - Joel Cabezas
- Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Mendez 595, Chillan 3780000, Chile
| | - Diego Caamaño
- Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Mendez 595, Chillan 3780000, Chile
| | - Felipe Navarrete
- Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Mendez 595, Chillan 3780000, Chile
| | - Daniela Rojas
- Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Mendez 595, Chillan 3780000, Chile
| | - Gonzalo Riadi
- ANID-Millennium Science Initiative Program Millennium Nucleus of Ion Channels-Associated Diseases (MiNICAD), Center for Bioinformatics, Simulation and Modeling, CBSM, Department of Bioinformatics, Faculty of Engineering, Campus Talca, University of Talca, Talca 3460000, Chile
| | - Fidel Ovidio Castro
- Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Mendez 595, Chillan 3780000, Chile
| | - Llretny Rodriguez-Alvarez
- Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Mendez 595, Chillan 3780000, Chile
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12
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Poh QH, Rai A, Salamonsen LA, Greening DW. Omics insights into extracellular vesicles in embryo implantation and their therapeutic utility. Proteomics 2023; 23:e2200107. [PMID: 36591946 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202200107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Implantation success relies on intricate interplay between the developing embryo and the maternal endometrium. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) represent an important player of this intercellular signalling through delivery of functional cargo (proteins and RNAs) that reprogram the target cells protein and RNA landscape. Functionally, the signalling reciprocity of endometrial and embryo EVs regulates the site of implantation, preimplantation embryo development and hatching, antioxidative activity, embryo attachment, trophoblast invasion, arterial remodelling, and immune tolerance. Omics technologies including mass spectrometry have been instrumental in dissecting EV cargo that regulate these processes as well as molecular changes in embryo and endometrium to facilitate implantation. This has also led to discovery of potential cargo in EVs in human uterine fluid (UF) and embryo spent media (ESM) of diagnostic and therapeutic value in implantation success, fertility, and pregnancy outcome. This review discusses the contribution of EVs in functional hallmarks of embryo implantation, and how the integration of various omics technologies is enabling design of EV-based diagnostic and therapeutic platforms in reproductive medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Hui Poh
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alin Rai
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Baker Department of Cardiovascular Research, Translation and Implementation, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lois A Salamonsen
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - David W Greening
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Baker Department of Cardiovascular Research, Translation and Implementation, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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13
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Bovine embryos release extracellular vesicles with differential miRNA signature during the compaction and blastulation stages. Reprod Biol 2023; 23:100725. [PMID: 36565511 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2022.100725] [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: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Pre-implantation embryos release extracellular vesicles (EVs) to extracellular environment. In this work it is hypothesized that the EVs miRNA cargo will vary during pre-implantation development due to the constant changes in gene expression that take place through this period. The concentration, size and miRNA cargo of EVs secreted by competent bovine embryos during the period from compaction to blastulation (Day 3-7) were analyzed. For this analysis tow developmental windows were defined: W2 from 8-cells (D3) to morula (D5) and W3 from morula (D5) to blastocyst (D7). For W2, in vitro produced embryos were individually cultured in EVs-depleted medium from D3 to D5; culture media were collected and assigned to Group W2. Morulae were kept in culture up to blastocyst stage to determine the developmental competence. For W3, D5 morulae were collected and cultured individually in EVs-depleted medium up to blastocyst stage; culture media were assigned to Group W3, and blastocysts were kept in culture up to day 11 to define their competence. The mean size of EVs was similar between groups, however, EVs concentration was lower in W2. A total of 140 miRNAs were identified. From them, 79 were differentially expressed between the groups, 28 upregulated and 51 downregulated. miRNAs differentially detected between both developmental windows participate in the regulation of signaling pathways which crucial for embryonic development. It was concluded that the secretion of EVs is regulated by the developmental progress of the embryo during the pre-implantation period.
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14
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Saadeldin IM, Ehab S, Swelum AA. Potential roles of extracellular vesicles as a noninvasive tool for prenatal genetic diagnosis. F&S SCIENCE 2023; 4:36-43. [PMID: 36736894 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2023.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The rate of infertility is increasing owing to genetic and environmental factors. Consequently, assisted reproductive technology has been introduced as an alternative. Bearing in mind the global trend toward the transfer of only one embryo, there is an increasing trend for assessing embryo quality before transfer through prenatal genetic diagnosis (PGD) tests. This ensures that the best-quality embryos are implanted into the uterus. In the in vitro fertilization cycle, PGD is not only used for diseases or quality checks before embryo freezing but also for evaluating unfortunate risks, such as aneuploidy, signs of early abortions, and preterm birth. However, traditional preimplantation genetic testing and screening approaches are invasive and harm the health of both the mother and embryo, raising the risk of miscarriage. In the last decade, embryonic extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been investigated and have emerged as a promising diagnostic tool. In this mini-review, we address the use of EVs as a noninvasive biomarker in PGD to test for biological hazards within the embryo without invading its cells. We summarize the state-of-the-art in the use of the embryo's EV content, genomic DNA, messenger RNA, and microRNA in the spent culture medium and their relationship with embryo quality, successful implantation, and pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Islam M Saadeldin
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea; Research Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
| | - Seif Ehab
- Biomedical Sciences Program, Zewail City of Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt; Zoology Graduate Program, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ayman A Swelum
- Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt
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15
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Extracellular Vesicles in Veterinary Medicine. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12192716. [PMID: 36230457 PMCID: PMC9559303 DOI: 10.3390/ani12192716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-derived membrane-bound vesicles involved in many physiological and pathological processes not only in humans but also in all the organisms of the eukaryotic and prokaryotic kingdoms. EV shedding constitutes a fundamental universal mechanism of intra-kingdom and inter-kingdom intercellular communication. A tremendous increase of interest in EVs has therefore grown in the last decades, mainly in humans, but progressively also in animals, parasites, and bacteria. With the present review, we aim to summarize the current status of the EV research on domestic and wild animals, analyzing the content of scientific literature, including approximately 220 papers published between 1984 and 2021. Critical aspects evidenced through the veterinarian EV literature are discussed. Then, specific subsections describe details regarding EVs in physiology and pathophysiology, as biomarkers, and in therapy and vaccines. Further, the wide area of research related to animal milk-derived EVs is also presented in brief. The numerous studies on EVs related to parasites and parasitic diseases are excluded, deserving further specific attention. The literature shows that EVs are becoming increasingly addressed in veterinary studies and standardization in protocols and procedures is mandatory, as in human research, to maximize the knowledge and the possibility to exploit these naturally produced nanoparticles.
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16
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Beri D, Rodriguez M, Singh M, Liu Y, Rasquinha G, An X, Yazdanbakhsh K, Lobo CA. Identification and characterization of extracellular vesicles from red cells infected with Babesia divergens and Babesia microti. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:962944. [PMID: 36275032 PMCID: PMC9585353 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.962944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Babesiosis is a zoonosis and an important blood-borne human parasitic infection that has gained attention because of its growing infection rate in humans by transfer from animal reservoirs. Babesia represents a potential threat to the blood supply because asymptomatic infections in man are common, and blood from such donors can cause severe disease in certain recipients. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are vesicles released by cells that contain a complex mixture of proteins, lipids, glycans, and genetic information that have been shown to play important roles in disease pathogenesis and susceptibility, as well as cell–cell communication and immune responses. In this article, we report on the identification and characterization of EVs released from red blood cells (RBCs) infected by two major human Babesia species—Babesia divergens from in vitro culture and those from an in vivo B. microti mouse infection. Using nanoparticle tracking analysis, we show that there is a range of vesicle sizes from 30 to 1,000 nm, emanating from the Babesia-infected RBC. The study of these EVs in the context of hemoparasite infection is complicated by the fact that both the parasite and the host RBC make and release vesicles into the extracellular environment. However, the EV frequency is 2- to 10-fold higher in Babesia-infected RBCs than uninfected RBCs, depending on levels of parasitemia. Using parasite-specific markers, we were able to show that ~50%–60% of all EVs contained parasite-specific markers on their surface and thus may represent the specific proportion of EVs released by infected RBCs within the EV population. Western blot analysis on purified EVs from both in vivo and in vitro infections revealed several parasite proteins that were targets of the host immune response. In addition, microRNA analysis showed that infected RBC EVs have different microRNA signature from uninfected RBC EVs, indicating a potential role as disease biomarkers. Finally, EVs were internalized by other RBCs in culture, implicating a potential role for these vesicles in cellular communication. Overall, our study points to the multiple functional implications of EVs in Babesia–host interactions and support the potential that EVs have as agents in disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Beri
- Department of Blood-Borne Parasites, Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Marilis Rodriguez
- Department of Blood-Borne Parasites, Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Manpreet Singh
- Department of Blood-Borne Parasites, Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Yunfeng Liu
- Department of Complement Biology, Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Giselle Rasquinha
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Xiuli An
- Department of Membrane Biology, Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Karina Yazdanbakhsh
- Department of Complement Biology, Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Cheryl A. Lobo
- Department of Blood-Borne Parasites, Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Cheryl A. Lobo,
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17
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Szuszkiewicz J, Myszczynski K, Reliszko ZP, Heifetz Y, Kaczmarek MM. Early steps of embryo implantation are regulated by exchange of extracellular vesicles between the embryo and the endometrium. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22450. [PMID: 35848638 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202200677r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
In early pregnancy, as the embryo arrives in the uterus, intensive communication between the embryo and uterus begins. Hundreds of molecules are known to be involved, but despite numerous findings, full understanding of the complexity of the embryo-maternal dialog remains elusive. Recently, extracellular vesicles, nanoparticles able to transfer functionally active cargo between cells, have emerged as important players in cell-cell communication, and as such, they have gained great attention over the past decade also in reproductive biology. Here, we use a domestic animal model (Sus scrofa) with an epitheliochorial, superficial type of placentation because of its advantage in studding uterine luminal fluid extracellular vesicles. We show that during early pregnancy, the uterine lumen is abundant with extracellular vesicles that carry a plethora of miRNAs able to target genes involved in embryonic and organismal development. These extracellular vesicles, upon the delivery to primary trophoblast cells, affect genes governing development as well as cell-to-cell signaling and interactions, consequently having an impact on trophoblast cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. We conclude that the exchange of a unique population of extracellular vesicles and their molecular cargo at the maternal-embryo interface is the key to the success of embryo implantation and pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Szuszkiewicz
- Department of Hormonal Action Mechanisms, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Kamil Myszczynski
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Zaneta P Reliszko
- Department of Hormonal Action Mechanisms, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Yael Heifetz
- Department of Entomology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Monika M Kaczmarek
- Department of Hormonal Action Mechanisms, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland.,Molecular Biology Laboratory, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
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18
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Imakawa K, Matsuno Y, Fujiwara H. New Roles for EVs, miRNA and lncRNA in Bovine Embryo Implantation. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:944370. [PMID: 35909679 PMCID: PMC9334902 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.944370] [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: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The sine qua non of new life is fertilization. However, approximately 50% of fertilized eggs/blastocysts in cattle and up to 75% of those from human assisted reproductive procedures fail during the first 3 to 4 weeks of pregnancy, including peri-implantation periods. In these periods, blastocyst hatching and implantation to the maternal endometrium proceeds, during which physiological events such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and trophoblast cell fusion occur. Quite recently, extracellular vesicles (EVs) with micro RNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been found to play a pivotal role for the establishment of the proper uterine environment required for peri-implantation processes to proceed. New findings of EVs, miRNA, and lncRNAs will be described and discussed to elucidate their connections with conceptus implantation to the maternal endometrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiko Imakawa
- Laboratory of Molecular Reproduction, Research Institute of Agriculture, Tokai University, Kumamoto, Japan
- *Correspondence: Kazuhiko Imakawa
| | - Yuta Matsuno
- Laboratory of Molecular Reproduction, Research Institute of Agriculture, Tokai University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Fujiwara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa, Japan
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19
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Gurunathan S, Kang MH, Song H, Kim NH, Kim JH. The role of extracellular vesicles in animal reproduction and diseases. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2022; 13:62. [PMID: 35681164 PMCID: PMC9185900 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-022-00715-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanosized membrane-enclosed compartments that serve as messengers in cell-to-cell communication, both in normal physiology and in pathological conditions. EVs can transfer functional proteins and genetic information to alter the phenotype and function of recipient cells, which undergo different changes that positively affect their structural and functional integrity. Biological fluids are enriched with several subpopulations of EVs, including exosomes, microvesicles (MVs), and apoptotic bodies carrying several cargoes, such as lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. EVs associated with the reproductive system are actively involved in the regulation of different physiological events, including gamete maturation, fertilization, and embryo and fetal development. EVs can influence follicle development, oocyte maturation, embryo production, and endometrial-conceptus communication. EVs loaded with cargoes are used to diagnose various diseases, including pregnancy disorders; however, these are dependent on the type of cell of origin and pathological characteristics. EV-derived microRNAs (miRNAs) and proteins in the placenta regulate inflammatory responses and trophoblast invasion through intercellular delivery in the placental microenvironment. This review presents evidence regarding the types of extracellular vesicles, and general aspects of isolation, purification, and characterization of EVs, particularly from various types of embryos. Further, we discuss EVs as mediators and messengers in reproductive biology, the effects of EVs on placentation and pregnancy disorders, the role of EVs in animal reproduction, in the male reproductive system, and mother and embryo cross-communication. In addition, we emphasize the role of microRNAs in embryo implantation and the role of EVs in reproductive and therapeutic medicine. Finally, we discuss the future perspectives of EVs in reproductive biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangiliyandi Gurunathan
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Korea
| | - Min-Hee Kang
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Korea
| | - Hyuk Song
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Korea
| | - Nam Hyung Kim
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal models for Biomedicine, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, 529020, China
| | - Jin-Hoi Kim
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Korea.
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20
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Extracellular vesicles in mammalian reproduction: a review. ZYGOTE 2022; 30:440-463. [PMID: 35652626 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199422000090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Over the last decades, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been found to be implicated in a complex universal mechanism of communication between different cell types. EVs are nanostructures of lipid nature that have an exosomal or ectosomal biogenesis, responsible for the intercellular transport of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, ions, among other molecules. The content of EVs can vary due to various factors such as hormonal stimuli, non-physiological conditions, metabolic state, etc. Once EVs reach their target cell, they can modulate processes such as gene expression, metabolism, response to external factors, and can even be associated with the delivery of molecules involved in epigenetic inheritance processes in germ cells. In mammalian reproduction, EVs have been shown to play an important role, either in vivo or in vitro, modulating a variety of processes in sperm, oocytes and embryos, and in their respective environments. Moreover, EVs represent a biodegradable, harmless and specific vehicle, which makes them attractive allies to consider when improving assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). Therefore, the present review aims to describe the content of the main EVs involved in mammalian reproduction and how they can vary due to different factors, as well as to detail how EVs modulate, directly or indirectly, different molecular processes in gametes and embryos. In addition, we will highlight the mechanisms that remain to be elucidated. We will also propose new perspectives according to the characteristics of each particular EV to improve the different ARTs.
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21
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The role of extracellular vesicles in endometrial receptivity and their potential in reproductive therapeutics and diagnosis. Reprod Biol 2022; 22:100645. [PMID: 35594727 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2022.100645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small, nanometre sized, membrane-enclosed structures released by cells and are thought to be crucial in cellular communication. The cargo of these vesicles includes lipids, proteins, RNAs and DNA, and control various biological processes in their target tissues depending on the parental and receiver cell's origin and phenotype. Recently data has accumulated in the role of EVs in embryo implantation and pregnancy, with EVs identified in the uterine cavity of women, sheep, cows, horses, and mice, in which they aid blastocyst and endometrial preparation for implantation. Herein is a critical review to decipher the role of extracellular vesicles in endometrial receptivity and their potential in reproductive therapies and diagnosis. The current knowledge of the function of embryo and endometrial derived EVs and their cargoes, with regards to their effect on implantation and receptivity are summarized and evaluated. The findings of the below review highlight that the combined knowledge on EVs deriving from the endometrium and embryo have the potential to be translated to various clinical applications including treatment, a diagnostic biomarker for diseases and a drug delivery tool to ultimately improve pregnancy rates.
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22
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Morelli AE, Sadovsky Y. Extracellular vesicles and immune response during pregnancy: A balancing act. Immunol Rev 2022; 308:105-122. [PMID: 35199366 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying maternal tolerance of the semi- or fully-allogeneic fetus are intensely investigated. Across gestation, feto-placental antigens interact with the maternal immune system locally within the trophoblast-decidual interface and distantly through shed cells and soluble molecules that interact with maternal secondary lymphoid tissues. The discovery of extracellular vesicles (EVs) as local or systemic carriers of antigens and immune-regulatory molecules has added a new dimension to our understanding of immune modulation prior to implantation, during trophoblast invasion, and throughout the course of pregnancy. New data on immune-regulatory molecules, located on EVs or within their cargo, suggest a role for EVs in negotiating immune tolerance during gestation. Lessons from the field of transplant immunology also shed light on possible interactions between feto-placentally derived EVs and maternal lymphoid tissues. These insights illuminate a potential role for EVs in major obstetrical disorders. This review provides updated information on intensely studied, pregnancy-related EVs, their cargo molecules, and patterns of fetal-placental-maternal trafficking, highlighting potential immune pathways that might underlie immune suppression or activation in gestational health and disease. Our summary also underscores the likely need to broaden the definition of the maternal-fetal interface to systemic maternal immune tissues that might interact with circulating EVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian E Morelli
- Department of Surgery, Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Yoel Sadovsky
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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23
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Aleksejeva E, Zarovni N, Dissanayake K, Godakumara K, Vigano P, Fazeli A, Jaakma Ü, Salumets A. Extracellular vesicle research in reproductive science- Paving the way for clinical achievements. Biol Reprod 2022; 106:408-424. [PMID: 34982163 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian conception involves a multitude of reciprocal interactions via a molecular dialogue between mother and conceptus. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are secreted membrane-encapsulated particles that mediate cell-to-cell communication in various contexts. EVs, which are present in seminal, follicular, oviductal, and endometrial fluids, as well as in embryo secretions, carry molecular constituents that impact gamete maturation, fertilization, early embryo development, and embryo-maternal communication. The distribution, concentration, and molecular cargo of EVs are regulated by steroid hormones and the health status of the tissue of origin, and thus are influenced by menstrual phase, stage of conception, and the presence of infertility-associated diseases. EVs have been recognized as a novel source of biomarkers and potential reproductive medicine therapeutics, particularly for assisted reproductive technology (ART). There are still many technological and scientific hindrances to be overcome before EVs can be used in clinical diagnostic and therapeutic ART applications. Issues to be resolved include the lack of standardized measurement protocols and an absence of absolute EV quantification technologies. Additionally, clinically suitable and robust EV isolation methods have yet to be developed. In this review, we provide an overview of EV-mediated interactions during the early stages of reproduction from gamete maturation to embryo implantation and then outline the technological progress that must be made for EV applications to be translated to clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elina Aleksejeva
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51014 Tartu, Estonia.,Competence Centre on Health Technologies, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | | | - Keerthie Dissanayake
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51014 Tartu, Estonia.,Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, 20400 Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.,Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kasun Godakumara
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51014 Tartu, Estonia.,Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Paola Vigano
- Reproductive Sciences Laboratory, Gynecology/Obstetrics Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Alireza Fazeli
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51014 Tartu, Estonia.,Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, 20400 Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.,Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Medical School, University of Sheffield, S10 2TN Sheffield, UK
| | - Ülle Jaakma
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51014 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Andres Salumets
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51014 Tartu, Estonia.,Competence Centre on Health Technologies, 50411 Tartu, Estonia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, 50406 Tartu, Estonia.,Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, 14186 Stockholm, Sweden
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24
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Chen K, Liang J, Qin T, Zhang Y, Chen X, Wang Z. The Role of Extracellular Vesicles in Embryo Implantation. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:809596. [PMID: 35154016 PMCID: PMC8831238 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.809596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-coating nanoparticles derived from cells. The effect of cell-to-cell communication mediated by EVs has been investigated in different fields of physio-logical as well as pathological process in recent years. Reproduction, regarded as a definitive characteristic of organisms, has been a focus in both animal and medical sciences. It is well agreed that implantation is a critical event during early pregnancy in viviparous animals, and a proper implantation is essential for the establishment and maintenance of normal pregnancy. However, successful implantation requires the synchronized development of both the uterus and the embryo, therefore, in which well communication and opportune regulation are necessary. This review focuses on the progression of studies that reveal the role of EVs in early pregnancy, especially during implantation. Based on current evidence, EVs are produced and exist in the environment for implantation. It has been proved that EVs of different origins such as endometrium and embryo, have positive influences on embryo implantation. With their cargos of proteins and nucleic acids (especially microRNAs), EVs exert their effects including information transportation, immune stimulation and regulation of gene expression.
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25
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Cajas YN, Cañón-Beltrán K, de la Blanca MGM, Sánchez JM, Fernandez-Fuertes B, González EM, Rizos D. Role of reproductive fluids and extracellular vesicles in embryo–maternal interaction during early pregnancy in cattle. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 34:117-138. [PMID: 35231231 DOI: 10.1071/rd21275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The coordinated interaction between the developing embryo and the maternal reproductive tract is essential for the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy in mammals. An early cross-talk is established between the oviduct/uterus and the gametes and embryo. This dialogue will shape the microenvironment in which gamete transport, fertilisation, and early embryonic development occur. Due to the small size of the gametes and the early embryo relative to the volume of the oviductal and uterine lumina, collection of tissue and fluid adjacent to these cells is challenging in cattle. Thus, the combination of in vivo and in vitro models seems to be the most appropriate approach to better understand this fine dialogue. In this respect, the aim of this review is to summarise the recent findings in relation to gamete/embryo-maternal interaction during the pre-elongation period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia N Cajas
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Center Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Ctra de la Coruña KM 5.9, 28040 Madrid, Spain; and Laboratorio de Biotecnología de la Reproducción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad de Cuenca (UC), EC010205 Cuenca, Ecuador
| | - Karina Cañón-Beltrán
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Center Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Ctra de la Coruña KM 5.9, 28040 Madrid, Spain; and Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Ambientales, Programa de Medicina Veterinaria, Fundación Universitaria Juan de Castellanos (JdC), 150001 Tunja, Colombia
| | - María Gemma Millán de la Blanca
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Center Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Ctra de la Coruña KM 5.9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - José M Sánchez
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Center Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Ctra de la Coruña KM 5.9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Fernandez-Fuertes
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Center Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Ctra de la Coruña KM 5.9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Encina M González
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Dimitrios Rizos
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Center Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Ctra de la Coruña KM 5.9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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26
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León J, Acurio J, Bergman L, López J, Karin Wikström A, Torres-Vergara P, Troncoso F, Castro FO, Vatish M, Escudero C. Disruption of the Blood-Brain Barrier by Extracellular Vesicles From Preeclampsia Plasma and Hypoxic Placentae: Attenuation by Magnesium Sulfate. Hypertension 2021; 78:1423-1433. [PMID: 34601964 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.121.17744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
[Figure: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
- José León
- Vascular Physiology Laboratory, Department of Basic Sciences, Universidad del Bío-Bío, Chillán, Chile (J. Leon, J.A., J. Lopez, F.T., C.E.)
- Escuela de Enfermería, Facultad de Salud, Universidad Santo Tomás, Los Ángeles, Chile (J. Leon,.)
| | - Jesenia Acurio
- Vascular Physiology Laboratory, Department of Basic Sciences, Universidad del Bío-Bío, Chillán, Chile (J. Leon, J.A., J. Lopez, F.T., C.E.)
- Group of Research and Innovation in Vascular Health (Group of Research and Innovation in Vascular Health), Chillan, Chile (J.A., F.T., C.E., P.T.-V.)
| | - Lina Bergman
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Sweden (L.B., A.K.W.)
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Sweden (L.B.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stellenbosch University, South Africa (L.B.)
| | - Juán López
- Vascular Physiology Laboratory, Department of Basic Sciences, Universidad del Bío-Bío, Chillán, Chile (J. Leon, J.A., J. Lopez, F.T., C.E.)
| | - Anna Karin Wikström
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Sweden (L.B., A.K.W.)
| | - Pablo Torres-Vergara
- Group of Research and Innovation in Vascular Health (Group of Research and Innovation in Vascular Health), Chillan, Chile (J.A., F.T., C.E., P.T.-V.)
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Concepción, Chile (P.T.-V.)
| | - Felipe Troncoso
- Vascular Physiology Laboratory, Department of Basic Sciences, Universidad del Bío-Bío, Chillán, Chile (J. Leon, J.A., J. Lopez, F.T., C.E.)
- Group of Research and Innovation in Vascular Health (Group of Research and Innovation in Vascular Health), Chillan, Chile (J.A., F.T., C.E., P.T.-V.)
| | - Fidel Ovidio Castro
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepcion, Chillan, Chile (F.O.C.)
| | - Manu Vatish
- Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health. University of Oxford, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, United Kingdom (M.V.)
| | - Carlos Escudero
- Vascular Physiology Laboratory, Department of Basic Sciences, Universidad del Bío-Bío, Chillán, Chile (J. Leon, J.A., J. Lopez, F.T., C.E.)
- Group of Research and Innovation in Vascular Health (Group of Research and Innovation in Vascular Health), Chillan, Chile (J.A., F.T., C.E., P.T.-V.)
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27
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Bridi A, Andrade GM, Del Collado M, Sangalli JR, de Ávila ACFCM, Motta IG, da Silva JCB, Pugliesi G, Silva LA, Meirelles FV, da Silveira JC, Perecin F. Small extracellular vesicles derived from in vivo- or in vitro-produced bovine blastocysts have different miRNAs profiles-Implications for embryo-maternal recognition. Mol Reprod Dev 2021; 88:628-643. [PMID: 34402123 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In vivo- and in vitro-produced bovine embryos have different metabolic profiles and differences in gene transcription patterns. These embryos also have a distinct ability to establish and sustain early pregnancies. Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) are secreted by embryos and carry bioactive molecules, such as miRNAs. We hypothesize that in vivo or in vitro-produced bovine hatched blastocysts on Day 9 and the sEVs secreted by them have different miRNA profiles. To address this hypothesis, embryos of both groups were placed in in vitro culture on Day 7. After 48 h, hatched embryos and hatched embryo-conditioned media (eCM) of both groups were collected. A total of 210 miRNAs were detected in embryos of both groups, of these 6 miRNAs were downregulated, while 7 miRNAs were upregulated in vitro group when compared to in vivo group. sEVs were isolated from eCM to determine miRNA profile. A total of 106 miRNAs were detected in both groups, including 14 miRNAs upregulated in sEVs from in vivo-eCM, and 2 miRNAs upregulated in sEVs from in vitro-eCM. These miRNAs express in embryos and sEVs secreted by them regulate early embryonic developmental and endometrial pathways, which can modify embryo-maternal communication during early pregnancy and consequently affect pregnancy establishment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Bridi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - Gabriella M Andrade
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - Maite Del Collado
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - Juliano R Sangalli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - Ana C F C M de Ávila
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - Igor G Motta
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Júlio C B da Silva
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Pugliesi
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luciano A Silva
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - Flávio V Meirelles
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - Juliano C da Silveira
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - Felipe Perecin
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
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28
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Gimeno I, García-Manrique P, Carrocera S, López-Hidalgo C, Valledor L, Martín-González D, Gómez E. The Metabolic Signature of In Vitro Produced Bovine Embryos Helps Predict Pregnancy and Birth after Embryo Transfer. Metabolites 2021; 11:484. [PMID: 34436426 PMCID: PMC8399324 DOI: 10.3390/metabo11080484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro produced (IVP) embryos show large metabolic variability induced by breed, culture conditions, embryonic stage and sex and gamete donors. We hypothesized that the birth potential could be accurately predicted by UHPLC-MS/MS in culture medium (CM) with the discrimination of factors inducing metabolic variation. Day-6 embryos were developed in single CM (modified synthetic oviduct fluid) for 24 h and transferred to recipients as fresh (28 ETs) or frozen/thawed (58 ETs) Day-7 blastocysts. Variability was induced with seven bulls, slaughterhouse oocyte donors, culture conditions (serum + Bovine Serum Albumin [BSA] or BSA alone) prior to single culture embryonic stage records (Day-6: morula, early blastocyst, blastocyst; Day-7: expanding blastocyst; fully expanded blastocysts) and cryopreservation. Retained metabolite signals (6111) were analyzed as a function of pregnancy at Day-40, Day-62 and birth in a combinatorial block study with all fixed factors. We identified 34 accumulated metabolites through 511 blocks, 198 for birth, 166 for Day-62 and 147 for Day-40. The relative abundance of metabolites was higher within blocks from non-pregnant (460) than from pregnant (51) embryos. Taxonomy classified lipids (12 fatty acids and derivatives; 224 blocks), amino acids (12) and derivatives (3) (186 blocks), benzenoids (4; 58 blocks), tri-carboxylic acids (2; 41 blocks) and 5-Hydroxy-l-tryptophan (2 blocks). Some metabolites were effective as single biomarkers in 95 blocks (Receiver Operating Characteristic - Area Under the Curve [ROC-AUC]: 0.700-1.000). In contrast, more accurate predictions within the largest data sets were obtained with combinations of 2, 3 and 4 single metabolites in 206 blocks (ROC-AUC = 0.800-1.000). Pregnancy-prone embryos consumed more amino acids and citric acid, and depleted less lipids and cis-aconitic acid. Big metabolic differences between embryos support efficient pregnancy and birth prediction when analyzed in discriminant conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Gimeno
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Centro de Biotecnología Animal, Camino de Rioseco 1225, 33394 Gijón, Spain; (I.G.); (S.C.); (D.M.-G.)
| | - Pablo García-Manrique
- Molecular Mass Spectrometry Unit, Scientific and Technical Services, University of Oviedo, Catedrático Rodrigo Uria s/n, 33006 Oviedo, Spain;
| | - Susana Carrocera
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Centro de Biotecnología Animal, Camino de Rioseco 1225, 33394 Gijón, Spain; (I.G.); (S.C.); (D.M.-G.)
| | - Cristina López-Hidalgo
- Department of Organisms and Systems Biology, University Institute of Biotechnology of Asturias (IUBA), University of Oviedo, Catedrático Rodrigo Uria s/n, 33006 Oviedo, Spain; (C.L.-H.); (L.V.)
| | - Luis Valledor
- Department of Organisms and Systems Biology, University Institute of Biotechnology of Asturias (IUBA), University of Oviedo, Catedrático Rodrigo Uria s/n, 33006 Oviedo, Spain; (C.L.-H.); (L.V.)
| | - David Martín-González
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Centro de Biotecnología Animal, Camino de Rioseco 1225, 33394 Gijón, Spain; (I.G.); (S.C.); (D.M.-G.)
| | - Enrique Gómez
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Centro de Biotecnología Animal, Camino de Rioseco 1225, 33394 Gijón, Spain; (I.G.); (S.C.); (D.M.-G.)
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29
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Hawke DC, Ahmed DB, Watson AJ, Betts DH. Murine Blastocysts Release Mature MicroRNAs Into Culture Media That Reflect Developmental Status. Front Genet 2021; 12:655882. [PMID: 34122510 PMCID: PMC8193861 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.655882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular microRNA (miRNA) sequences derived from the pre-implantation embryo have attracted interest for their possible contributions to the ongoing embryonic-uterine milieu, as well as their potential for use as accessible biomarkers indicative of embryonic health. Spent culture media microdroplets used to culture late-stage E4.0 murine blastocysts were screened for 641 mature miRNA sequences using a reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction-based array. We report here 39 miRNAs exclusively detected in the conditioned media, including the implantation-relevant miR-126a-3p, miR-101a, miR-143, and miR-320, in addition to members of the highly expressed embryonic miR-125 and miR-290 families. Based on these results, an miRNA panel was assembled comprising five members of the miR-290 family (miR-291-295) and five conserved sequences with significance to the embryonic secretome (miR-20a, miR-30c, miR-142-3p, miR-191, and miR-320). Panel profiling of developing embryo cohort lysates and accompanying conditioned media microdroplets revealed extensive similarities in relative quantities of miRNAs and, as a biomarker proof of concept, enabled distinction between media conditioned with differently staged embryos (zygote, 4-cell, and blastocyst). When used to assess media conditioned with embryos of varying degrees of degeneration, the panel revealed increases in all extracellular panel sequences, suggesting cell death is an influential and identifiable factor detectable by this assessment. In situ hybridization of three panel sequences (miR-30c, miR-294, and miR-295) in late-stage blastocysts revealed primarily inner cell mass expression with a significant presence of miR-294 throughout the blastocyst cavity. Furthermore, extracellular miR-290 sequences responded significantly to high centrifugal force, suggesting a substantial fraction of these sequences may exist within a vesicle such as an exosome, microvesicle, or apoptotic bleb. Together, these results support the use of extracellular miRNA to assess embryonic health and enable development of a non-invasive viability diagnostic tool for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Connor Hawke
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Children's Health Research Institute-LHRI, London, ON, Canada
| | - Danyal Baber Ahmed
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Children's Health Research Institute-LHRI, London, ON, Canada
| | - Andrew John Watson
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Children's Health Research Institute-LHRI, London, ON, Canada
| | - Dean Harvey Betts
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Children's Health Research Institute-LHRI, London, ON, Canada
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30
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Rabaglino MB, O’Doherty A, Bojsen-Møller Secher J, Lonergan P, Hyttel P, Fair T, Kadarmideen HN. Application of multi-omics data integration and machine learning approaches to identify epigenetic and transcriptomic differences between in vitro and in vivo produced bovine embryos. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252096. [PMID: 34029343 PMCID: PMC8143403 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy rates for in vitro produced (IVP) embryos are usually lower than for embryos produced in vivo after ovarian superovulation (MOET). This is potentially due to alterations in their trophectoderm (TE), the outermost layer in physical contact with the maternal endometrium. The main objective was to apply a multi-omics data integration approach to identify both temporally differentially expressed and differentially methylated genes (DEG and DMG), between IVP and MOET embryos, that could impact TE function. To start, four and five published transcriptomic and epigenomic datasets, respectively, were processed for data integration. Second, DEG from day 7 to days 13 and 16 and DMG from day 7 to day 17 were determined in the TE from IVP vs. MOET embryos. Third, genes that were both DE and DM were subjected to hierarchical clustering and functional enrichment analysis. Finally, findings were validated through a machine learning approach with two additional datasets from day 15 embryos. There were 1535 DEG and 6360 DMG, with 490 overlapped genes, whose expression profiles at days 13 and 16 resulted in three main clusters. Cluster 1 (188) and Cluster 2 (191) genes were down-regulated at day 13 or day 16, respectively, while Cluster 3 genes (111) were up-regulated at both days, in IVP embryos compared to MOET embryos. The top enriched terms were the KEGG pathway "focal adhesion" in Cluster 1 (FDR = 0.003), and the cellular component: "extracellular exosome" in Cluster 2 (FDR<0.0001), also enriched in Cluster 1 (FDR = 0.04). According to the machine learning approach, genes in Cluster 1 showed a similar expression pattern between IVP and less developed (short) MOET conceptuses; and between MOET and DKK1-treated (advanced) IVP conceptuses. In conclusion, these results suggest that early conceptuses derived from IVP embryos exhibit epigenomic and transcriptomic changes that later affect its elongation and focal adhesion, impairing post-transfer survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria B. Rabaglino
- Quantitative Genetics, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Group, Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Alan O’Doherty
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jan Bojsen-Møller Secher
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Patrick Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Poul Hyttel
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Trudee Fair
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Haja N. Kadarmideen
- Quantitative Genetics, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Group, Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
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31
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Melo-Báez B, Mellisho EA, Cabezas J, Velásquez AE, Veraguas D, Escobar DAC, Castro FO, Rodríguez-Álvarez L. Nanoparticles from culture media are internalized by in vitro-produced bovine embryos and its depletion affect expression of pluripotency genes. Anim Reprod 2021; 18:e20200028. [PMID: 34122648 PMCID: PMC8189351 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2020-0028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles are nanoparticles secreted by cell and have been proposed as suitable markers to identify competent embryos produced in vitro. Characterizing EVs secreted by individual embryos is challenging because culture medium itself contributes to the pool of nanoparticles that are co-isolated. To avoid this, culture medium must be depleted of nanoparticles that are present in natural protein source. The aim of this study was to evaluate if the culture medium subjected to nanoparticle depletion can support the proper in vitro development of bovine embryos. Zygotes were cultured in groups on depleted or control medium for 8 days. Nanoparticles from the medium were characterized by their morphology, size and expression of EVs surface markers. Isolated nanoparticles were labelled and added to depleted medium containing embryos at different developmental stages and evaluated after 24 hours at 2, 8-16 cells, morula and blastocyst stages. There were no statistical differences on blastocyst rate at day 7 and 8, total cell count neither blastocyst diameter between groups. However, morphological quality was better in blastocysts cultured in non-depleted medium and the expression of SOX2 was significantly lower whereas NANOG expression was significantly higher. Few nanoparticles from medium had a typical morphology of EVs but were positive to specific surface markers. Punctuated green fluorescence near the nuclei of embryonic cells was observed in embryos from all developmental stages. In summary, nanoparticles from culture medium are internalized by in vitro cultured bovine embryos and their depletion affects the capacity of medium to support the proper embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Melo-Báez
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | - Edwin A Mellisho
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile.,Centro de investigación en Tecnología de Embriones, Facultad de Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Lima, Perú
| | - Joel Cabezas
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | - Alejandra E Velásquez
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | - Daniel Veraguas
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | - Diego Andrés Caamaño Escobar
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | - Fidel O Castro
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | - Lleretny Rodríguez-Álvarez
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
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Poh QH, Rai A, Carmichael II, Salamonsen LA, Greening DW. Proteome reprogramming of endometrial epithelial cells by human trophectodermal small extracellular vesicles reveals key insights into embryo implantation. Proteomics 2021; 21:e2000210. [PMID: 33860638 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202000210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Embryo implantation into the receptive endometrium is critical in pregnancy establishment, initially requiring reciprocal signalling between outer layer of the blastocyst (trophectoderm cells) and endometrial epithelium; however, factors regulating this crosstalk remain poorly understood. Although endometrial extracellular vesicles (EVs) are known to signal to the embryo during implantation, the role of embryo-derived EVs remains largely unknown. Here, we provide a comprehensive proteomic characterisation of a major class of EVs, termed small EVs (sEVs), released by human trophectoderm cells (Tsc-sEVs) and their capacity to reprogram protein landscape of endometrial epithelium in vitro. Highly purified Tsc-sEVs (30-200 nm, ALIX+ , TSG101+ , CD9/63/81+ ) were enriched in known players of implantation (LIFR, ICAM1, TAGLN2, WNT5A, FZD7, ROR2, PRICKLE2), antioxidant activity (SOD1, PRDX1/4/6), tissue integrity (EZR, RAC1, RHOA, TNC), and focal adhesions (FAK, ITGA2/V, ITGB1/3). Functionally, Tsc-sEVs were taken up by endometrial cells, altered transepithelial electrical resistance, and upregulated proteins implicated in embryo attachment (ITGA2/V, ITGB1/3), immune regulation (CD59, CD276, LGALS3), and antioxidant activity (GPX1/3/4, PRDX1/2/4/5/6): processes that are critical for successful implantation. Collectively, we provide critical insights into Tsc-sEV-mediated regulation of endometrial function that contributes to our understanding of the molecular basis of implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Hui Poh
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Molecular Proteomics, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alin Rai
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Molecular Proteomics, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Irena Iśka Carmichael
- Monash Micro Imaging, Monash, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lois A Salamonsen
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - David W Greening
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Molecular Proteomics, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Chen Y, Wu T, Zhu Z, Huang H, Zhang L, Goel A, Yang M, Wang X. An integrated workflow for biomarker development using microRNAs in extracellular vesicles for cancer precision medicine. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 74:134-155. [PMID: 33766650 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
EV-miRNAs are microRNA (miRNA) molecules encapsulated in extracellular vesicles (EVs), which play crucial roles in tumor pathogenesis, progression, and metastasis. Recent studies about EV-miRNAs have gained novel insights into cancer biology and have demonstrated a great potential to develop novel liquid biopsy assays for various applications. Notably, compared to conventional liquid biomarkers, EV-miRNAs are more advantageous in representing host-cell molecular architecture and exhibiting higher stability and specificity. Despite various available techniques for EV-miRNA separation, concentration, profiling, and data analysis, a standardized approach for EV-miRNA biomarker development is yet lacking. In this review, we performed a substantial literature review and distilled an integrated workflow encompassing important steps for EV-miRNA biomarker development, including sample collection and EV isolation, EV-miRNA extraction and quantification, high-throughput data preprocessing, biomarker prioritization and model construction, functional analysis, as well as validation. With the rapid growth of "big data", we highlight the importance of efficient mining of high-throughput data for the discovery of EV-miRNA biomarkers and integrating multiple independent datasets for in silico and experimental validations to increase the robustness and reproducibility. Furthermore, as an efficient strategy in systems biology, network inference provides insights into the regulatory mechanisms and can be used to select functionally important EV-miRNAs to refine the biomarker candidates. Despite the encouraging development in the field, a number of challenges still hinder the clinical translation. We finally summarize several common challenges in various biomarker studies and discuss potential opportunities emerging in the related fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, 31 To Yuen Street, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Tan Wu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, 31 To Yuen Street, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Zhongxu Zhu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, 31 To Yuen Street, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Hao Huang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, 31 To Yuen Street, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Liang Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, 31 To Yuen Street, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong; Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Key Laboratory of Biochip Technology, Biotech and Health Centre, Shenzhen Research Institute, City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ajay Goel
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics and Experimental Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Mengsu Yang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, 31 To Yuen Street, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong; Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Key Laboratory of Biochip Technology, Biotech and Health Centre, Shenzhen Research Institute, City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, 31 To Yuen Street, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong; Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Key Laboratory of Biochip Technology, Biotech and Health Centre, Shenzhen Research Institute, City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China.
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Metabolites Secreted by Bovine Embryos In Vitro Predict Pregnancies That the Recipient Plasma Metabolome Cannot, and Vice Versa. Metabolites 2021; 11:metabo11030162. [PMID: 33799889 PMCID: PMC7999939 DOI: 10.3390/metabo11030162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This work describes the use of mass spectrometry-based metabolomics as a non-invasive approach to accurately predict birth prior to embryo transfer (ET) starting from embryo culture media and plasma recipient. Metabolomics was used here as a predictive platform. Day-6 in vitro produced embryos developed singly in modified synthetic oviduct fluid culture medium (CM) drops for 24 h were vitrified as Day-7 blastocysts and transferred to recipients. Day-0 and Day-7 recipient plasma (N = 36 × 2) and CM (N = 36) were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to the quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (GC-qTOF). Metabolites quantified in CM and plasma were analyzed as a function to predict pregnancy at Day-40, Day-62, and birth (univariate and multivariate statistics). Subsequently, a Boolean matrix (F1 score) was constructed with metabolite pairs (one from the embryo, and one from the recipient) to combine the predictive power of embryos and recipients. Validation was performed in independent cohorts of ETs analyzed. Embryos that did not reach birth released more stearic acid, capric acid, palmitic acid, and glyceryl monostearate in CM (i.e., (p < 0.05, FDR < 0.05, Receiver Operator Characteristic—area under curve (ROC-AUC) > 0.669)). Within Holstein recipients, hydrocinnamic acid, alanine, and lysine predicted birth (ROC-AUC > 0.778). Asturiana de los Valles recipients that reached birth showed lower concentrations of 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, stearic acid, palmitic acid, and hippuric acid (ROC-AUC > 0.832). Embryonal capric acid and glyceryl-monostearate formed F1 scores generally >0.900, with metabolites found both to differ (e.g., hippuric acid, hydrocinnamic acid) or not (e.g., heptadecanoic acid, citric acid) with pregnancy in plasmas, as hypothesized. Efficient lipid metabolism in the embryo and the recipient can allow pregnancy to proceed. Changes in phenolics from plasma suggest that microbiota and liver metabolism influence the pregnancy establishment in cattle.
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Machtinger R, Baccarelli AA, Wu H. Extracellular vesicles and female reproduction. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:549-557. [PMID: 33471231 PMCID: PMC7910356 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-02048-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nano-sized membrane bound complexes that have been identified as a mean for intercellular communication between cells and tissues both in physiological and pathological conditions. These vesicles contain numerous molecules involved in signal transduction including microRNAs, mRNAs, DNA, proteins, lipids, and cytokines and can affect the behavior of recipient cells. Female reproduction is dependent on extremely fine-tuned endocrine regulation, and EVs may represent an added layer that contributes to this regulation. This narrative review article provides an update on the research of the role of EVs in female reproduction including folliculogenesis, fertilization, embryo quality, and implantation. We also highlight potential pitfalls in typical EV studies and discuss gaps in the current literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronit Machtinger
- Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan and Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
- Infertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, 52621, Tel Hashomer, Israel.
| | - Andrea A Baccarelli
- Environmental Precision Biosciences Laboratory, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Haotian Wu
- Environmental Precision Biosciences Laboratory, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
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Llobat L. Extracellular vesicles and domestic animal reproduction. Res Vet Sci 2021; 136:166-173. [PMID: 33647595 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2021.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Embryo implantation is a complex process in which significant changes occur continually in both the corpora lutea and in the endometrium of females and which varies depending on the embryonic, pre-implantation, or fetal stages. However, at all stages, correct maternal-embryonic communication is essential. In the last few years, a new intercellular communication tool, mediated by extracellular vesicles (EVs), has emerged. Many authors agree on the relevant role of EVs in correct communication between the mother and the embryo, as a fundamental system for the pregnancy to reach term and embryonic development to occur correctly. This review analyzes current information on known EVs, their main functions, and their role in implantation and embryonic development in domestic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lola Llobat
- Grupo de Fisiopatología de la Reproducción, Departamento Producción y Sanidad Animal, Salud Pública y Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain.
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37
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Esfandyari S, Elkafas H, Chugh RM, Park HS, Navarro A, Al-Hendy A. Exosomes as Biomarkers for Female Reproductive Diseases Diagnosis and Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22042165. [PMID: 33671587 PMCID: PMC7926632 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22042165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-cell communication is an essential mechanism for the maintenance and development of various organs, including the female reproductive system. Today, it is well-known that the function of the female reproductive system and successful pregnancy are related to appropriate follicular growth, oogenesis, implantation, embryo development, and proper fertilization, dependent on the main regulators of cellular crosstalk, exosomes. During exosome synthesis, selective packaging of different factors into these vesicles happens within the originating cells. Therefore, exosomes contain both genetic and proteomic data that could be applied as biomarkers or therapeutic targets in pregnancy-associated disorders or placental functions. In this context, the present review aims to compile information about the potential exosomes with key molecular cargos that are dysregulated in female reproductive diseases which lead to infertility, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian failure (POF), Asherman syndrome, endometriosis, endometrial cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, and preeclampsia, as well as signaling pathways related to the regulation of the reproductive system and pregnancy outcome during these pathological conditions. This review might help us realize the etiology of reproductive dysfunction and improve the early diagnosis and treatment of the related complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Esfandyari
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (S.E.); (H.E.); (R.M.C.)
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Hoda Elkafas
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (S.E.); (H.E.); (R.M.C.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA) Formally, (NODCAR), Cairo 35521, Egypt
| | - Rishi Man Chugh
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (S.E.); (H.E.); (R.M.C.)
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Hang-soo Park
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (H.-s.P.); (A.N.)
| | - Antonia Navarro
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (H.-s.P.); (A.N.)
| | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (H.-s.P.); (A.N.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-773-832-0742
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38
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Oviduct as a sensor of embryo quality: deciphering the extracellular vesicle (EV)-mediated embryo-maternal dialogue. J Mol Med (Berl) 2021; 99:685-697. [PMID: 33512581 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-021-02042-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Embryo-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) may play a role in mediating the embryo-maternal dialogue at the oviduct, potentially carrying signals reflecting embryo quality. We investigated the effects of bovine embryo-derived EVs on the gene expression of bovine oviductal epithelial cells (BOECs), and whether these effects are dependent on embryo quality. Presumptive zygotes were cultured individually in vitro in culture medium droplets until day 8 while their development was assessed at day 2, 5 and 8. Conditioned medium samples were collected at day 5 and pooled based on embryo development (good quality embryo media and degenerating embryo media). EVs were isolated from conditioned media by size exclusion chromatography and supplemented to primary BOEC monolayer cultures to evaluate the effects of embryo-derived EVs on gene expression profile of BOEC. Gene expression was quantified by RNA-seq and RT-qPCR. A total of 7 upregulated and 18 downregulated genes were detected in the BOECs supplemented with good quality embryo-derived EV compared to the control. The upregulated genes included interferon-τ-induced genes, such as OAS1Y, MX1 and ISG15, which have previously been reported as upregulated in the oviductal epithelial cells in the presence of embryos. Of the upregulated genes, OAS1Y and MX1 were validated with RT-qPCR. In contrast, only one differentially expressed gene was detected in BOECs in response to degenerating embryo-derived EVs, suggesting that oviductal responses are dependent on embryo quality. Our results support the hypothesis that embryo-derived EVs are involved in embryo-maternal communication at the oviduct and the oviductal response is dependant on the embryo quality. KEY MESSAGES: • Extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by individually cultured pre-implantation bovine embryos can alter the gene expression of primary oviductal epithelial cells. • The oviductal response, in terms of gene expression, to the bovine embryo-derived EVs varied depending on the embryo quality. • In vivo, the oviduct may have the ability to sense the quality of the pre-implantation embryos. • The observed effect of embryo-derived EVs on oviductal epithelial cells could serve as a non-invasive method of evaluating the embryo quality.
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Sanchez DJD, Vasconcelos FR, Teles-Filho ACA, Viana AGA, Martins AMA, Sousa MV, Castro MS, Ricart CA, Fontes W, Bertolini M, Bustamante-Filho IC, Moura AA. Proteomic profile of pre-implantational ovine embryos produced in vivo. Reprod Domest Anim 2021; 56:586-603. [PMID: 33460477 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The present study was conducted to decipher the proteome of in vivo-produced pre-implantation ovine embryos. Ten locally adapted Morana Nova ewes received hormonal treatment and were inseminated 12 hr after ovulation. Six days later, 54 embryos (morula and blastocyst developmental state) were recovered from eight ewes and pooled to obtain sufficient protein for proteomic analysis. Extracted embryo proteins were analysed by LC-MS/MS, followed by identification based on four database searches (PEAKS, Proteome Discoverer software, SearchGUI software, PepExplorer). Identified proteins were analysed for gene ontology terms, protein clusters and interactions. Genes associated with the ovine embryo proteome were screened for miRNA targets using data sets of TargetScan (http://www.targetscan.org) and mIRBase (http://www.mirbase.org) servers. There were 667 proteins identified in the ovine embryos. Biological processes of such proteins were mainly related to cellular process and regulation, and molecular functions, to binding and catalytic activity. Analysis of the embryo proteins revealed 49 enriched functional clusters, linked to energy metabolism (TCA cycle, pyruvate and glycolysis metabolism), zona pellucida (ZP), MAPK signalling pathway, tight junction, binding of sperm to ZP, translation, proteasome, cell cycle and calcium/phospholipid binding. Sixteen miRNAs were related to 25 pre-implantation ovine embryo genes, all conserved in human, bovine and ovine species. The interaction network generated by miRNet showed four key miRNAs (hsa-mir-106b-5p; hsa-mir-30-5p; hsa-mir-103a-5p and hsa-mir-106a-5p) with potential interactions with embryo-expressed genes. Functional analysis of the network indicated that miRNAs modulate genes related to cell cycle, regulation of stem cell and embryonic cell differentiation, among others. Retrieved miRNAs also modulate the expression of genes involved in cell signalling pathways, such as MAPK, Wnt, TGF-beta, p53 and Toll-like receptor. The current study describes the first major proteomic profile of 6-day-old ovine embryos produced in vivo, setting a comprehensive foundation for our understanding of embryo physiology in the ovine species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deisy J D Sanchez
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Fabio R Vasconcelos
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | | | - Arabela G A Viana
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Aline M A Martins
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Marcelo V Sousa
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Mariana S Castro
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Carlos A Ricart
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Wagner Fontes
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Bertolini
- The School of Veterinay Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Arlindo A Moura
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
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40
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Talebjedi B, Tasnim N, Hoorfar M, Mastromonaco GF, De Almeida Monteiro Melo Ferraz M. Exploiting Microfluidics for Extracellular Vesicle Isolation and Characterization: Potential Use for Standardized Embryo Quality Assessment. Front Vet Sci 2021; 7:620809. [PMID: 33469556 PMCID: PMC7813816 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.620809] [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: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent decades have seen a growing interest in the study of extracellular vesicles (EVs), driven by their role in cellular communication, and potential as biomarkers of health and disease. Although it is known that embryos secrete EVs, studies on the importance of embryonic EVs are still very limited. This limitation is due mainly to small sample volumes, with low EV concentrations available for analysis, and to laborious, costly and time-consuming procedures for isolating and evaluating EVs. In this respect, microfluidics technologies represent a promising avenue for optimizing the isolation and characterization of embryonic EVs. Despite significant improvements in microfluidics for EV isolation and characterization, the use of EVs as markers of embryo quality has been held back by two key challenges: (1) the lack of specific biomarkers of embryo quality, and (2) the limited number of studies evaluating the content of embryonic EVs across embryos with varying developmental competence. Our core aim in this review is to identify the critical challenges of EV isolation and to provide seeds for future studies to implement the profiling of embryonic EVs as a diagnostic test for embryo selection. We first summarize the conventional methods for isolating EVs and contrast these with the most promising microfluidics methods. We then discuss current knowledge of embryonic EVs and their potential role as biomarkers of embryo quality. Finally, we identify key ways in which microfluidics technologies could allow researchers to overcome the challenges of embryonic EV isolation and be used as a fast, user-friendly tool for non-invasive embryo selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahram Talebjedi
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Nishat Tasnim
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Mina Hoorfar
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
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Hawke DC, Watson AJ, Betts DH. Extracellular vesicles, microRNA and the preimplantation embryo: non-invasive clues of embryo well-being. Reprod Biomed Online 2020; 42:39-54. [PMID: 33303367 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2020.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Elective single embryo transfer is rapidly becoming the standard of care in assisted reproductive technology for patients under the age of 35 years with a good prognosis. Clinical pregnancy rates have become increasingly dependent on the selection of a single viable embryo for transfer, and diagnostic techniques facilitating this selection continue to develop. Current progress in elucidating the extracellular vesicle and microRNA components of the embryonic secretome is reviewed, and the potential for these findings to improve clinical embryo selection discussed. Key results have shown that extracellular vesicles and microRNAs are rapidly detectable constituents of the embryonic secretome. Evidence suggests that the vesicular population is largely exosomal in nature, secreted at all stages of preimplantation development and capable of traversing the zona pellucida. Both extracellular vesicle and microRNA concentrations within the secretome are elevated for blastocysts with diminished developmental competence, as indicated either by degeneracy or implantation failure, whereas studies have yet to firmly correlate individual microRNA sequences with pregnancy outcome. These emerging correlations support the viability of extracellular vesicles and microRNAs as the basis for a new diagnostic test to supplement or replace morphokinetic assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Connor Hawke
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada; Children's Health Research Institute; Lawson Health Research Institute, London Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew John Watson
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada; Children's Health Research Institute; Lawson Health Research Institute, London Ontario, Canada
| | - Dean Harvey Betts
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada; Children's Health Research Institute; Lawson Health Research Institute, London Ontario, Canada.
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42
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Melo-Baez B, Wong YS, Aguilera CJ, Cabezas J, Mançanares ACF, Riadi G, Castro FO, Rodriguez-Alvarez L. MicroRNAs from Extracellular Vesicles Secreted by Bovine Embryos as Early Biomarkers of Developmental Competence. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21238888. [PMID: 33255183 PMCID: PMC7727673 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21238888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
During early development, embryos secrete extracellular vesicles (EVs) that participate in embryo–maternal communication. Among other molecules, EVs carry microRNAs (miRNAs) that interfere with gene expression in target cells; miRNAs participate in embryo–maternal communication. Embryo selection based on secreted miRNAs may have an impact on bovine breeding programs. This research aimed to evaluate the size, concentration, and miRNA content of EVs secreted by bovine embryos with different developmental potential, during the compaction period (days 3.5–5). Individual culture media from in vitro–produced embryos were collected at day 5, while embryos were further cultured and classified at day 7, as G1 (conditioned-culture media by embryos arrested in the 8–16-cells stage) and G2 (conditioned-culture media by embryos that reached blastocyst stages at day 7). Collected nanoparticles from embryo conditioned culture media were cataloged as EVs by their morphology and the presence of classical molecular markers. Size and concentration of EVs from G1 were higher than EVs secreted by G2. We identified 95 miRNAs; bta-miR-103, bta-miR-502a, bta-miR-100, and bta-miR-1 were upregulated in G1, whereas bta-miR-92a, bta-miR-140, bta-miR-2285a, and bta-miR-222 were downregulated. The most significant upregulated pathways were fatty acid biosynthesis and metabolism, lysine degradation, gap junction, and signaling pathways regulating pluripotency of stem cells. The characteristics of EVs secreted by bovine embryos during the compaction period vary according to embryo competence. Embryos that reach the blastocyst stage secrete fewer and smaller vesicles. Furthermore, the loading of specific miRNAs into the EVs depends on embryo developmental competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Melo-Baez
- Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Mendez 595, Chillan 3780000, Chile; (B.M.-B.); (Y.S.W.); (C.J.A.); (J.C.); (A.C.F.M.); (F.O.C.)
| | - Yat S. Wong
- Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Mendez 595, Chillan 3780000, Chile; (B.M.-B.); (Y.S.W.); (C.J.A.); (J.C.); (A.C.F.M.); (F.O.C.)
| | - Constanza J. Aguilera
- Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Mendez 595, Chillan 3780000, Chile; (B.M.-B.); (Y.S.W.); (C.J.A.); (J.C.); (A.C.F.M.); (F.O.C.)
| | - Joel Cabezas
- Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Mendez 595, Chillan 3780000, Chile; (B.M.-B.); (Y.S.W.); (C.J.A.); (J.C.); (A.C.F.M.); (F.O.C.)
| | - Ana C. F. Mançanares
- Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Mendez 595, Chillan 3780000, Chile; (B.M.-B.); (Y.S.W.); (C.J.A.); (J.C.); (A.C.F.M.); (F.O.C.)
| | - Gonzalo Riadi
- ANID-Millennium Science Initiative Program Millennium Nucleus of Ion Channels-Associated Diseases (MiNICAD), Center for Bioinformatics, Simulation and Modeling, CBSM, Department of Bioinformatics, Faculty of Engineering, Campus Talca, University of Talca, Talca 3460000, Chile;
| | - Fidel O. Castro
- Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Mendez 595, Chillan 3780000, Chile; (B.M.-B.); (Y.S.W.); (C.J.A.); (J.C.); (A.C.F.M.); (F.O.C.)
| | - Lleretny Rodriguez-Alvarez
- Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Mendez 595, Chillan 3780000, Chile; (B.M.-B.); (Y.S.W.); (C.J.A.); (J.C.); (A.C.F.M.); (F.O.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +56-242208835
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Qamar AY, Mahiddine FY, Bang S, Fang X, Shin ST, Kim MJ, Cho J. Extracellular Vesicle Mediated Crosstalk Between the Gametes, Conceptus, and Female Reproductive Tract. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:589117. [PMID: 33195625 PMCID: PMC7661581 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.589117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) mediated intracellular communication plays an imperative role in the proper completion of different physiological events. Most of the bio-fluids are enriched with several subpopulations of EVs including exosomes and microvesicles (MVs), with the capacity of transferring different functional molecules (lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids) to target cells. Recipient cells upon receiving the signal molecules undergo different changes that positively affect the structural and functional integrity of the cells. This article was aimed to highlight the role of EVs secreted by gametes, the female reproductive tract, and the growing conceptus in the successful completion of different reproductive events related to gestation. EVs associated with the reproductive system are actively involved in the regulation of different physiological events including gamete maturation, fertilization, and embryo and fetal development. In the reproductive system, EVs mediated intracellular communication is not unidirectional but is rather regulated through crosstalk between the reproductive tract and the growing conceptus. These vesicles are secreted from the ovary, oviductal epithelium, endometrium, developing embryo, and the placenta. The cargo inside these vesicles exerts pleiotropic effects on both maternal and embryonic environments. A better understanding of the EVs-mediated crosstalk will be helpful in the development of useful tools serving both the diagnostic as well as therapeutic needs related to female fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Yar Qamar
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Jhang, Sub-Campus University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Feriel Yasmine Mahiddine
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seonggyu Bang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Xun Fang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Sang Tae Shin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Min Jung Kim
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jongki Cho
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
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Evaluation of extracellular vesicles and gDNA from culture medium as a possible indicator of developmental competence in human embryos. ZYGOTE 2020; 29:138-149. [PMID: 33118919 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199420000593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Human embryos generated in vitro have a high incidence of chromosomal abnormalities that negatively affect pregnancy rate. Embryos generated in vitro secrete extracellular vesicles (EVs) into the culture medium that could be used potentially as indicators of embryo competence. This research aimed to evaluate the concentration and size of EVs and their gDNA content as an indicator of developmental competence in human embryos. Human embryos generated by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) were classified morphologically as of either TOP, FAIR or POOR quality. Culture medium and developmentally arrested embryos (which were not able to be used for embryo transfer) were collected. Microvesicles, exosomes (MV/Exo) and apoptotic bodies (ABs) were isolated from culture medium. Nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) analysis were performed to evaluate EVs and their gDNA content. From NTA, the diameter (mean) of MVs/Exo from TOP quality embryos was higher (112.17 nm) compared with that of FAIR (108.02) and POOR quality embryos (102.78 nm) (P < 0.05). aCGH analysis indicated that MVs/Exo and ABs carried gDNA with the presence of 23 chromosome pairs. However, when arrested embryos were compared with their respective MVs/Exo and ABs, the latter had an increased rate of chromosomal abnormalities (24.9%) compared with embryos (8.7%) (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the size of EVs from culture medium might be an alternative for evaluating competence of human embryos, however more studies are needed to validate the use of gDNA from EVs as an indicator of embryo competence.
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Lee SH, Saadeldin IM. Exosomes as a Potential Tool for Supporting Canine Oocyte Development. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E1971. [PMID: 33121043 PMCID: PMC7693116 DOI: 10.3390/ani10111971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The canine oviduct is a unique reproductive organ where the ovulated immature oocytes complete their maturation, while the other mammals ovulate matured gametes. Due to their peculiar reproductive characteristics, the in vitro maturation of dog oocytes is still not wellestablished compared with other mammals. Investigations of the microenvironment conditions in the oviductal canal are required to establish a reliable in vitro maturation system in the dog. Previous studies have suggested that the oviduct and its derivatives play a key role in improving fertilization as well as embryo development. In particular, the biological function of oviduct-derived exosomes on sperm and early embryo development has been investigated in porcine, bovine, and murine species. However, the information about their functions on canine cumulus-oocyte complexes is still elusive. Recent canine reproductive studies demonstrated how oviduct-derived extracellular vesicles such as microvesicles and exosomes interact with oocyte-cumulus complexes and how they can play roles in regulating canine cumulus/oocyte communications. In this review, we summarize the physiological characteristics of canine oviduct-derived exosomes and their potential effects on cumulus cells development as well as oocyte in vitro maturation via molecular signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seok Hee Lee
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Islam M. Saadeldin
- Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 44511, Saudi Arabia;
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
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Tetraspanins, More than Markers of Extracellular Vesicles in Reproduction. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21207568. [PMID: 33066349 PMCID: PMC7589920 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The participation of extracellular vesicles in many cellular processes, including reproduction, is unquestionable. Although currently, the tetraspanin proteins found in extracellular vesicles are mostly applied as markers, increasing evidence points to their role in extracellular vesicle biogenesis, cargo selection, cell targeting, and cell uptake under both physiological and pathological conditions. In this review, we bring other insight into the involvement of tetraspanin proteins in extracellular vesicle physiology in mammalian reproduction. We provide knowledge regarding the involvement of extracellular vesicle tetraspanins in these processes in somatic cells. Furthermore, we discuss the future direction towards an understanding of their functions in the tissues and fluids of the mammalian reproductive system in gamete maturation, fertilization, and embryo development; their involvement in mutual cell contact and communication in their complexity.
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Emerging Role of Extracellular Vesicles in Embryo-Maternal Communication throughout Implantation Processes. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21155523. [PMID: 32752293 PMCID: PMC7432060 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In ruminants, the establishment of proper conceptus–endometrial communication is essential for conceptus implantation and subsequent successful placentation. Accumulated evidence supports the idea that extracellular vesicles (EVs) present in uterine lumen are involved in conceptus–endometrial interactions during the preimplantation period. EVs make up a new field of intercellular communicators, which transport a variety of bioactive molecules, including soluble and membrane-bound proteins, lipids, DNA, and RNAs. EVs thus regulate gene expression and elicit biological effects including increased cell proliferation, migration, and adhesion in recipient cells. Uterine EVs are interactive and coordinate with ovarian progesterone (P4), trophectoderm-derived interferon tau (IFNT) and/or prostaglandins (PGs) in the physiological or pathological microenvironment. In this review, we will focus on intrauterine EVs in embryo–maternal interactions during the early stage of pregnancy, especially the implantation period in ruminant ungulates.
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Jankovičová J, Neuerová Z, Sečová P, Bartóková M, Bubeníčková F, Komrsková K, Postlerová P, Antalíková J. Tetraspanins in mammalian reproduction: spermatozoa, oocytes and embryos. Med Microbiol Immunol 2020; 209:407-425. [PMID: 32424440 DOI: 10.1007/s00430-020-00676-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
It is known that tetraspanin proteins are involved in many physiological somatic cell mechanisms. Additionally, research has indicated they also have a role in various infectious diseases and cancers. This review focuses on the molecular interactions underlying the tetraspanin web formation in gametes. Primarily, tetraspanins act in the reproductive tract as organizers of membrane complexes, which include the proteins involved in the contact and association of sperm and oocyte membranes. In addition, recent data shows that tetraspanins are likely to be involved in these processes in a complex way. In mammalian fertilization, an important role is attributed to CD molecules belonging to the tetraspanin superfamily, particularly CD9, CD81, CD151, and also CD63; mostly as part of extracellular vesicles, the significance of which and their potential in reproduction is being intensively investigated. In this article, we reviewed the existing knowledge regarding the expression of tetraspanins CD9, CD81, CD151, and CD63 in mammalian spermatozoa, oocytes, and embryos and their involvement in reproductive processes, including pathological events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Jankovičová
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Center of Biosciences, Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Zdeňka Neuerová
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Králové, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Sečová
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Center of Biosciences, Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Michaela Bartóková
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Center of Biosciences, Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Filipa Bubeníčková
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Komrsková
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavla Postlerová
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Antalíková
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Center of Biosciences, Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic.
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Almiñana C, Bauersachs S. Extracellular vesicles: Multi-signal messengers in the gametes/embryo-oviduct cross-talk. Theriogenology 2020; 150:59-69. [PMID: 32088033 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.01.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as novel cell-to-cell communication mediators in physiological and pathological scenarios. Their ability to transfer their molecular cargo (RNAs, proteins and lipids) from one cell to another, in the vicinity or far from the cell of origin, together with their capacity of exerting a functional impact on the target cell make them valuable diagnostic tools as well as therapeutic vectors in a variety of diseases. In the reproductive field, there is a growing interest in the role of EVs in gamete/embryo-maternal communication and their potential implications in the reproductive success. In this review, we provide current knowledge of EVs secreted by the oviduct (oEVs) and embryos (eEVs), since both have been proposed as key players in the crucial two-way dialogue between the oviduct (lining epithelium and secretions) and the embryo that ensures successful pregnancy. Both oEVs and eEVs molecular cargos and their potential role as multi-signal messengers in the gametes/embryo-oviduct cross-talk and in the embryo-to-embryo communication in different species are also addressed. Eventually, a comparative analysis between oEVs and eEVs has been performed to shed some light on common and specific cargos responsible for their functions supporting the early reproductive events and as prime candidate molecules for improving fertility and assisted reproductive technologies outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Almiñana
- University of Zurich, Genetics and Functional Genomics Group, Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, VetSuisse Faculty, Zurich, Switzerland; UMR85 PRC, INRA, CNRS 7247, Université de Tours, IFCE, 37380, Nouzilly, France.
| | - Stefan Bauersachs
- University of Zurich, Genetics and Functional Genomics Group, Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, VetSuisse Faculty, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Kölle S, Hughes B, Steele H. Early embryo-maternal communication in the oviduct: A review. Mol Reprod Dev 2020; 87:650-662. [PMID: 32506761 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
An intact embryo-maternal communication is critical for the establishment of a successful pregnancy. To date, a huge number of studies have been performed describing the complex process of embryo-maternal signaling within the uterus. However, recent studies indicate that the early embryo communicates with the oviductal cells shortly after fertilizationand that this is important for the successful establishment of pregnancy. Only if the early embryo is capable to signal the mother within a precise timeframe and to garner a response, will the embryo be able to survive and reach the uterus. This review will give an overview of all the experimental designs which have investigated embryo-maternal interaction in the oviduct. In addition to that, it will provide a comprehensive analysis of the findings to date elucidating the morphological and molecular changes in the oviduct which are induced by the presence of the early embryo highlighting how the tubal responses affect embryo development and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Kölle
- Health Sciences Centre, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Barbara Hughes
- Health Sciences Centre, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Heather Steele
- Health Sciences Centre, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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