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Gomez P, García EV, Céspedes García ME, Furnus CC, Barrera AD. Expression patterns of folate metabolism-related enzymes in the bovine oviduct: estrous cycle-dependent modulation and responsiveness to folic acid. Theriogenology 2024; 230:233-242. [PMID: 39342825 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.09.021] [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: 06/18/2024] [Revised: 09/10/2024] [Accepted: 09/23/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
Folate metabolism is required for important biochemical processes that regulate cell functioning, but its role in female reproductive physiology in cattle during peri- and post-conceptional periods has not been thoroughly explored. Previous studies have shown the presence of folate in bovine oviductal fluid, as well as finely regulated gene expression of folate receptors and transporters in bovine oviduct epithelial cells (BOECs). Additionally, extracellular folic acid (FA) affects the transcriptional levels of genes important for the functioning of BOECs. However, it remains unknown whether the anatomical and cyclic features inherent to the oviduct affect regulation of folate metabolism. The present study aimed to characterize the gene expression pattern of folate cycle enzymes in BOECs from different anatomical regions during the estrous cycle and to determine the transcriptional response of these genes to increasing concentrations of exogenous FA. A first PCR screening showed the presence of transcripts encoding dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), and methionine synthase (MTR) in bovine reproductive tissues (ovary, oviduct and uterus), with expression levels in oviductal tissues comparable to, or even higher than, those detected in ovarian and uterine tissues. Moreover, expression analysis through RT-qPCR in BOECs from the ampulla and isthmus during different stages of the estrous cycle demonstrated that folate metabolism-related enzymes exhibited cycle-dependent variations. In both anatomical regions, DHFR was upregulated during the preovulatory stage, while MTHFR and MTR exhibited increased expression levels during the postovulatory stage. Under in vitro culture conditions, ampullary and isthmic cells were cultured in the presence of 10, 50, and 100 μM FA for 24 h. Under these conditions, isthmus epithelial cells exhibited a unique transcriptional response to exogenous FA, showing a pronounced increase in MTR expression levels. Our results suggest that the expression of folate metabolism-related genes in BOECs is differentially regulated during the estrous cycle and may respond to exogenous levels of folate. This offers a new perspective on the transcriptional regulation of genes associated with the folate cycle in oviductal cells and provides groundwork for future studies on their functional and epigenetic implications within the oviductal microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Gomez
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Veterinarias, Universidad Católica de Salta (UCASAL), Campus Castañares, A4400EDD, Salta, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - Elina Vanesa García
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Veterinarias, Universidad Católica de Salta (UCASAL), Campus Castañares, A4400EDD, Salta, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - Mario Exequiel Céspedes García
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Veterinarias, Universidad Católica de Salta (UCASAL), Campus Castañares, A4400EDD, Salta, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - Cecilia Cristina Furnus
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina; IGEVET- Instituto de Genética Veterinaria "Ing. Fernando N. Dulout" (UNLP-CONICET LA PLATA), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias UNLP, Calles 60 y 118, B1904AMA, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Antonio Daniel Barrera
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Veterinarias, Universidad Católica de Salta (UCASAL), Campus Castañares, A4400EDD, Salta, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina.
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2
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Montgomery T, Uh K, Lee K. TET enzyme driven epigenetic reprogramming in early embryos and its implication on long-term health. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1358649. [PMID: 39149518 PMCID: PMC11324557 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1358649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Mammalian embryo development is initiated by the union of paternal and maternal gametes. Upon fertilization, their epigenome landscape is transformed through a series of finely orchestrated mechanisms that are crucial for survival and successful embryogenesis. Specifically, maternal or oocyte-specific reprogramming factors modulate germ cell specific epigenetic marks into their embryonic states. Rapid and dynamic changes in epigenetic marks such as DNA methylation and histone modifications are observed during early embryo development. These changes govern the structure of embryonic genome prior to zygotic genome activation. Differential changes in epigenetic marks are observed between paternal and maternal genomes because the structure of the parental genomes allows interaction with specific oocyte reprogramming factors. For instance, the paternal genome is targeted by the TET family of enzymes which oxidize the 5-methylcytosine (5mC) epigenetic mark into 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) to lower the level of DNA methylation. The maternal genome is mainly protected from TET3-mediated oxidation by the maternal factor, STELLA. The TET3-mediated DNA demethylation occurs at the global level and is clearly observed in many mammalian species. Other epigenetic modulating enzymes, such as DNA methyltransferases, provide fine tuning of the DNA methylation level by initiating de novo methylation. The mechanisms which initiate the epigenetic reprogramming of gametes are critical for proper activation of embryonic genome and subsequent establishment of pluripotency and normal development. Clinical cases or diseases linked to mutations in reprogramming modulators exist, emphasizing the need to understand mechanistic actions of these modulators. In addition, embryos generated via in vitro embryo production system often present epigenetic abnormalities. Understanding mechanistic actions of the epigenetic modulators will potentially improve the well-being of individuals suffering from these epigenetic disorders and correct epigenetic abnormalities in embryos produced in vitro. This review will summarize the current understanding of epigenetic reprogramming by TET enzymes during early embryogenesis and highlight its clinical relevance and potential implication for assisted reproductive technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ty Montgomery
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Kyungjun Uh
- Futuristic Animal Resource and Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Cheongju-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Kiho Lee
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
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3
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Aoki S, Inoue Y, Hamazaki M, Hara S, Noguchi T, Shirasuna K, Iwata H. miRNAs in Follicular and Oviductal Fluids Support Global DNA Demethylation in Early-Stage Embryos. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5872. [PMID: 38892059 PMCID: PMC11172648 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115872] [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: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Global methylation levels differ in in vitro- and in vivo-developed embryos. Follicular fluid (FF) contains extracellular vesicles (EVs) containing miRNAs that affect embryonic development. Here, we examined our hypothesis that components in FF affect global DNA methylation and embryonic development. Oocytes and FF were collected from bovine ovaries. Treatment of zygotes with a low concentration of FF induced global DNA demethylation, improved embryonic development, and reduced DNMT1/3A levels. We show that embryos take up EVs containing labeled miRNA secreted from granulosa cells and the treatment of zygotes with EVs derived from FF reduces global DNA methylation in embryos. Furthermore, the methylation levels of in vitro-developed blastocysts were higher than those of in their vivo counterparts. Based on small RNA-sequencing and in silico analysis, we predicted miR-29b, -199a-3p, and -148a to target DNMTs and to induce DNA demethylation, thereby improving embryonic development. Moreover, among FF from 30 cows, FF with a high content of these miRNAs demethylated more DNA in the embryos than FF with a lower miRNA content. Thus, miRNAs in FF play a role in early embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Hisataka Iwata
- Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Funako 1737, Atsugi 243-0034, Kanagawa, Japan; (S.A.)
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4
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Liu Y, Mao L, Huang H, Li W, Man J, Zhang W, Wang L, Li L, Sun Y, Zhai T, Guo X, Du L, Huang J, Li H, Wan Y, Wei X. Clinical diagnosis of genetic disorders at both single-nucleotide and chromosomal levels based on BGISEQ-500 platform. Hum Genome Var 2023; 10:15. [PMID: 37217505 PMCID: PMC10203365 DOI: 10.1038/s41439-023-00238-9] [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: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Most variations in the human genome refer to single-nucleotide variation (SNV), small fragment insertions and deletions, and genomic copy number variation (CNV). Many human diseases including genetic disorders are associated with variations in the genome. These disorders are often difficult to be diagnosed because of their complex clinical conditions, therefore, an effective detection method is needed to facilitate clinical diagnosis and prevent birth defects. With the development of high-throughput sequencing technology, the method of targeted sequence capture chip has been extensively used owing to its high throughput, high accuracy, fast speed, and low cost. In this study, we designed a chip that potentially captured the coding region of 3043 genes associated with 4013 monogenic diseases, with an addition of 148 chromosomal abnormalities that can be identified by targeting specific regions. To assess the efficiency, a strategy of combining the BGISEQ500 sequencing platform with the designed chip was utilized to screen variants in 63 patients. Eventually, 67 disease-associated variants were found, 31 of which were novel. The results of the evaluation test also show that this combined strategy complies with the requirements of clinical testing and has proper clinical application value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanqiu Liu
- Department of Genetics, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, 330006, Nanchang, China
| | - Liangwei Mao
- BGI-Anhui Clinical Laboratory, BGI-Shenzhen, 236000, Fuyang, China
- The State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Hubei University, 430062, Wuhan, China
| | - Hui Huang
- BGI Genomics, BGI-Shenzhen, 518083, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wei Li
- BGI Genomics, BGI-Shenzhen, 518083, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jianfen Man
- BGI-Wuhan Clinical Laboratory, BGI-Shenzhen, 430074, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenqian Zhang
- BGI Genomics, BGI-Shenzhen, 518083, Shenzhen, China
- BGI-Wuhan Clinical Laboratory, BGI-Shenzhen, 430074, Wuhan, China
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, DK-2200, Denmark
| | - Lina Wang
- BGI-Wuhan Clinical Laboratory, BGI-Shenzhen, 430074, Wuhan, China
| | - Long Li
- BGI-Wuhan Clinical Laboratory, BGI-Shenzhen, 430074, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Sun
- BGI Genomics, BGI-Shenzhen, 518083, Shenzhen, China
| | - Teng Zhai
- BGI Genomics, BGI-Shenzhen, 518083, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xueqin Guo
- BGI-Wuhan Clinical Laboratory, BGI-Shenzhen, 430074, Wuhan, China
| | - Lique Du
- BGI-Wuhan Clinical Laboratory, BGI-Shenzhen, 430074, Wuhan, China
| | - Jin Huang
- BGI-Wuhan Clinical Laboratory, BGI-Shenzhen, 430074, Wuhan, China
| | - Hao Li
- BGI-Anhui Clinical Laboratory, BGI-Shenzhen, 236000, Fuyang, China
| | - Yang Wan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fuyang People's Hospital, 236000, Fuyang, China.
| | - Xiaoming Wei
- BGI-Wuhan Clinical Laboratory, BGI-Shenzhen, 430074, Wuhan, China.
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Yao F, Hao J, Wang Z, Chu M, Zhang J, Xi G, Zhang Z, An L, Tian J. WNT Co-Receptor LRP6 Is Critical for Zygotic Genome Activation and Embryonic Developmental Potential by Interacting with Oviductal Paracrine Ligand WNT2. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14040891. [PMID: 37107647 PMCID: PMC10138000 DOI: 10.3390/genes14040891] [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: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian preimplantation development depends on the interaction between embryonic autocrine and maternal paracrine signaling. Despite the robust independence of preimplantation embryos, oviductal factors are thought to be critical to pregnancy success. However, how oviductal factors regulate embryonic development and the underlying mechanism remain unknown. In the present study, focusing on WNT signaling, which has been reported to be essential for developmental reprogramming after fertilization, we analyzed the receptor-ligand repertoire of preimplantation embryonic WNT signaling, and identified that the WNT co-receptor LRP6 is necessary for early cleavage and has a prolonged effect on preimplantation development. LRP6 inhibition significantly impeded zygotic genome activation and disrupted relevant epigenetic reprogramming. Focusing on the potential oviductal WNT ligands, we found WNT2 as the candidate interacting with embryonic LRP6. More importantly, we found that WNT2 supplementation in culture medium significantly promoted zygotic genome activation (ZGA) and improved blastocyst formation and quality following in vitro fertilization (IVF). In addition, WNT2 supplementation significantly improved implantation rate and pregnancy outcomes following embryo transfer. Collectively, our findings not only provide novel insight into how maternal factors regulate preimplantation development through maternal-embryonic communication, but they also propose a promising strategy for improving current IVF systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fusheng Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jia Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhaochen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Meiqiang Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jingyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Guangyin Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhenni Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Lei An
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jianhui Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, China
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6
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Dvoran M, Nemcova L, Kalous J. An Interplay between Epigenetics and Translation in Oocyte Maturation and Embryo Development: Assisted Reproduction Perspective. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10071689. [PMID: 35884994 PMCID: PMC9313063 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10071689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Germ cell quality is a key prerequisite for successful fertilization and early embryo development. The quality is determined by the fine regulation of transcriptomic and proteomic profiles, which are prone to alteration by assisted reproduction technology (ART)-introduced in vitro methods. Gaining evidence shows the ART can influence preset epigenetic modifications within cultured oocytes or early embryos and affect their developmental competency. The aim of this review is to describe ART-determined epigenetic changes related to the oogenesis, early embryogenesis, and further in utero development. We confront the latest epigenetic, related epitranscriptomic, and translational regulation findings with the processes of meiotic maturation, fertilization, and early embryogenesis that impact the developmental competency and embryo quality. Post-ART embryo transfer, in utero implantation, and development (placentation, fetal development) are influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors. The review is emphasizing their epigenetic and ART contribution to fetal development. An epigenetic parallel among mouse, porcine, and bovine animal models and human ART is drawn to illustrate possible future mechanisms of infertility management as well as increase the awareness of the underlying mechanisms governing oocyte and embryo developmental complexity under ART conditions.
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7
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Yuan HJ, Han X, Wang GL, Wu JS, He N, Zhang J, Kong QQ, Gong S, Luo MJ, Tan JH. Glucocorticoid Exposure of Preimplantation Embryos Increases Offspring Anxiety-Like Behavior by Upregulating miR-211-5p via Trpm1 Demethylation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:874374. [PMID: 35433692 PMCID: PMC9011152 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.874374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Most studies on mechanisms by which prenatal stress affects offspring behavior were conducted during late pregnancy using in vivo models; studies on the effect of preimplantation stress are rare. In vivo models do not allow accurate specification of the roles of different hormones and cells within the complicated living organism, and cannot verify whether hormones act directly on embryos or indirectly to alter progeny behavior. Furthermore, the number of anxiety-related miRNAs identified are limited. This study showed that both mouse embryculture with corticosterone (ECC) and maternal preimplantation restraint stress (PIRS) increased anxiety-like behavior (ALB) while decreasing hippocampal expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in offspring. ECC/PIRS downregulated GR and BDNF expression by increasing miR-211-5p expression via promoter demethylation of its host gene Trpm1, and this epigenetic cell fate determination was exclusively perpetuated during development into mature hippocampus. Transfection with miR-211-5p mimic/inhibitor in cultured hippocampal cell lines confirmed that miR-211-5p downregulated Gr and Bdnf. Intrahippocampal injection of miR-211-5p agomir/antagomir validated that miR-211-5p dose-dependently increased ALB while decreasing hippocampal GR/BDNF expression. In conclusion, preimplantation exposure to glucocorticoids increased ALB by upregulating miR-211-5p via Trpm1 demethylation, and miR-211-5p may be used as therapeutic targets and biomarkers for anxiety-related diseases.
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Chu M, Yao F, Xi G, Yang J, Zhang Z, Yang Q, Tian J, An L. Vitamin C Rescues in vitro Embryonic Development by Correcting Impaired Active DNA Demethylation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:784244. [PMID: 34869387 PMCID: PMC8640463 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.784244] [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: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
During preimplantation development, a wave of genome-wide DNA demethylation occurs to acquire a hypomethylated genome of the blastocyst. As an essential epigenomic event, postfertilization DNA demethylation is critical to establish full developmental potential. Despite its importance, this process is prone to be disrupted due to environmental perturbations such as manipulation and culture of embryos during in vitro fertilization (IVF), and thus leading to epigenetic errors. However, since the first case of aberrant DNA demethylation reported in IVF embryos, its underlying mechanism remains unclear and the strategy for correcting this error remains unavailable in the past decade. Thus, understanding the mechanism responsible for DNA demethylation defects, may provide a potential approach for preventing or correcting IVF-associated complications. Herein, using mouse and bovine IVF embryos as the model, we reported that ten-eleven translocation (TET)-mediated active DNA demethylation, an important contributor to the postfertilization epigenome reprogramming, was impaired throughout preimplantation development. Focusing on modulation of TET dioxygenases, we found vitamin C and α-ketoglutarate, the well-established important co-factors for stimulating TET enzymatic activity, were synthesized in both embryos and the oviduct during preimplantation development. Accordingly, impaired active DNA demethylation can be corrected by incubation of IVF embryos with vitamin C, and thus improving their lineage differentiation and developmental potential. Together, our data not only provides a promising approach for preventing or correcting IVF-associated epigenetic errors, but also highlights the critical role of small molecules or metabolites from maternal paracrine in finetuning embryonic epigenomic reprogramming during early development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiqiang Chu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Fusheng Yao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Guangyin Xi
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiajun Yang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenni Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Qianying Yang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jianhui Tian
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Lei An
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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9
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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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10
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Santos ÉCD, Fonseca Junior AMD, Lima CBD, Ispada J, Silva JVAD, Milazzotto MP. Less is more: Reduced nutrient concentration during in vitro culture improves embryo production rates and morphophysiology of bovine embryos. Theriogenology 2021; 173:37-47. [PMID: 34329894 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.07.010] [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: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Reproducing the environment to which the embryo is naturally exposed may be an alternative to improve viability of embryos produced in vitro. In the first part of this work, we describe a novel culture media, namely Embryonic Culture Supplementation (ECS100). The composition of this media was based on the contents of carbohydrates and amino acids found in oviductal and uterine fluids. Because it was a new formulation, we investigated the performance of ECS100 in comparison with conventionally used SOFaa, and possible benefits to embryo development. Embryo production rates (cleavage, morula and blastocyst conversion, blastocyst and hatching rates) and morphophysiological parameters (total cell number, cell allocation, Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), NADH, FAD+ and ATP content) were similar between ECS100 and SOFaa. Next, we tested if a reduction of ECS100 concentration could positively contribute to embryo viability by resembling the more dynamic availability of nutrients that reach the embryos in vivo. Therefore, embryos were cultured in ECS100 or in its serial dilution (ECS75, 50 and 25). Despite the fact that the lowest concentration (ECS25) still supported blastocyst formation, halving the concentration of metabolites (ECS50) actually improved embryo production rates. Thus, embryos produced in ECS100 or ECS50 were submitted to further analyses on Days 4 and 7. Embryos cultured in ECS50 presented better developmental rates and morphophysiological profile than embryos cultured in ECS100. Additionally, physiological traits (MMP, ROS and NADH levels) of embryos cultured in ECS50 presented the expected pattern for embryos produced in vivo. In conclusion, we presented a novel, more personalized and effective culture media for bovine IVP embryos. And although the ECS media formulation was based on the contents of female reproductive fluids, it is worth mentioning that adaptations must be specifically directed for in vitro conditions rather than reproduced exactly from in vivo state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Érika Cristina Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Embryonic Metabolism and Epigenetic, Center of Natural and Human Science, Federal University of ABC, Santo Andre, SP, Brazil.
| | - Aldcejam Martins da Fonseca Junior
- Laboratory of Embryonic Metabolism and Epigenetic, Center of Natural and Human Science, Federal University of ABC, Santo Andre, SP, Brazil.
| | - Camila Bruna de Lima
- Laboratory of Embryonic Metabolism and Epigenetic, Center of Natural and Human Science, Federal University of ABC, Santo Andre, SP, Brazil; Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), Département des Sciences Animales, Faculté des Sciences de l'Agriculture et de l'Alimentation, Université Laval, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Jessica Ispada
- Laboratory of Embryonic Metabolism and Epigenetic, Center of Natural and Human Science, Federal University of ABC, Santo Andre, SP, Brazil.
| | - João Vitor Alcantara da Silva
- Laboratory of Embryonic Metabolism and Epigenetic, Center of Natural and Human Science, Federal University of ABC, Santo Andre, SP, Brazil.
| | - Marcella Pecora Milazzotto
- Laboratory of Embryonic Metabolism and Epigenetic, Center of Natural and Human Science, Federal University of ABC, Santo Andre, SP, Brazil; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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11
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Salilew-Wondim D, Tesfaye D, Rings F, Held-Hoelker E, Miskel D, Sirard MA, Tholen E, Schellander K, Hoelker M. The global gene expression outline of the bovine blastocyst: reflector of environmental conditions and predictor of developmental capacity. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:408. [PMID: 34082721 PMCID: PMC8176733 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07693-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Morphological evaluation of embryos has been used to screen embryos for transfer. However, the repeatability and accuracy of this method remains low. Thus, evaluation of an embryo’s gene expression signature with respect to its developmental capacity could provide new opportunities for embryo selection. Since the gene expression outline of an embryo is considered as an aggregate of its intrinsic characteristics and culture conditions, we have compared transcriptome profiles of in vivo and in vitro derived blastocysts in relation to pregnancy outcome to unravel the discrete effects of developmental competence and environmental conditions on bovine embryo gene expression outlines. To understand whether the gene expression patterns could be associated with blastocyst developmental competency, the global transcriptome profile of in vivo (CVO) and in vitro (CVT) derived competent blastocysts that resulted in pregnancy was investigated relative to that of in vivo (NVO) and in vitro (NVT) derived blastocysts which did not establish initial pregnancy, respectively while to unravel the effects of culture condition on the transcriptome profile of embryos, the transcriptional activity of the CVO group was compared to the CVT group and the NVO group was compared to the NVT ones. Results A total of 700 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between CVO and NVO blastocysts. These gene transcripts represent constitutive regions, indel variants, 3′-UTR sequence variants and novel transcript regions. The majority (82%) of these DEGs, including gene clusters like ATP synthases, eukaryotic translation initiation factors, ribosomal proteins, mitochondrial ribosomal proteins, NADH dehydrogenase and cytochrome c oxidase subunits were enriched in the CVO group. These DEGs were involved in pathways associated with glycolysis/glycogenesis, citrate acid cycle, pyruvate metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation. Similarly, a total of 218 genes were differentially expressed between CVT and NVT groups. Of these, 89%, including TPT1, PDIA6, HSP90AA1 and CALM, were downregulated in the CVT group and those DEGs were overrepresented in pathways related to protein processing, endoplasmic reticulum, spliceasome, ubiquitone mediated proteolysis and steroid biosynthesis. On the other hand, although both the CVT and CVO blastocyst groups resulted in pregnancy, a total of 937 genes were differential expressed between the two groups. Compared to CVO embryos, the CVT ones exhibited downregulation of gene clusters including ribosomal proteins, mitochondrial ribosomal protein, eukaryotic translation initiation factors, ATP synthases, NADH dehydrogenase and cytochrome c oxidases. Nonetheless, downregulation of these genes could be associated with pre and postnatal abnormalities observed after transfer of in vitro embryos. Conclusion The present study provides a detailed inventory of differentially expressed gene signatures and pathways specifically reflective of the developmental environment and future developmental capacities of bovine embryos suggesting that transcriptome activity observed in blastocysts could be indicative of further pregnancy success but also adaptation to culture environment. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-021-07693-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dessie Salilew-Wondim
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Animal Breeding, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Dawit Tesfaye
- Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, 3105 Rampart Rd, CO, 80521, Fort Collins, USA
| | - Franca Rings
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Animal Breeding, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Eva Held-Hoelker
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Animal Breeding, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Dennis Miskel
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Animal Breeding, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Marc-Andre Sirard
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Faculté des sciences de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation, INAF, Pavillon des services, Université Laval (Québec), G1V 0A6, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Ernst Tholen
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Animal Breeding, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Karl Schellander
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Animal Breeding, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Michael Hoelker
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Animal Breeding, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115, Bonn, Germany. .,Department of Animal Science, Biotechnology & Reproduction in farm animals, University of Goettingen, Burckhardtweg 2, 37077, Goettingen, Germany.
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12
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Zhao YH, Wang JJ, Zhang PP, Hao HS, Pang YW, Wang HY, Du WH, Zhao SJ, Ruan WM, Zou HY, Hao T, Zhu HB, Zhao XM. Oocyte IVM or vitrification significantly impairs DNA methylation patterns in blastocysts as analysed by single-cell whole-genome methylation sequencing. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 32:676-689. [PMID: 32317092 DOI: 10.1071/rd19234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
To explore the mechanisms leading to the poor quality of IVF blastocysts, the single-cell whole-genome methylation sequencing technique was used in this study to analyse the methylation patterns of bovine blastocysts derived from invivo, fresh (IVF) or vitrified (V_IVF) oocytes. Genome methylation levels of blastocysts in the IVF and V_IVF groups were significantly lower than those of the invivo group (P<0.05). In all, 1149 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified between the IVF and invivo groups, 1578 DMRs were identified between the V_IVF and invivo groups and 151 DMRs were identified between the V_IVF and IVF groups. For imprinted genes, methylation levels of insulin-like growth factor 2 receptor (IGF2R) and protein phosphatase 1 regulatory subunit 9A (PPP1R9A) were lower in the IVF and V_IVF groups than in the invivo group, and the methylation level of paternally expressed 3 (PEG3) was lower in the V_IVF group than in the IVF and invivo groups. Genes with DMRs between the IVF and invivo and the V_IVF and IVF groups were primarily enriched in oocyte maturation pathways, whereas DMRs between the V_IVF and invivo groups were enriched in fertilisation and vitrification-vulnerable pathways. The results of this study indicate that differences in the methylation of critical DMRs may contribute to the differences in quality between invitro- and invivo-derived embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Han Zhao
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory and the Centre of Domestic Animal Reproduction and Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan Western Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Jing-Jing Wang
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory and the Centre of Domestic Animal Reproduction and Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan Western Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Pei-Pei Zhang
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory and the Centre of Domestic Animal Reproduction and Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan Western Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Hai-Sheng Hao
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory and the Centre of Domestic Animal Reproduction and Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan Western Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Yun-Wei Pang
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory and the Centre of Domestic Animal Reproduction and Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan Western Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Hao-Yu Wang
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory and the Centre of Domestic Animal Reproduction and Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan Western Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Wei-Hua Du
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory and the Centre of Domestic Animal Reproduction and Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan Western Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Shan-Jiang Zhao
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory and the Centre of Domestic Animal Reproduction and Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan Western Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Wei-Min Ruan
- International Joint Center for Biomedical Innovation, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Ming Lun Street, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, PR China
| | - Hui-Ying Zou
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory and the Centre of Domestic Animal Reproduction and Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan Western Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Tong Hao
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory and the Centre of Domestic Animal Reproduction and Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan Western Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Hua-Bin Zhu
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory and the Centre of Domestic Animal Reproduction and Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan Western Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Xue-Ming Zhao
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory and the Centre of Domestic Animal Reproduction and Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan Western Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China; and Corresponding author.
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13
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DNA methylation studies in cattle. J Appl Genet 2021; 62:121-136. [PMID: 33400132 DOI: 10.1007/s13353-020-00604-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Investigation of the role of epigenetics in cattle breeding is gaining importance. DNA methylation represents an epigenetic modification which is essential for genomic stability and maintenance of development. Recently, DNA methylation research in cattle has intensified. The studies focus on the definition of methylomes in various organs and tissues in relation to the expression of genes underlying economically important traits, and explore methylome changes under developmental, environmental, disease, and diet influences. The investigations further characterize the methylation patterns of gametes in connection with their quality, and study methylome alterations in the developing naturally or assisted produced zygotes, embryos, and fetuses, considering their viability. A wide array of technologies developed for accurate and precise analysis of DNA methylation patterns is employed for both single-gene and genome-wide studies. Overall, the research is directed towards the identification of single methylation markers or their combinations which may be useful in the selection and breeding of animals to ensure cattle improvement.
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14
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Harris EA, Stephens KK, Winuthayanon W. Extracellular Vesicles and the Oviduct Function. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218280. [PMID: 33167378 PMCID: PMC7663821 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, the oviduct (or the Fallopian tube in humans) can be divided into the infundibulum (responsible for oocyte pick-up), ampulla (site of fertilization), isthmus (where preimplantation embryos develop), and uterotubal junction (where embryos transit to the uterus). The oviductal fluid, as well as extracellular vesicles produced from the oviduct epithelial cells, referred to as oEVs, have been shown to improve the fertilization process, prevent polyspermy, and aid in embryo development. oEVs contain molecular cargos (such as miRNAs, mRNAs, proteins, and lipids) that can be delivered and fuse to recipient cells. oEVs produced from the ampulla appear to be functionally distinct from those produced from the isthmus. In multiple species including mice, cats, dogs, pigs, and cows, oEVs can be incorporated into the oocytes, sperm, and embryos. In this review, we show the positive impact of oEVs on gamete function as well as blastocyst development and how they may improve embryo quality in in vitro conditions in an assisted reproductive technology setting for rodents, domestic animals, farm animals, and humans.
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15
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Fu W, Yue Y, Miao K, Xi G, Zhang C, Wang W, An L, Tian J. Repression of FGF signaling is responsible for Dnmt3b inhibition and impaired de novo DNA methylation during early development of in vitro fertilized embryos. Int J Biol Sci 2020; 16:3085-3099. [PMID: 33061820 PMCID: PMC7545699 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.51607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Well-orchestrated epigenetic modifications during early development are essential for embryonic survival and postnatal growth. Erroneous epigenetic modifications due to environmental perturbations such as manipulation and culture of embryos during in vitro fertilization (IVF) are linked to various short- or long-term consequences. Among these, DNA methylation defects are of great concern. Despite the critical role of DNA methylation in determining embryonic development potential, the mechanisms underlying IVF-associated DNA methylation defects, however, remains largely elusive. We reported herein that repression of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling as the main reason for IVF-associated DNA methylation defects. Comparative methylome analysis by postimplantation stage suggested that IVF mouse embryos undergo impaired de novo DNA methylation during implantation stage. Further analyses indicated that Dnmt3b, the main de novo DNA methyltransferase, was consistently inhibited during the transition from the blastocyst to postimplantation stage (Embryonic day 7.5, E7.5). Using blastocysts and embryonic stem cells (ESCs) as the model, we showed repression of FGF signaling is responsible for Dnmt3b inhibition and global hypomethylation during early development, and MEK/ERK-SP1 pathway plays an essential mediating role in FGF signaling-induced transcriptional activation of Dnmt3b. Supplementation of FGF2, which was exclusively produced in the maternal oviduct, into embryo culture medium significantly rescued Dnmt3b inhibition. Our study, using mouse embryos as the model, not only identifies FGF signaling as the main target for correcting IVF-associated epigenetic errors, but also highlights the importance of oviductal paracrine factors in supporting early embryonic development and improving in vitro culture system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Fu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture; College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No.2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, P. R. China
| | - Yuan Yue
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture; College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No.2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, P. R. China
| | - Kai Miao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture; College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No.2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, P. R. China
| | - Guangyin Xi
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture; College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No.2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, P. R. China
| | - Chao Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture; College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No.2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, P. R. China
| | - Wenjuan Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture; College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No.2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, P. R. China
| | - Lei An
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture; College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No.2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, P. R. China
| | - Jianhui Tian
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture; College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No.2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, P. R. China
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16
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Eini F, Joharchi K, Kutenaei MA, Mousavi P. Improvement in the epigenetic modification and development competence in PCOS mice oocytes by hydro-alcoholic extract of Nigella sativa during in-vitro maturation: An experimental study. Int J Reprod Biomed 2020; 18:733-746. [PMID: 33062919 PMCID: PMC7521171 DOI: 10.18502/ijrm.v13i9.7668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Nigella Sativa (NS) and its active component, thymoquinone,
have beneficial protective effects on experimental animal models of polycystic
ovary syndrome (PCOS) and different human diseases. Objective The present study aimed to investigate the effects of NS hydro-alcoholic
extract (NSE) on the oocyte quality of PCOS mice during in vitro maturation. Materials and Methods For induction of PCOS, 40 prepubertal 21-days old female
B6D2F1 mice (18-22 g body weight) received subcutaneous
dehydroepiandrosterone daily. After validation of the model, germinal
vesicle-stage oocytes of superovulated mice were collected and placed in
the culture medium containing different concentrations (0, 1, 50, and 100 μg/ml) of
NSE. For the measurement of developmental competency, some mature oocytes were
fertilized with epididymal spermatozoa. Other mature oocytes were assessed for
oxidative stress. Also, some mRNA expression levels involved in oocyte
maturation and epigenetic modification were evaluated. Results The 50 μg/ml NSE treated group showed significantly higher r ates o f
maturation, f ertilization, and blastocyst formation in comparison with both control
and PCOS groups. A high level of glutathione concentration and glutathione
peroxidase mRNA expression, besides a low level of reactive oxygen species
content all, were observed in oocytes treated with 50 μg/ml NSE, indicating the
modification of oxidative statue. Furthermore, the oocytes in the 50 μg/ml-treated
group showed an upregulation of mRNA expression in epigenetic-related genes
(Dnmt1 and Hdac1) and maternally derived genes (Mapk and Cdk1), correspondingly
downregulation of cyclooxygenase2 mRNA expression, in comparison to other
groups. Conclusion The results of this study indicated that 50 μg/ml NSE improves oocyte
maturation, oxidative statues and epigenetic modifications. These may be the all
reasons for the developmental competency in the control and PCOS mice oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Eini
- Fertility and Infertility Research Center, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Khojasteh Joharchi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Azizi Kutenaei
- Fertility and Infertility Research Center, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Pegah Mousavi
- Fertility and Infertility Research Center, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran.,Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
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17
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Impact of extracellular folic acid levels on oviductal gene expression. Theriogenology 2020; 154:161-170. [PMID: 32622196 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.05.022] [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: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Folate plays a specific role as methyl donor for nucleotide synthesis and genomic methylation patterns, which in turn are important epigenetic determinants in gene expression. Previous studies have revealed the presence of folate in bovine oviductal fluid as well as the existence of a fine-tuned regulation of the gene expression of folate receptors and transporters in bovine oviduct epithelial cells (BOECs). However, the functional implications of folate in the oviduct remain unknown. The present study aimed to assess the effect of folic acid (FA) on expression levels of selected genes that potentially respond to the folate status in in vitro BOECs. To obtain an insight into the optimization of a culture system for assays, gene expression of folate receptors and transporters was compared between BOECs grown in monolayers and in suspension. The results showed that BOECs from isthmus and ampulla in suspension culture better preserved the region-dependent gene expression profile than in monolayers. Subsequently, BOECs from both anatomical regions were separately cultured in suspension for 24 h assaying different FA concentrations: I) TCM-199 (control); II) TCM-199 + 1 μM FA (similar to the oviduct concentration); III) TCM-199 + 10 μM FA and IV) TCM-199 + 100 μM FA. Expression analysis of genes related to important cellular processes including folate transport, DNA methylation, cell-cell interaction, antioxidant activity and signaling pathways was performed in BOECs using RT-qPCR. Our data demonstrated that addition of 1 μM FA did not affect mRNA levels of most genes analyzed. In contrast, BOECs cultured with 10 μM FA exhibited increased mRNA expression levels of genes involved in folate intake, DNA methylation and antioxidant protection. It is worth noting that at 100 μM FA, transcriptional response in BOECs mainly resulted in decreased mRNA levels of the majority of the genes assayed. Interestingly, cytotoxicity analysis showed a similar LDH activity in the culture media of the experimental groups, indicating that cell integrity was not affected by the FA concentrations assayed. In conclusion, our findings suggest that folate can affect BOECs, promoting changes in gene activity in a framework of functional readjustments in response to environmental conditions.
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18
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Hamdi M, Sánchez-Calabuig MJ, Rodríguez-Alonso B, Bagés Arnal S, Roussi K, Sturmey R, Gutiérrez-Adán A, Lonergan P, Rizos D. Gene expression and metabolic response of bovine oviduct epithelial cells to the early embryo. Reproduction 2020; 158:85-94. [PMID: 31022701 DOI: 10.1530/rep-18-0561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
During its journey through the oviduct, the bovine embryo may induce transcriptomic and metabolic responses, via direct or indirect contact, from bovine oviduct epithelial cells (BOECs). An in vitro model using polyester mesh was established, allowing the study of the local contact during 48 h between a BOEC monolayer and early embryos (2- or 8-cell stage) or their respective conditioned media (CM). The transcriptomic response of BOEC to early embryos was assessed by analyzing the transcript abundance of SMAD6, TDGF1, ROCK1, ROCK2, SOCS3, PRELP and AGR3 selected from previous in vivo studies and GPX4, NFE2L2, SCN9A, EPSTI1 and IGFBP3 selected from in vitro studies. Moreover, metabolic analyses were performed on the media obtained from the co-culture. Results revealed that presence of early embryos or their CM altered the BOEC expression of NFE2L2, GPX4, SMAD6, IGFBP3, ROCK2 and SCN9A. However, the response of BOEC to two-cell embryos or their CM was different from that observed to eight-cell embryos or their CM. Analysis of energy substrates and amino acids revealed that BOEC metabolism was not affected by the presence of early embryos or by their CM. Interestingly, embryo metabolism before embryo genome activation (EGA) seems to be independent of exogenous sources of energy. In conclusion, this study confirms that early embryos affect BOEC transcriptome and BOEC response was embryo stage specific. Moreover, embryo affects BOEC via a direct contact or via its secretions. However transcriptomic response of BOEC to the embryo did not manifest as an observable metabolic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meriem Hamdi
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - María J Sánchez-Calabuig
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary, University Complutense of Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Rodríguez-Alonso
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary, University Complutense of Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain.,Center for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK.,School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sandra Bagés Arnal
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary, University Complutense of Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain.,Center for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK.,School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kalliopi Roussi
- Center for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - Roger Sturmey
- Center for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - Alfonso Gutiérrez-Adán
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Patrick Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Dimitrios Rizos
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, Spain
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19
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Itze-Mayrhofer C, Brem G. Quantitative proteomic strategies to study reproduction in farm animals: Female reproductive fluids. J Proteomics 2020; 225:103884. [PMID: 32593762 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2020.103884] [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] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Reproductive fluids from the female reproductive tract are gaining attention for their potential to support and optimize reproductive processes, including gamete maturation and embryo culture in vitro. Quantitative proteomics is a powerful way to decipher the proteome of reproductive tract fluids and to identify biologically relevant proteins. The present review describes proteomic strategies for analysing female reproductive fluid proteins. In addition, it considers the strategies for the preparation of oviductal, uterine and follicular fluid samples. Finally, it highlights the main results of quantitative proteomic studies, providing insights into the biological processes related to reproductive biology in farm animals. SIGNIFICANCE: Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) have become vitally important for farm animal breeding and much effort is going into the optimization and refinement of the techniques. There are also attempts to imitate physiological conditions by adding reproductive fluids or individual fluid proteins to improve in vitro procedures. A detailed knowledge of the reproductive fluid proteomes is indispensable. The present review summarizes the most widely used quantitative proteomic approaches for the analysis of fluids from the female reproductive tract and highlights the potential of quantitative proteomics to delineate reproductive processes and identify candidate proteins for ARTs in farm animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corina Itze-Mayrhofer
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Group Molecular Reproduction IFA-Tulln, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Gottfried Brem
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
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20
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Hamdi M, Lopera-Vasquez R, Maillo V, Sanchez-Calabuig MJ, Núnez C, Gutierrez-Adan A, Rizos D. Bovine oviductal and uterine fluid support in vitro embryo development. Reprod Fertil Dev 2019; 30:935-945. [PMID: 29167013 DOI: 10.1071/rd17286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to mimic the maternal oviductal environment, we evaluated the effect of oviductal fluid (OF) and/or uterine fluid (UF) supplementation on in vitro embryo development and quality. In vitro-produced zygotes were cultured with 1.25% OF from Day 1 to Day 4 after insemination (OF group), 1.25% OF from Day 1 to Day 4 followed by 1.25% UF from Day 4 to Day 9 (OF+UF group) or 1.25% UF only from Day 4 to Day 9 (UF group). Control groups were cultured in the presence of synthetic oviduct fluid (SOF) supplemented with 3mgmL-1 bovine serum albumin (BSA) or 5% fetal calf serum (FCS). Supplementation of the culture medium with OF and/or UF (both at 1.25%) supported embryo development (Day 9 blastocyst rate 28.2-30.6%). At 72h after vitrification-warming, the survival of blastocysts from the OF and OF+UF groups was similar to that of blastocysts in the SOF+BSA group (61.0±5.7% and 62.8±6.4% vs 64.8±6.4% respectively), but significantly higher than that of blastocysts from the SOF+FCS group (31.6±4.9%; P<0.001). Blastocysts from the OF group exhibited upregulation of epigenetic genes (i.e. DNA methyltransferase 3α (DNMT3A) and insulin-like growth factor 2 receptor (IGF2R)), compared with expression in the SOF+FCS group (P<0.05). Whereas those from OF+UF and UF groups exhibited downregulation of oxidative stress genes compared to SOF+BSA and OF groups for glutathione peroxidase (GPX1) and to SOF+FCS, SOF+BSA and OF groups for chloride intracellular channel 1 (CLIC1) (P<0.05). In addition, accumulation of reactive oxygen species was lower in blastocysts from the OF, OF+UF and UF groups. In conclusion, the use of low concentrations of OF and UF in in vitro serum-free culture supports embryo development, with OF providing a better control of embryo methylation, whereas UF may have antioxidant activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meriem Hamdi
- Departamento de Reproduccion Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigacion y Tecnologia Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Ctra. de la Coruna KM 5.9 - 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ricaurte Lopera-Vasquez
- Departamento de Reproduccion Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigacion y Tecnologia Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Ctra. de la Coruna KM 5.9 - 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Veronica Maillo
- Departamento de Reproduccion Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigacion y Tecnologia Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Ctra. de la Coruna KM 5.9 - 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Jesus Sanchez-Calabuig
- Departamento de Reproduccion Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigacion y Tecnologia Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Ctra. de la Coruna KM 5.9 - 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Carolina Núnez
- Departamento de Reproduccion Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigacion y Tecnologia Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Ctra. de la Coruna KM 5.9 - 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alfonso Gutierrez-Adan
- Departamento de Reproduccion Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigacion y Tecnologia Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Ctra. de la Coruna KM 5.9 - 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Dimitrios Rizos
- Departamento de Reproduccion Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigacion y Tecnologia Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Ctra. de la Coruna KM 5.9 - 28040 Madrid, Spain
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21
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López-Cardona AP, Ibarra-Lecue I, Laguna-Barraza R, Pérez-Cerezales S, Urigüen L, Agirregoitia N, Gutiérrez-Adán A, Agirregoitia E. Effect of chronic THC administration in the reproductive organs of male mice, spermatozoa and in vitro fertilization. Biochem Pharmacol 2018; 157:294-303. [PMID: 30077641 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2018.07.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The increased use of cannabis as a therapeutic drug in recent years has raised some concerns due to its potential effects on reproductive health. With regards to the male, the endocannabinoid system is involved in the spermatogenesis and in the sperm function. The chronic use of tetrahidrocannabinol (THC) has been associated with sperm anomalies, decreased sperm motility and structural changes in the testis. However, whether THC affects sperms ability to fertilize and to generate embryos remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate this effect using a mice model of THC chronic treatment. For this purpose, a chronic treatment with THC was carried out. Mice were randomly allocated into two groups: an experimental group treated with a daily dose of 10 mg/kg-body weight THC for a period of 30 days and a control group treated with a vehicle. The THC-mice cortex showed a significant decrease of mRNA of Cnr1 compared to control-mice while, in the testis, the expression of Cnr1 was not affected. The weight of testis and epididymis and the histological analysis did not show any change between groups. On the other hand, no changes were observed in the sperm motility or the sperm concentration. The chronic use of THC did not generate any methylation change in the three CpG regions of Cnn1 analysed, neither in the brain nor in the embryos generated by in vitro fertilization (IVF). Finally, the embryo production by IVF was no different using spermatozoa from both THC and control mice. This work contradicts the belief that THC consumption has a negative effect on male reproductive processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- A P López-Cardona
- Dept. of Animal Reproduction, INIA, Madrid, Spain; G.I. Biogénesis, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - I Ibarra-Lecue
- Dept. of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Bizkaia and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain; Dept. of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
| | | | | | - L Urigüen
- Dept. of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Bizkaia and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain; Dept. of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - N Agirregoitia
- Dept. of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
| | | | - E Agirregoitia
- Dept. of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain.
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22
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García EV, Oliva ME, LeBlanc JG, Barrera AD. Epi-nutrients in the oviductal environment: Folate levels and differential gene expression of its receptors and transporters in the bovine oviduct. Theriogenology 2018; 119:189-197. [PMID: 30025295 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/08/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated that the oviductal environment plays an active role in modulating the epigenetic marks of the preimplantation embryo genome, but the molecular factors that mediate this epigenetic effect are unknown. Folate is a well-known epi-nutrient that can impact on cell epigenetic machinery during embryonic and fetal development. However, the study of this epi-nutrient in the oviduct is still limited. The present study was conducted to confirm the presence and physiological concentration of folate in bovine oviductal fluid (OF) and to determine if bovine oviduct epithelial cells (BOECs) are able to regulate the uptake of this micronutrient. Samples of OF from ipsi- and contralateral oviducts were collected at different stages of the estrous cycle and folate levels were determined using a competitive receptor binding immunoassay. In addition, gene expression of folate receptors (FOLR1, FOLR2) and transporters (SLC19A1, SLC46A1) were analyzed in BOECs from ampulla and isthmus regions during different stages of the estrous cycle using RT-qPCR. In vitro culture assays were also performed to evaluate whether expression of these genes responds to hormonal stimulation. Our results demonstrated presence of folate in the OF, showing changes of its concentration in the ipsilateral oviduct during the estrous cycle and significantly lower levels at the postovulatory stage. Moreover, gene expression of folate receptors and transporters was detected in BOECs, showing regional and cycle-dependent changes. In particular, differential expression of FOLR1 mRNA was observed in BOECs from the isthmus region, reaching significantly higher levels during the postovulatory stage. Under in vitro culture conditions, gene expression of folate receptors and transporters was maintained in BOEC explants and a particular susceptibility to steroid hormone stimulation was observed. In conclusion, the present study confirms the presence of folate in the bovine oviduct and proves the existence of a fine-tuned regulation of the expression of its receptors and transporters, highlighting the importance to expand the knowledge about this epi-nutrient in the oviductal context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elina V García
- Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO), CONICET-UNT. Chacabuco 461, T4000ILI, San Miguel de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina; Instituto de Biología "Dr. Francisco D. Barbieri", Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, UNT. Chacabuco 461, T4000ILI, San Miguel de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - María E Oliva
- Instituto de Biología "Dr. Francisco D. Barbieri", Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, UNT. Chacabuco 461, T4000ILI, San Miguel de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Jean G LeBlanc
- Centro de Referencia para Lactobacilos (CERELA-CONICET). Chacabuco 145, T4000ILC, San Miguel de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Antonio D Barrera
- Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO), CONICET-UNT. Chacabuco 461, T4000ILI, San Miguel de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina; Instituto de Biología "Dr. Francisco D. Barbieri", Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, UNT. Chacabuco 461, T4000ILI, San Miguel de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina.
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23
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Pérez-Cerezales S, Ramos-Ibeas P, Acuña OS, Avilés M, Coy P, Rizos D, Gutiérrez-Adán A. The oviduct: from sperm selection to the epigenetic landscape of the embryo†. Biol Reprod 2017; 98:262-276. [DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Serafín Pérez-Cerezales
- Departmento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Priscila Ramos-Ibeas
- School of Agriculture, Food Science and Veterinary Medicine, College of Life Sciences, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Omar Salvador Acuña
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Culiacán, Mexico
| | - Manuel Avilés
- Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca Murcia, Spain
| | - Pilar Coy
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca Murcia, Spain
- Physiology of Reproduction Group, Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Murcia-Campus Mare Nostrum, Murcia, Spain
| | - Dimitrios Rizos
- Departmento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alfonso Gutiérrez-Adán
- Departmento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Madrid, Spain
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24
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Profiling of proteins secreted in the bovine oviduct reveals diverse functions of this luminal microenvironment. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0188105. [PMID: 29155854 PMCID: PMC5695823 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0188105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The oviductal microenvironment is a site for key events that involve gamete maturation, fertilization and early embryo development. Secretions into the oviductal lumen by either the lining epithelium or by transudation of plasma constituents are known to contain elements conducive for reproductive success. Although previous studies have identified some of these factors involved in reproduction, knowledge of secreted proteins in the oviductal fluid remains rudimentary with limited definition of function even in extensively studied species like cattle. In this study, we used a shotgun proteomics approach followed by bioinformatics sequence prediction to identify secreted proteins present in the bovine oviductal fluid (ex vivo) and secretions from the bovine oviductal epithelial cells (in vitro). From a total of 2087 proteins identified, 266 proteins could be classified as secreted, 109 (41%) of which were common for both in vivo and in vitro conditions. Pathway analysis indicated different classes of proteins that included growth factors, metabolic regulators, immune modulators, enzymes, and extracellular matrix components. Functional analysis revealed mechanisms in the oviductal lumen linked to immune homeostasis, gamete maturation, fertilization and early embryo development. These results point to several novel components that work together with known elements mediating functional homeostasis, and highlight the diversity of machinery associated with oviductal physiology and early events in cattle fertility.
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25
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Pérez-Cerezales S, Ramos-Ibeas P, Rizos D, Lonergan P, Bermejo-Alvarez P, Gutiérrez-Adán A. Early sex-dependent differences in response to environmental stress. Reproduction 2017; 155:R39-R51. [PMID: 29030490 DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Revised: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Developmental plasticity enables the appearance of long-term effects in offspring caused by exposure to environmental stressors during embryonic and foetal life. These long-term effects can be traced to pre- and post-implantation development, and in both cases, the effects are usually sex specific. During preimplantation development, male and female embryos exhibit an extensive transcriptional dimorphism mainly driven by incomplete X chromosome inactivation. These early developmental stages are crucial for the establishment of epigenetic marks that will be conserved throughout development, making it a particularly susceptible period for the appearance of long-term epigenetic-based phenotypes. Later in development, gonadal formation generates hormonal differences between the sexes, and male and female placentae exhibit different responses to environmental stressors. The maternal environment, including hormones and environmental insults during pregnancy, contributes to sex-specific placental development that controls genetic and epigenetic programming during foetal development, regulating sex-specific differences, including sex-specific epigenetic responses to environmental hazards, leading to long-term effects. This review summarizes several human and animal studies examining sex-specific responses to environmental stressors during both the periconception period (caused by differences in sex chromosome dosage) and placental development (caused by both sex chromosomes and hormones). The identification of relevant sex-dependent trajectories caused by sex chromosomes and/or sex hormones is essential to define diagnostic markers and prevention/intervention protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Pat Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food ScienceUniversity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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