1
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Fan Y, Pavani KC, Bogado Pascottini O, Smits K, Van Soom A, Peelman L. Selection and application of small non-coding RNAs for normalizing RT-qPCR data of bovine preimplantation embryo conditioned medium. Theriogenology 2024; 226:87-94. [PMID: 38870583 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.06.004] [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: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) present in the conditioned medium (CM) of bovine preimplantation embryos are potential noninvasive biomarkers for assessing embryo quality. Accurate quantification of sncRNA levels in the spent CM is of utmost importance in this regard. RT-qPCR is considered as the gold standard for quantifying RNA. In order to standardize RT-qPCR data in the sample type under investigation, the use of suitable stable sncRNAs is essential. Here, we selected 10 sncRNAs from small RNA sequencing of CM samples derived from both bovine blastocysts and degenerate embryos, and evaluated their expression stability together with that of cel-miR-39 as a spike and the often-used U6 small nuclear RNA at different embryo developmental stages. In CM of 2-cell embryos, rsRNA-1044 showed the most stable expression, while tDR-1:32-Gly-CCC-1 was the most stable expressed sncRNA in CM of the stages beyond the 2-cell stage. Next, tDR-1:32-Gly-CCC-1 was used for normalizing the RT-qPCR data from the CM of blastocysts and degenerate embryos. Bta-miR-155 and tDR-39:75-Arg-CCG-2 were found to be significantly up-regulated in the CM of blastocysts compared to that of the degenerated embryos (P = 0.028 and P = 0.017, respectively), suggesting their expression levels are related to embryo development stage. In conclusion, tDR-1:32-Gly-CCC-1 can serve as a suitable reference sncRNA for normalization of RT-qPCR data of the CM from bovine blastocysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Fan
- Department of Veterinary and Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Krishna Chaitanya Pavani
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium; Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Osvaldo Bogado Pascottini
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Katrien Smits
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Luc Peelman
- Department of Veterinary and Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium.
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2
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Karcz A, Van Soom A, Smits K, Van Vlierberghe S, Verplancke R, Pascottini OB, Van den Abbeel E, Vanfleteren J. Development of a Microfluidic Chip Powered by EWOD for In Vitro Manipulation of Bovine Embryos. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:bios13040419. [PMID: 37185494 PMCID: PMC10136516 DOI: 10.3390/bios13040419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Digital microfluidics (DMF) holds great potential for the alleviation of laboratory procedures in assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). The electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) technology provides dynamic culture conditions in vitro that may better mimic the natural embryo microenvironment. Thus far, EWOD microdevices have been proposed for in vitro gamete and embryo handling in mice and for analyzing the human embryo secretome. This article presents the development of the first microfluidic chip utilizing EWOD technology designed for the manipulation of bovine embryos in vitro. The prototype sustains the cell cycles of embryos manipulated individually on the chips during in vitro culture (IVC). Challenges related to the chip fabrication as well as to its application during bovine embryo IVC in accordance with the adapted on-chip protocol are thoroughly discussed, and future directions for DMF in ARTs are indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Karcz
- Centre for Microsystems Technology (CMST), Imec and Ghent University, Technologiepark Zwijnaarde 126, 9052 Zwijnaarde, Belgium
- Reproductive Biology Unit (RBU), Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133 D4, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Reproductive Biology Unit (RBU), Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133 D4, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Katrien Smits
- Reproductive Biology Unit (RBU), Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133 D4, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Sandra Van Vlierberghe
- Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Campus Sterre, Building S4, Krijgslaan 281, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Rik Verplancke
- Centre for Microsystems Technology (CMST), Imec and Ghent University, Technologiepark Zwijnaarde 126, 9052 Zwijnaarde, Belgium
| | - Osvaldo Bogado Pascottini
- Reproductive Biology Unit (RBU), Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133 D4, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Etienne Van den Abbeel
- Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jan Vanfleteren
- Centre for Microsystems Technology (CMST), Imec and Ghent University, Technologiepark Zwijnaarde 126, 9052 Zwijnaarde, Belgium
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3
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De Coster T, Masset H, Tšuiko O, Catteeuw M, Zhao Y, Dierckxsens N, Aparicio AL, Dimitriadou E, Debrock S, Peeraer K, de Ruijter-Villani M, Smits K, Van Soom A, Vermeesch JR. Parental genomes segregate into distinct blastomeres during multipolar zygotic divisions leading to mixoploid and chimeric blastocysts. Genome Biol 2022; 23:201. [PMID: 36184650 PMCID: PMC9528162 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-022-02763-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background During normal zygotic division, two haploid parental genomes replicate, unite and segregate into two biparental diploid blastomeres. Results Contrary to this fundamental biological tenet, we demonstrate here that parental genomes can segregate to distinct blastomeres during the zygotic division resulting in haploid or uniparental diploid and polyploid cells, a phenomenon coined heterogoneic division. By mapping the genomic landscape of 82 blastomeres from 25 bovine zygotes, we show that multipolar zygotic division is a tell-tale of whole-genome segregation errors. Based on the haplotypes and live-imaging of zygotic divisions, we demonstrate that various combinations of androgenetic, gynogenetic, diploid, and polyploid blastomeres arise via distinct parental genome segregation errors including the formation of additional paternal, private parental, or tripolar spindles, or by extrusion of paternal genomes. Hence, we provide evidence that private parental spindles, if failing to congress before anaphase, can lead to whole-genome segregation errors. In addition, anuclear blastomeres are common, indicating that cytokinesis can be uncoupled from karyokinesis. Dissociation of blastocyst-stage embryos further demonstrates that whole-genome segregation errors might lead to mixoploid or chimeric development in both human and cow. Yet, following multipolar zygotic division, fewer embryos reach the blastocyst stage and diploidization occurs frequently indicating that alternatively, blastomeres with genome-wide errors resulting from whole-genome segregation errors can be selected against or contribute to embryonic arrest. Conclusions Heterogoneic zygotic division provides an overarching paradigm for the development of mixoploid and chimeric individuals and moles and can be an important cause of embryonic and fetal arrest following natural conception or IVF. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13059-022-02763-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tine De Coster
- Laboratory for Cytogenetics and Genome Research, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.,Reproductive Biology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Ghent University, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Heleen Masset
- Laboratory for Cytogenetics and Genome Research, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Olga Tšuiko
- Laboratory for Cytogenetics and Genome Research, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Maaike Catteeuw
- Reproductive Biology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Ghent University, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Yan Zhao
- Laboratory for Cytogenetics and Genome Research, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Dierckxsens
- Laboratory for Cytogenetics and Genome Research, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ainhoa Larreategui Aparicio
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Hubrecht Institute, 3584CT, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Eftychia Dimitriadou
- Laboratory for Cytogenetics and Genome Research, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sophie Debrock
- Leuven University Fertility Center, University Hospitals of Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karen Peeraer
- Leuven University Fertility Center, University Hospitals of Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marta de Ruijter-Villani
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Hubrecht Institute, 3584CT, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Division of Woman and Baby, Department Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, 3508, GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Katrien Smits
- Reproductive Biology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Ghent University, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Reproductive Biology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Ghent University, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Joris Robert Vermeesch
- Laboratory for Cytogenetics and Genome Research, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
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4
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Lechniak D, Sell-Kubiak E, Warzych E. The metabolic profile of bovine blastocysts is affected by in vitro culture system and the pattern of first zygotic cleavage. Theriogenology 2022; 188:43-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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5
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Hatching is modulated by microRNA-378a-3p derived from extracellular vesicles secreted by blastocysts. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2122708119. [PMID: 35298333 PMCID: PMC8944274 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2122708119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hatching from the zona pellucida is a prerequisite for embryo implantation and is less likely to occur in vitro for reasons unknown. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are secreted by the embryo into the culture medium. Yet the role that embryonic EVs and their cargo microRNAs (miRNAs) play in blastocyst hatching has not been elucidated, partially due to the difficulties of isolating them from low amounts of culture medium. Here, we optimized EV-miRNA isolation from medium conditioned by individually cultured bovine embryos and subsequently showed that miR-378a-3p, which was up-regulated in EVs secreted by blastocysts, plays a crucial role in promoting blastocyst hatching. This demonstrates the regulatory effect of miR-378-3p on hatching, which is an established embryo quality parameter linked with implantation. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) and their cargo microRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of embryo development to the blastocyst stage and beyond. Before implantation can take place, hatching of blastocysts from their zona pellucida is required. However, underlying mechanisms by which blastocyst formation and hatching are initiated remain largely unknown. Here, we provide evidence that embryonic EVs containing bta-miR-378a-3p play a crucial role in blastocyst hatching, using a bovine model. A customized procedure was used to isolate EV-miRNAs from culture droplets conditioned by individual bovine embryos that either developed to the blastocyst stage or did not (nonblastocyst). RNA sequencing identified 69 differentially expressed miRNAs between EVs derived from blastocyst conditioned medium (CM) and nonblastocyst CM. Among the miRNAs up-regulated in blastocyst CM, we selected bta-miR-378a-3p for further validation by functionality testing on developing in vitro embryos by means of mimics and inhibitors. Supplementing the embryo culture medium with miR-378a-3p mimic significantly improved blastocyst quality, with higher cell numbers and reduced apoptosis, and improved hatching, while the opposite was found after supplementation with miR-378a-3p inhibitor (P < 0.01). Transcriptomic analysis of embryos treated with miR-378 mimic/inhibitor showed differential expression (P < 0.01) of genes associated with embryo development and implantation, including RAP1GAP, ARFGEF2, SLC7A6, CENPA, SP1, LDLR, PYCR1, MYD88, TPP1, and NCOA3. In conclusion, miR-378a-3p is up-regulated in EVs secreted by embryos that develop to the blastocyst stage, and this EV-derived miR-378a-3p increases blastocyst quality and regulates embryo hatching, which is essential for embryo implantation.
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6
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A comparison of in vitro culture systems for cat embryos. Theriogenology 2021; 179:149-154. [PMID: 34875537 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare several culture systems for cat embryos. Domestic cat oocytes were matured in vitro (IVM), fertilized (IVF), and cultured individually or in groups in drops under oil (20 μL or 50 μL) and in 16 microwell dishes (Primo Vision®). Moreover, the effects of co-culture with a) uncleaved oocytes, b) homospecific and c) heterospecific co-culture with cat and sheep companion embryos were investigated using a time-lapse system. A higher proportion of blastocysts and hatching blastocysts was observed after culture in Primo Vision® dishes compared with the classical individual (p < 0.001) and group (p < 0.05) culture systems. Culture of presumptive zygotes 16 hpi and the presence of uncleaved oocytes did not reduce blastocyst development compared with culture of embryos 24 hpi without uncleaved oocytes. Co-culture with later-stage companion cator sheep embryos accelerated development of catembryos. The highest percentage of blastocysts was obtained in the group co-cultured with sheep embryos (54%). Moreover, the blastocyst cavity formed on average 10 h faster in this group than for the control group and for embryos co-cultured with cat embryos. The proportion of hatching blastocysts was similar in the co-cultures with cat and with sheep embryos (20% vs. 22%) and significantly (p < 0.05) than in the control group (12%).
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7
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Vajta G, Parmegiani L, Machaty Z, Chen WB, Yakovenko S. Back to the future: optimised microwell culture of individual human preimplantation stage embryos. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:2563-2574. [PMID: 33864207 PMCID: PMC8581087 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02167-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Although in vitro culture of human embryos is a crucial step in assisted reproduction, the lack of focused research hampers worldwide standardisation and consistent outcomes. Only 1.2% of research papers published in five leading journals in human reproduction in 2019 focused on in vitro culture conditions, creating the impression that the optimisation process has approached its limits. On the other hand, in vitro culture of mammalian embryos is based on old principles, while there is no consensus on basic issues as density, time, medium change, gas atmosphere and small technical details including the way of drop preparation. This opinion paper aims to highlight and analyse the slow advancement in this field and stimulate research for simple and affordable solutions to meet the current requirements. A possible way for advancement is discussed in detail. Selection of embryos with the highest developmental competence requires individual culture and modification of the widely used "drop under oil" approach. Current use of three-dimensional surfaces instead of large flat bottoms is restricted to time-lapse systems, but these wells are designed for optical clarity, not for the needs of embryos. The size and shape of the original microwells (Well of the Well; WOW) offer a practical and straightforward solution to combine the benefits of communal and individual incubation and improve the overall quality of cultured embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gábor Vajta
- RVT Australia, Cairns, QLD 4870 Australia
- VitaVitro Biotech Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China
| | | | - Zoltan Machaty
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN USA
| | | | - Sergey Yakovenko
- Altravita IVF Clinic, Moscow, Russia
- Biophysics Department, Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
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8
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Glatthorn HN, Hanson BM, Kim JG, Herlihy NS, Klimczak AM, Hong KH, Seli E, Scott RT. Individual culture leads to decreased blastocyst formation but does not affect pregnancy outcomes in the setting of a single, vitrified-warmed euploid blastocyst transfer. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:2157-2164. [PMID: 34086147 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02252-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate embryology and pregnancy outcomes following individual and group embryo culture in the setting of contemporary laboratory practices and freeze-all cycles. METHODS Patients underwent ovarian stimulation followed by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Embryos proceeded through individual culture and then underwent preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) via trophectoderm biopsy. In a subsequent cycle, participants underwent single embryo transfer of a vitrified-warmed, euploid embryo. Outcomes were compared to controls undergoing group culture during the same time frame. The Mann-Whitney U test and logistic regression models were utilized. RESULTS Outcomes were assessed for 144 patients whose embryos underwent individual culture and 449 controls whose embryos underwent group culture. There were no significant differences in fertilization rates between groups (81.7% for individual culture vs. 84.1% for group culture, p = 0.22). However, individual culture was associated with a decreased rate of blastocyst formation compared to group culture (43.5% vs. 48.5%, p < 0.01). Following single, vitrified-warmed euploid blastocyst transfer, there were no significant differences between individual culture and group culture, respectively, in rates of positive βhCG (81.9% vs. 81.5%, p = 0.91), sustained implantation (63.9% vs. 65.0%, p = 0.80), biochemical miscarriage (16.7% vs. 12.3%, p = 0.18), or clinical miscarriage (1.4% vs. 4.2%, p = 0.13). CONCLUSION While individual culture appears to negatively impact the rate of usable blastocyst formation compared to group culture, there were no significant differences in pregnancy outcomes following transfer of a single, vitrified-warmed euploid blastocyst.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haley N Glatthorn
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 125 Paterson Street, Suite 2100, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA.
| | - Brent M Hanson
- IVI-Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey, Basking Ridge, NJ, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Julia G Kim
- IVI-Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey, Basking Ridge, NJ, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nola S Herlihy
- IVI-Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey, Basking Ridge, NJ, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Amber M Klimczak
- IVI-Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey, Basking Ridge, NJ, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kathleen H Hong
- IVI-Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey, Basking Ridge, NJ, USA
| | - Emre Seli
- IVI-Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey, Basking Ridge, NJ, USA
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Richard T Scott
- IVI-Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey, Basking Ridge, NJ, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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9
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Vajta G, Parmegiani L, Machaty Z, Chen WB, Yakovenko S. Back to the future: optimised microwell culture of individual human preimplantation stage embryos. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021. [PMID: 33864207 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02167-4.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Although in vitro culture of human embryos is a crucial step in assisted reproduction, the lack of focused research hampers worldwide standardisation and consistent outcomes. Only 1.2% of research papers published in five leading journals in human reproduction in 2019 focused on in vitro culture conditions, creating the impression that the optimisation process has approached its limits. On the other hand, in vitro culture of mammalian embryos is based on old principles, while there is no consensus on basic issues as density, time, medium change, gas atmosphere and small technical details including the way of drop preparation. This opinion paper aims to highlight and analyse the slow advancement in this field and stimulate research for simple and affordable solutions to meet the current requirements. A possible way for advancement is discussed in detail. Selection of embryos with the highest developmental competence requires individual culture and modification of the widely used "drop under oil" approach. Current use of three-dimensional surfaces instead of large flat bottoms is restricted to time-lapse systems, but these wells are designed for optical clarity, not for the needs of embryos. The size and shape of the original microwells (Well of the Well; WOW) offer a practical and straightforward solution to combine the benefits of communal and individual incubation and improve the overall quality of cultured embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gábor Vajta
- RVT Australia, Cairns, QLD, 4870, Australia. .,VitaVitro Biotech Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China.
| | | | - Zoltan Machaty
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | | | - Sergey Yakovenko
- Altravita IVF Clinic, Moscow, Russia.,Biophysics Department, Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
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10
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Azari-Dolatabad N, Raes A, Pavani KC, Asaadi A, Angel-Velez D, Van Damme P, Leroy JLMR, Van Soom A, Pascottini OB. Follicular fluid during individual oocyte maturation enhances cumulus expansion and improves embryo development and quality in a dose-specific manner. Theriogenology 2021; 166:38-45. [PMID: 33684781 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
We evaluated the effect of supplementation of different concentrations of bovine follicular fluid (FF) during in vitro maturation (IVM) on oocyte development and blastocyst quality in group and individual culture conditions. To do so, in vitro maturation medium (TCM-199 with 20 ng/mL epidermal growth factor and 50 μg/mL gentamycin) was supplemented with 0 (control), 1, 5, or 10% of FF. Follicular fluid was collected from slaughterhouse-derived ovaries, selecting follicles between 12 and 20 mm in diameter. Oocytes were either produced in groups or individually matured, fertilized, and cultured to the blastocyst stage, allowing for separate follow-up of each oocyte. Development (cleavage and blastocyst rates) among experimental groups were fitted in mixed-effects models, and blastocyst quality parameters (assessed via differential apoptotic staining) were evaluated in mixed linear regression models. We also assessed the cumulus expansion (prior and after maturation) for individual culture conditions, and their difference was fitted in mixed linear regression models. The FF was collected from two batches, with an estradiol/progesterone ratio higher than 1. The FF batch did not affect the development or blastocyst quality in group or individual culture conditions (P > 0.05). In group culture, development was similar among experimental groups (P > 0.05). Five or 10% of FF supplementation improved (P ˂ 0.05) aspects of blastocyst quality such as total cell numbers (TCN), trophectoderm (TE), inner cell mass (ICM), and ICM/TCN and apoptotic cells/TCN ratio in comparison to control. In the individual culture system, 5% FF supplementation increased (P ˂ 0.05) day 8 blastocyst rate (33 ± 3.4% (LSM ± SE)) in comparison to control (20 ± 2.7%) and 1% FF supplementation (19 ± 2.6%) but it was not different (P > 0.05) from 10% FF supplementation (28 ± 3.4%). Five percent of FF supplementation resulted in greater TCN, ICM, and ICM/TCN than control (P ˂ 0.05). It also resulted in a greater expansion of cumulus cell investment than the other groups (P ˂ 0.05), with a 3-fold increase compared to control. In conclusion, 5% of FF supplementation during IVM improved the cumulus expansion and the blastocyst development and quality in an individual culture system. However, FF supplementation during maturation in a group culture system did not increase development, but it modestly improved some embryo quality aspects when 5 or 10% of FF was added.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nima Azari-Dolatabad
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Annelies Raes
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Krishna Chaitanya Pavani
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Anise Asaadi
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium; Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Daniel Angel-Velez
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium; Research Group in Animal Sciences - INCA-CES, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Universidad CES, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Petra Van Damme
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Jo L M R Leroy
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Gamete Research Center, Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Osvaldo Bogado Pascottini
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium; Department of Veterinary Sciences, Gamete Research Center, Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.
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11
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Ferré LB, Kjelland ME, Taiyeb AM, Campos-Chillon F, Ross PJ. Recent progress in bovine in vitro-derived embryo cryotolerance: Impact of in vitro culture systems, advances in cryopreservation and future considerations. Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 55:659-676. [PMID: 32144939 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Cryopreservation of in vitro-derived bovine embryos is a crucial step for the widespread reproduction and conservation of valuable high-merit animals. Given the current popularity of bovine in vitro embryo production (IVP), there is a demand for a highly efficient ultra-low temperature storage method in order to maximize donor ovum pickup (OPU) turn-over, recipient availability/utilization and domestic/overseas commercial trading opportunities. However, IVP bovine embryos are still very sensitive to chilling and cryopreservation, and despite recent progress, a convenient (simple and robust) protocol has not yet been developed. At the moment, there are two methods for bovine IVP embryo cryopreservation: slow programmable freezing and vitrification. Both of the aforementioned techniques have pros and cons. While controlled-rate slow cooling can easily be adapted for direct transfer (DT), ice crystal formation remains an issue. On the other hand, vitrification solved this problem but the possibility of successful DT commercial incorporation remains to be determined. Moreover, simplification of the vitrification protocol (including warming) through the use of an in-straw dilution without the use of a microscope is a prerequisite for its use under farm conditions. This review summarizes the bovine IVP embryo cryopreservation achievements, strengths and limitations of both freezing systems and prospective improvements to enhance cryosurvival, as well as perspectives on future directions of this assisted reproductive technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis B Ferré
- National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Michael E Kjelland
- Conservation, Genetics & Biotech, LLC, Valley City, ND, USA.,Mayville State University, Mayville, ND, USA
| | - Ahmed M Taiyeb
- Conservation, Genetics & Biotech, LLC, Valley City, ND, USA.,Barz IVF Center for Embryo Research and Infertility Treatment, Kurdistan, Iraq
| | - Fernando Campos-Chillon
- Animal Science Department, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA, USA
| | - Pablo J Ross
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
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12
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Dissanayake K, Nõmm M, Lättekivi F, Ressaissi Y, Godakumara K, Lavrits A, Midekessa G, Viil J, Bæk R, Jørgensen MM, Bhattacharjee S, Andronowska A, Salumets A, Jaakma Ü, Fazeli A. Individually cultured bovine embryos produce extracellular vesicles that have the potential to be used as non-invasive embryo quality markers. Theriogenology 2020; 149:104-116. [PMID: 32259747 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-bound biological nanoparticles (NPs) and have gained wide attention as potential biomarkers. We aimed to isolate and characterize EVs from media conditioned by individually cultured preimplantation bovine embryos and to assess their relationship with embryo quality. Presumptive zygotes were cultured individually in 60 μl droplets of culture media, and 50 μl of media were collected from the droplets either on day 2, 5 or 8 post-fertilization. After sampling, the embryo cultures were continued in the remaining media until day 8, and the embryo development was evaluated at day 2 (cleavage), day 5 (morula stage) and day 8 (blastocyst stage). EVs were isolated using qEVsingle® columns and characterized. Based on EV Array, EVs isolated from embryo conditioned media were strongly positive for EV-markers CD9 and CD81 and weakly positive for CD63 and Alix among others. They had a cup-like shape typical to EVs as analyzed by transmission electron microscopy and spherical shape in scanning electron microscopy, and hence regarded as EVs. However, the NPs isolated from control media were negative for EV markers. Based on nanoparticle tracking analysis, at day 2, the mean concentration of EVs isolated from media conditioned by embryos that degenerated after cleaving (8.25 × 108/ml) was higher compared to that of embryos that prospectively developed to blastocysts (5.86 × 108/ml, p < 0.05). Moreover, at day 8, the concentration of EVs isolated from media conditioned by degenerating embryos (7.17 × 108/ml) was higher compared to that of blastocysts (5.68 × 108/ml, p < 0.05). Furthermore, at day 8, the mean diameter of EVs isolated from media conditioned by degenerating embryos (153.7 nm) was smaller than EVs from media conditioned by blastocysts (163.5 nm, p < 0.05). In conclusion, individually cultured preimplantation bovine embryos secrete EVs in the culture media and their concentration and size are influenced by embryo quality and may indicate their prospective development potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keerthie Dissanayake
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia; Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Monika Nõmm
- Chair of Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Freddy Lättekivi
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Yosra Ressaissi
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Italy
| | - Kasun Godakumara
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Arina Lavrits
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Getnet Midekessa
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Janeli Viil
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Rikke Bæk
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Aalborg University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Malene Møller Jørgensen
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Aalborg University Hospital, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Denmark
| | - Sourav Bhattacharjee
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin (UCD), Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Aneta Andronowska
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland
| | - Andres Salumets
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia; Institute of Genomics, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Ülle Jaakma
- Chair of Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Alireza Fazeli
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia; Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, United Kingdom.
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13
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Nõmm M, Porosk R, Pärn P, Kilk K, Soomets U, Kõks S, Jaakma Ü. In vitro culture and non-invasive metabolic profiling of single bovine embryos. Reprod Fertil Dev 2019; 31:306-314. [PMID: 30092912 DOI: 10.1071/rd17446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Selecting high-quality embryos for transfer has been a difficult task when producing bovine embryos invitro. The most used non-invasive method is based on visual observation. Molecular characterisation of embryo growth media has been proposed as a complementary method. In this study we demonstrate a culture medium sampling method for identifying potential embryonic viability markers to predict normal or abnormal embryonic development. During single embryo culture, 20µL culture media was removed at Days 2, 5 and 8 after fertilisation from the same droplet (60µL). In all, 58 samples were analysed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. We demonstrate that it is possible to remove samples from the same culture medium droplets and not significantly affect blastocyst rate (25.2%). Changes in any single low molecular weight compound were not predictive enough. Combining multiple low molecular weight signals made it possible to predict Day 2 and 5 embryo development to the blastocyst stage with an accuracy of 64%. Elevated concentrations of lysophosphatidylethanolamines (m/z=453, 566, 588) in the culture media of Day 8 well-developing embryos were observed. Choline (104m/z) and citrate (215m/z) concentrations were increased in embryos in which development was retarded. Metabolic profiling provides possibilities to identify well-developing embryos before transfer, thus improving pregnancy rates and the number of calves born.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Nõmm
- Chair of Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Fr. R. Kreutzwaldi 1, Tartu 51006, Estonia
| | - Rando Porosk
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ülikooli 18, Tartu 50090, Estonia
| | - Pille Pärn
- Chair of Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Fr. R. Kreutzwaldi 1, Tartu 51006, Estonia
| | - Kalle Kilk
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ülikooli 18, Tartu 50090, Estonia
| | - Ursel Soomets
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ülikooli 18, Tartu 50090, Estonia
| | - Sulev Kõks
- Chair of Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Fr. R. Kreutzwaldi 1, Tartu 51006, Estonia
| | - Ülle Jaakma
- Chair of Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Fr. R. Kreutzwaldi 1, Tartu 51006, Estonia
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14
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Lin X, Beckers E, Mc Cafferty S, Gansemans Y, Joanna Szymańska K, Chaitanya Pavani K, Catani JP, Van Nieuwerburgh F, Deforce D, De Sutter P, Van Soom A, Peelman L. Bovine Embryo-Secreted microRNA-30c Is a Potential Non-invasive Biomarker for Hampered Preimplantation Developmental Competence. Front Genet 2019; 10:315. [PMID: 31024625 PMCID: PMC6459987 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, secreted microRNAs (miRNAs) have received a lot of attention since they may act as autocrine factors. However, how secreted miRNAs influence embryonic development is still poorly understood. We identified 294 miRNAs, 114 known, and 180 novel, in the conditioned medium of individually cultured bovine embryos. Of these miRNAs, miR-30c and miR-10b were much more abundant in conditioned medium of slow cleaving embryos compared to intermediate cleaving ones. MiR-10b, miR-novel-44, and miR-novel-45 were higher expressed in the conditioned medium of degenerate embryos compared to blastocysts, while the reverse was observed for miR-novel-113 and miR-novel-139. Supplementation of miR-30c mimics into the culture medium confirmed the uptake of miR-30c mimics by embryos and resulted in increased cell apoptosis, as also shown after delivery of miR-30c mimics in Madin-Darby bovine kidney cells (MDBKs). We also demonstrated that miR-30c directly targets Cyclin-dependent kinase 12 (CDK12) through its 3′ untranslated region (3′-UTR) and inhibits its expression. Overexpression and downregulation of CDK12 revealed the opposite results of the delivery of miRNA-30c mimics and inhibitor. The significant down-regulation of several tested DNA damage response (DDR) genes, after increasing miR-30c or reducing CDK12 expression, suggests a possible role for miR-30c in regulating embryo development through DDR pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyuan Lin
- Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Evy Beckers
- Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Séan Mc Cafferty
- Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Yannick Gansemans
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | | | - João Portela Catani
- Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Filip Van Nieuwerburgh
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dieter Deforce
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Petra De Sutter
- Department of Uro-Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Luc Peelman
- Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
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15
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Pavani KC, Hendrix A, Van Den Broeck W, Couck L, Szymanska K, Lin X, De Koster J, Van Soom A, Leemans B. Isolation and Characterization of Functionally Active Extracellular Vesicles from Culture Medium Conditioned by Bovine Embryos In Vitro. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 20:ijms20010038. [PMID: 30577682 PMCID: PMC6337605 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20010038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a possible role in cell–cell communication and are found in various body fluids and cell conditioned culture media. The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize EVs in culture medium conditioned by bovine embryos in group and to verify if these EVs are functionally active. Initially, ultracentrifuged bovine serum albumin (BSA) containing medium was selected as suitable EV-free embryo culture medium. Next, EVs were isolated from embryo conditioned culture medium by OptiPrepTM density gradient ultracentrifugation. Isolated EVs were characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis, western blotting, transmission, and immunoelectron microscopy. Bovine embryo-derived EVs were sizing between 25–230 nm with an average concentration of 236.5 ± 1.27 × 108 particles/mL. Moreover, PKH67 EV pre-labeling showed that embryo-secreted EVs were uptaken by zona-intact bovine embryos. Since BSA did not appear to be a contaminating EV source in culture medium, EV functionality was tested in BSA containing medium. Individual embryo culture in BSA medium enriched with EVs derived from conditioned embryo culture medium showed significantly higher blastocyst rates at day 7 and 8 together with a significantly lower apoptotic cell ratio. In conclusion, our study shows that EVs play an important role in inter embryo communication during bovine embryo culture in group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishna Chaitanya Pavani
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - An Hendrix
- Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research, Department of Radiation Oncology and Experimental Cancer Research, Ghent University, C. Heymanslaan 10, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), C. Heymanslaan 10, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Wim Van Den Broeck
- Department of Morphology-Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Liesbeth Couck
- Department of Morphology-Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Katarzyna Szymanska
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences-Physiology group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Xiaoyuan Lin
- Department of Nutrition, Genetics, and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Jenne De Koster
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Bart Leemans
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
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16
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Lopes JS, Canha-Gouveia A, París-Oller E, Coy P. Supplementation of bovine follicular fluid during in vitro maturation increases oocyte cumulus expansion, blastocyst developmental kinetics, and blastocyst cell number. Theriogenology 2018; 126:222-229. [PMID: 30590243 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Bovine follicular fluid (bFF) is the natural milieu for oocyte growth and development. However, its value as supplementation to in vitro maturation medium is still questioned due to inconsistent results. In this study we hypothesized that adding 10% of follicular fluid as well as heat treating it to inhibit the complement system, would produce higher quality embryos. To do so, experiments were conducted to compare the effect of bFF and heat-treated bFF (bFFin) on oocyte competence assessed by different parameters such as nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation, IVF efficiency, in vitro embryo development and embryo survivability post-vitrification. No differences on nuclear maturation nor cortical granules migration were observed but differences were found on oocyte's cumulus cell expansion, with bFF group having the highest increase (79.0 ± 3.7%). bFFin had a negative impact on IVF efficiency (58.6 ± 3.2%), but no differences were found between bFF (62.9 ± 3.2%) and control (72.8 ± 3.0%). Although the cleavage and blastocyst rate were similar between groups, the day 6 embryo development rate was higher in bFFin group, suggesting an accelerated developmental kinetics. Hatched blastocysts from the bFF group showed a higher cell count than the control group (241.3 ± 20.1 and 185.8 ± 10.0, respectively), and bFFin embryos showed values in between (214.9 ± 14.0). No difference on survivability post-vitrification was found between groups, although the blastocyst stage had a significant impact on the survival rate across all groups. In conclusion, using bFF as supplementation to maturation medium showed a higher benefit when comparing to the standard supplementation by having oocytes with higher cumulus expansion rate, faster development of embryos and higher number of cells per embryo. Inactivation of bFF lowered IVF efficiency but didn't compromise blastocyst development and quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordana Sena Lopes
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Analuce Canha-Gouveia
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Evelynne París-Oller
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Pilar Coy
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum, 30100, Murcia, Spain.
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17
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A microwell culture system that allows group culture and is compatible with human single media. J Assist Reprod Genet 2018; 35:1869-1880. [PMID: 29998386 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-018-1252-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE A microwell culture system that facilitates group culture, such as well-of-the-well (WOW), improves embryonic development in an individual culture. We examined the effect of WOW on embryonic development in vitro with commercially available human single culture media. METHODS Using four different commercial human single culture media, in vitro development and imprinted gene expression of bovine embryos cultured in WOW were compared to droplet culture (one zygote per drop). To determine the effects of microwell and group culture on embryonic development, different numbers of embryos were cultured in droplet or WOW. Diffusion simulation of accumulating metabolites was conducted using the finite volume method. RESULTS WOW had a positive effect on bovine embryonic development, regardless of the type of single culture media. Imprinted gene expression was not different between droplet- and WOW-derived blastocysts. The microwell and group cultures in WOW showed a significant positive effect on the rate of total blastocysts and the rate of development to the expanded and hatching blastocyst stages. The assumed cumulative metabolite concentration of WOW with one embryo was 1.47 times higher than that of droplet culture with one embryo. Furthermore, the concentration of WOW with three embryos was 1.54 times higher than that of WOW with one embryo. CONCLUSIONS In using human single culture media, a microwell culture system that allows group culture could be a powerful clinical tool for improving the success of assisted reproductive technologies.
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18
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Pavani KC, Alminana C, Wydooghe E, Catteeuw M, Ramírez MA, Mermillod P, Rizos D, Van Soom A. Emerging role of extracellular vesicles in communication of preimplantation embryos in vitro. Reprod Fertil Dev 2017; 29:66-83. [PMID: 28278795 DOI: 10.1071/rd16318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro, efficient communication between mammalian embryos in groups or between embryos and cocultured somatic cells implies that there is a sender, a message and a receiver that is able to decode the message. Embryos secrete a variety of autocrine and paracrine factors and, of these, extracellular vesicles have recently been implicated as putative messengers in embryo-embryo communication, as well as in communication of the embryo with the maternal tract. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-bound vesicles that are found in biofluids and in culture media conditioned by the presence of embryos or cells. EVs carry and transfer regulatory molecules, such as microRNAs, mRNAs, lipids and proteins. We conducted a systematic search of the literature to review and present the currently available evidence regarding the possible roles of EVs in in vitro embryo communication and embryo development. It is important to note that there is limited information available on the molecular mechanisms and many of the biologically plausible functions of EVs in embryo communication have not yet been substantiated by conclusive experimental evidence. However, indirect evidence, such as the use of media conditioned by embryos or by somatic cells with improved embryo development as a result, may indicate that EVs can be an important asset for the development of tailor-made media, allowing better embryo development in vitro, even for single embryo culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishna C Pavani
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ghent, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Carmen Alminana
- INRA, Reproductive Physiology and Behavior, UMR085, INRA, CNRS, Université de Tours, IFCE, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Eline Wydooghe
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ghent, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Maaike Catteeuw
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ghent, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Miguel A Ramírez
- Departamento de Reproduccion Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigacion y Tecnologia Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Pascal Mermillod
- INRA, Reproductive Physiology and Behavior, UMR085, INRA, CNRS, Université de Tours, IFCE, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Dimitrios Rizos
- Departamento de Reproduccion Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigacion y Tecnologia Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ghent, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
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19
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Kelley RL, Gardner DK. In vitro culture of individual mouse preimplantation embryos: the role of embryo density, microwells, oxygen, timing and conditioned media. Reprod Biomed Online 2017; 34:441-454. [PMID: 28268069 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2017.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Revised: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Single embryo culture is suboptimal compared with group culture, but necessary for embryo monitoring, and culture systems should be improved for single embryos. Pronucleate mouse embryos were used to assess the effect of culture conditions on single embryo development. Single culture either before or after compaction reduced cell numbers (112.2 ± 3.1; 110.2 ± 3.5) compared with group culture throughout (127.0 ± 3.4; P < 0.05). Reduction of media volume from 20 µl to 2 µl increased blastocyst cell numbers in single embryos cultured in 5% oxygen (84.4 ± 3.2 versus 97.8 ± 2.8; P < 0.05), but not in 20% oxygen (55.2 ± 2.9 versus 57.1 ± 2.8). Culture in microwell plates for the EmbryoScope and Primo Vision time-lapse systems changed cleavage timings and increased inner cell mass cell number (24.1 ± 1.0; 23.4 ± 1.2) compared with a 2 µl microdrop (18.4 ± 1.0; P < 0.05). Addition of embryo-conditioned media to single embryos increased hatching rate and blastocyst cell number (91.5 ± 4.7 versus 113.1 ± 4.4; P < 0.01). Single culture before or after compaction is therefore detrimental; oxygen, media volume and microwells influence single embryo development; and embryo-conditioned media may substitute for group culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Kelley
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - David K Gardner
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
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20
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Wydooghe E, Vandaele L, Heras S, De Sutter P, Deforce D, Peelman L, De Schauwer C, Van Soom A. Autocrine embryotropins revisited: how do embryos communicate with each other in vitro when cultured in groups? Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2015; 92:505-520. [PMID: 26608222 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2015] [Revised: 10/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
In the absence of the maternal genital tract, preimplantation embryos can develop in vitro in culture medium where all communication with the oviduct or uterus is absent. In several mammalian species, it has been observed that embryos cultured in groups thrive better than those cultured singly. Here we argue that group-cultured embryos are able to promote their own development in vitro by the production of autocrine embryotropins that putatively serve as a communication tool. The concept of effective communication implies an origin, a signalling agent, and finally a recipient that is able to decode the message. We illustrate this concept by demonstrating that preimplantation embryos are able to secrete autocrine factors in several ways, including active secretion, passive outflow, or as messengers bound to a molecular vehicle or transported within extracellular vesicles. Likewise, we broaden the traditional view that inter-embryo communication is dictated mainly by growth factors, by discussing a wide range of other biochemical messengers including proteins, lipids, neurotransmitters, saccharides, and microRNAs, all of which can be exchanged among embryos cultured in a group. Finally, we describe how different classes of messenger molecules are decoded by the embryo and influence embryo development by triggering different pathways. When autocrine embryotropins such as insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) or platelet activating factor (PAF) bind to their appropriate receptor, the phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway will be activated which is important for embryo survival. On the other hand, the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is activated when compounds such as hyaluronic acid and serotonin bind to their respective receptors, thereby acting as growth factors. By activating the peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor family (PPAR) pathway, lipophilic autocrine factors such as prostaglandins or fatty acids have both survival and anti-apoptotic functions. In conclusion, considering different types of messenger molecules simultaneously will be crucial to understanding more comprehensively how embryos communicate with each other in group-culture systems. This approach will assist in the development of novel media for single-embryo culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline Wydooghe
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics, and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Leen Vandaele
- Animal Sciences Unit, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), B-9090, Melle, Belgium
| | - Sonia Heras
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics, and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Petra De Sutter
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital, Ghent University, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dieter Deforce
- Laboratory for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ghent University, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Luc Peelman
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Catharina De Schauwer
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics, and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics, and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
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Wale PL, Gardner DK. The effects of chemical and physical factors on mammalian embryo culture and their importance for the practice of assisted human reproduction. Hum Reprod Update 2015. [PMID: 26207016 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmv034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although laboratory procedures, along with culture media formulations, have improved over the past two decades, the issue remains that human IVF is performed in vitro (literally 'in glass'). METHODS Using PubMed, electronic searches were performed using keywords from a list of chemical and physical factors with no limits placed on time. Examples of keywords include oxygen, ammonium, volatile organics, temperature, pH, oil overlays and incubation volume/embryo density. Available clinical and scientific evidence surrounding physical and chemical factors have been assessed and presented here. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Development of the embryo outside the body means that it is constantly exposed to stresses that it would not experience in vivo. Sources of stress on the human embryo include identified factors such as pH and temperature shifts, exposure to atmospheric (20%) oxygen and the build-up of toxins in the media due to the static nature of culture. However, there are other sources of stress not typically considered, such as the act of pipetting itself, or the release of organic compounds from the very tissue culture ware upon which the embryo develops. Further, when more than one stress is present in the laboratory, there is evidence that negative synergies can result, culminating in significant trauma to the developing embryo. It is evident that embryos are sensitive to both chemical and physical signals within their microenvironment, and that these factors play a significant role in influencing development and events post transfer. From the viewpoint of assisted human reproduction, a major concern with chemical and physical factors lies in their adverse effects on the viability of embryos, and their long-term effects on the fetus, even as a result of a relatively brief exposure. This review presents data on the adverse effects of chemical and physical factors on mammalian embryos and the importance of identifying, and thereby minimizing, them in the practice of human IVF. Hence, optimizing the in vitro environment involves far more than improving culture media formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra L Wale
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia Melbourne IVF, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - David K Gardner
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Minasi MG, Fabozzi G, Casciani V, Lobascio AM, Colasante A, Scarselli F, Greco E. Improved blastocyst formation with reduced culture volume: comparison of three different culture conditions on 1128 sibling human zygotes. J Assist Reprod Genet 2014; 32:215-20. [PMID: 25491125 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-014-0399-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2014] [Accepted: 12/03/2014] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of the present randomized, comparative study was to evaluate the effect of reduced culture volumes on sibling human embryo development. METHODS Firstly, sibling injected oocytes obtained from 88 out of 165 consenting couples undergoing infertility treatment were cultured either in large (35 μl) or in small drops (15 μl) of culture medium. Secondly, sibling injected oocytes from 77 couples were cultured either in large (35 μl) or in mini drops (7 μl). Embryo quality on day-2 and day-3 and blastocyst formation rate on day-5 were evaluated. RESULTS No statistically significant difference in terms of embryo quality was detected comparing embryos cultured either in large (35 μl) or small (15 μl) drops until blastocyst stage. Similarly, no difference appeared between large (35 μl) or mini (7 μl) drops until day-3, however a significantly higher blastocyst formation rate was observed in mini (7 μl) drops on day-5. CONCLUSIONS Reduced culture volume seems not to influence early embryo development but a reduction of medium appears to positively affect blastocyst development. This supports the hypothesis that the pre-implantation embryo produces autocrine factors which exert a positive effect on embryo development when culture is performed in a reduced volume.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Giulia Minasi
- Centre For Reproductive Medicine, European Hospital, Via Portuense 700, 00149, Rome, Italy,
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