1
|
Biase FH, Moorey SE, Schnuelle JG, Rodning S, Ortega MS, Spencer TE. Altered microRNA composition in the uterine lumen fluid in cattle (Bos taurus) pregnancies initiated by artificial insemination or transfer of an in vitro produced embryo. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2024; 15:130. [PMID: 39267128 PMCID: PMC11397056 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-024-01083-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are presented in the uterine lumen of many mammals, and in vitro experiments have determined that several miRNAs are important for the regulation of endometrial and trophoblast functions. Our aim was to identify and contrast the miRNAs present in extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the uterine lumen fluid (ULF) at the onset of attachment in cattle pregnancies (gestation d 18) initiated by artificial insemination (AI) or by the transfer of an in vitro-produced blastocyst (IVP-ET). A third group had no conceptus after the transfer of an IVP embryo. RESULTS The abundance of 263 annotated miRNAs was quantified in the EVs collected from ULF. There was an increase in the transcript abundance of 20 miRNAs in the ULF EVs from the AI pregnant group, while 4 miRNAs had a lower abundance relative to the group not containing a conceptus. Additionally, 4 miRNAs were more abundant in ULF EVs in the AI pregnant group relative to IVP-ET group (bta-mir-17, bta-mir-7-3, MIR7-1, MIR18A). Specific miRNAs in the ULF EVs were co-expressed with messenger RNAs expressed in extra-embryonic tissues and endometrium, including genes that are known to be their targets. CONCLUSIONS The results provide biological insights into the participation of miRNAs in the regulation of trophoblast proliferation and differentiation, as well as in endometrium receptivity. The knowledge that in vitro cultured embryos can contribute to the altered abundance of specific miRNAs in the uterine lumen can lead to the development of corrective approaches to reduce conceptus losses during the first month of pregnancy in cattle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fernando H Biase
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 175 W Campus Dr, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.
| | - Sarah E Moorey
- Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Julie G Schnuelle
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Soren Rodning
- Department of Animal Science, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Martha Sofia Ortega
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Thomas E Spencer
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ucar EH, Hitit M, Kose M, Atli MO. Expression of circulating oar-miR-485-5p and oar-miR-493-5p during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy in ovine plasma. Anim Reprod 2024; 21:e20230115. [PMID: 38510567 PMCID: PMC10954234 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2023-0115] [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: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
In the current study, we aimed to assess the expression levels of two circulating microRNAs (miRNA) (oar-miR-485-5p and oar-miR-493-5p) in the ovine plasma during the peri-implantation. After mating, we collected the plasma samples from a total of 8 ewes on day 22 of pregnancy (P22; n = 4) and day 22 of the estrous cycle (C22; n=4). We used mature miRNA sequences for oar-miR-485-5p and oar-miR-493-5p out of one hundred fifty, which were retrieved from our microarray results of previous study. We showed that the miRNA expression of oar-miR-485-5p and oar-miR-493-5p were upregulated in P22 (P<0.05) when compared to C22. Those two miRNAs targeted 311 target genes in the peri-implantation period of pregnancy. Furthermore, we revealed 151 GO/pathway terms in biological process (BP) and 25 GO/pathway terms in molecular function (MF), while we demonstrated 13 GO/pathway terms in cellular component (CC). We revealed three hub genes as interleukin 2 (IL2), interleukin 18 (IL18), and C-X-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 10 (CXCL10). In conclusion, both miR-485-5p and oar-miR-493-5p have the potential to be a biomarker to understand peri-implantation of the ovine pregnancy in the aspect of pregnancy-reflected changes in maternal plasma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eyyup Hakan Ucar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Aydin, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Hitit
- Department of Animal Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kastamonu University, Kastamonu, Turkey
- College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, Prairie View University, Prairie View, TX, USA
| | - Mehmet Kose
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Dicle University, Diyarbakir, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Osman Atli
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Harran University, Sanliurfa, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Tzelos T, Lee S, Pegg A, Donadeu FX. Association between blood miR-26a levels following artificial insemination, and pregnancy outcome in dairy cattle. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289342. [PMID: 37566616 PMCID: PMC10420342 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Early pregnancy diagnosis is key to maximise productivity of dairy herds. We previously showed that an increase in the levels of miR-26 could be detected as soon as day 8 of pregnancy in heifers. The aims of this study were to determine whether 1) plasma miR-26 levels would be distinctly elevated, retrospectively, early after artificial insemination in lactating cows with successful compared to failed pregnancies, 2) the early increase in miRNA levels in cows with successful pregnancy could be accounted for by changes in miRNA expression in white blood cells (WBCs), presumably induced by the effects of embryo-derived interferon tau (IFNt), and 3) plasma miRNA levels may provide a reliable early predictor of pregnancy that could be used at a herd level. Blood samples were taken from a total of 34 dairy cows (lactation number 1 to 4) before (D0) and 9 and 18 days after artificial insemination at oestrus, followed by confirmation of pregnancy status by ultrasound on D32. In addition, WBCs collected from non-pregnant cows (n = 4) were stimulated in vitro with recombinant ovine IFNt (0-100 pg/ml). Levels of miRNAs and ISG15, a known IFNt-induced gene, were quantified by qPCR. Relative to D0, a larger increase in plasma miR-26a (P = 0.04) occurred on D9 in cows later confirmed to be pregnant (n = 12) than in cows with a failed pregnancy (n = 22). Expression of miR-26a in WBCs was not affected (P>0.1) by pregnancy status or IFNt stimulation in vitro, in contrast to ISG15 expression which increased markedly (P<0.0001) both in WBC samples collected on D18 from animals later confirmed to be pregnant, and in WBCs after stimulation with IFNt in vitro. Finally, ROC analyses revealed that miR-26a on D9 or D18 could predict pregnancy outcome with much lower accuracy than WBC ISG15 on D18 (Likelihood ratio, 2.3 vs 15.4). In summary, a modest increase in plasma miR-26a levels occurs during early pregnancy in mature dairy cows which may not accounted for by changes in miRNA levels in WBCs or the effects of IFNt. Moreover, compared to ISG15, changes in miR-26a levels may not provide an accurate test for early diagnosis of pregnancy in cows.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Tzelos
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Seungmee Lee
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Alex Pegg
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - F. Xavier Donadeu
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Guzewska MM, Szuszkiewicz J, Kaczmarek MM. Extracellular vesicles: Focus on peri-implantation period of pregnancy in pigs. Mol Reprod Dev 2023; 90:634-645. [PMID: 36645872 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The establishment of cell-to-cell communication between the endometrium and the developing embryo is the most important step in successful mammalian pregnancy. Close interaction between the uterine luminal epithelium and trophoblast cells requires triggering timely molecular dialog for successful maternal recognition of pregnancy, embryo implantation, and placenta development. Quite recently, extracellular vesicles (EVs) carrying unique molecular cargo emerged as evolutionarily conserved mediators of cell-to-cell communication during early pregnancy. To date, the presence of EVs at the embryo-maternal interface has been demonstrated in numerous mammals, including domestic livestock, such as pigs. However, few studies have focused on revealing the mechanism of EV-mediated crosstalk between developing early embryos and receptive endometrium. Over the past years, it has appeared that understanding the role of EVs in mammalian reproduction can substantially improve our understanding of the biological challenges of successful reproductive performance. This review describes current knowledge of EVs, specifically in relation to the peri-implantation period in pigs, characterized by common features of embryo implantation and high embryonic mortality in mammals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria M Guzewska
- Department of Hormonal Action Mechanisms, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Joanna Szuszkiewicz
- Department of Hormonal Action Mechanisms, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Monika M Kaczmarek
- Department of Hormonal Action Mechanisms, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Peeples ES. MicroRNA therapeutic targets in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury: a narrative review. Pediatr Res 2023; 93:780-788. [PMID: 35854090 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-022-02196-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury (HIBI) is a devastating injury resulting from impaired blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain at or around the time of birth. Despite the use of therapeutic hypothermia, more than one in four survivors suffer from major developmental disabilities-an indication of the critical need for more effective therapies. MicroRNAs (miRNA) have the potential to act as biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets in neonatal HIBI as a step toward improving outcomes in this high-risk population. This review summarizes the current literature around the use of cord blood and postnatal circulating blood miRNA expression for diagnosis or prognosis in human infants with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, as well as animal studies assessing endogenous brain miRNA expression and potential for therapeutic targeting of miRNA expression for neuroprotection. Ultimately, the lack of knowledge regarding brain specificity of circulating miRNAs and the temporal variability in expression currently limit the use of miRNAs as biomarkers. However, given their broad effect profile, ease of administration, and small size allowing for effective blood-brain barrier crossing, miRNAs represent promising therapeutic targets for improving brain injury and reducing developmental impairments in neonates after HIBI. IMPACT: The high morbidity and mortality of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury (HIBI) despite current therapies demonstrates a need for developing more sensitive biomarkers and superior therapeutic options. MicroRNAs have been evaluated both as biomarkers and therapeutic options after neonatal HIBI. The limited knowledge regarding brain specificity of circulating microRNAs and temporal variability in expression currently limit the use of microRNAs as biomarkers. Future studies comparing the neuroprotective effects of modulating microRNA expression must consider temporal changes in the endogenous expression to determine appropriate timing of therapy, while also optimizing techniques for delivery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric S Peeples
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
- Children's Hospital & Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
- Child Health Research Institute, Omaha, NE, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ssc-miR-92b-3p Regulates Porcine Trophoblast Cell Proliferation and Migration via the PFKM Gene. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232416138. [PMID: 36555776 PMCID: PMC9784024 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232416138] [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: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryo implantation, the pivotal stage of gestation, is fundamentally dependent on synchronous embryonic development and uterine receptivity. In the early gestation period, the uterus and conceptus secrete growth factors, cytokines, and hormones to promote implantation. Circulating exosomal miRNAs are potential indicators of normal or complicated gestation. Our previous study revealed that pregnant sows' serum exosomes had upregulated miR-92b-3p expression compared to non-pregnant sows, and that the expression level progressively increased during early gestation. The present study's findings indicate that, compared to the ninth day of the estrous cycle (C9), pregnant sows had upregulated miR-92b-3p expression in the endometrium and embryos during the implantation stage ranging from day 9 to day 15 of gestation. Additionally, our results demonstrate that miR-92b-3p promotes the proliferation and migration of Porcine Trophoblast Cells (PTr2). Dual-Luciferase Reporter (DLR) gene assay, real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), and Western blotting (WB) confirmed the bioinformatics prediction that phosphofructokinase-M (PFKM) serves as a target gene of miR-92b-3p. Notably, interference of PFKM gene expression markedly promoted PTr2 proliferation and migration. Furthermore, mice with downregulated uterine miR-92b-3p expression had smaller rates of successful embryo implantation. In summary, miR-92b-3p putatively modulates embryo implantation by promoting PTr2 proliferation and migration via its target gene PFKM.
Collapse
|
7
|
Rudolf Vegas A, Hamdi M, Podico G, Bollwein H, Fröhlich T, Canisso IF, Bauersachs S, Almiñana C. Uterine extracellular vesicles as multi-signal messengers during maternal recognition of pregnancy in the mare. Sci Rep 2022; 12:15616. [PMID: 36114358 PMCID: PMC9481549 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-19958-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
In contrast to other domestic mammals, the embryo-derived signal(s) leading to maternal recognition of pregnancy (MRP) are still unknow in the mare. We hypothesize that these embryonic signals could be packed into uterine extracellular vesicles (uEVs), acting as multi-signal messengers between the conceptus and the maternal tract, and contributing to MRP. To unveil these signals, the RNA and protein cargos of uEVs isolated from uterine lavages collected from pregnant mares (P; day 10, 11, 12 and 13 after ovulation) and cyclic control mares (C; day 10 and 13 after ovulation) were analyzed. Our results showed a fine-tuned regulation of the uEV cargo (RNAs and proteins), by the day of pregnancy, the estrous cycle, and even the size of the embryo. A particular RNA pattern was identified with specific increase on P12 related to immune system and hormonal response. Besides, a set of proteins as well as RNAs was highly enriched in EVs on P12 and P13. Differential abundance of miRNAs was also identified in P13-derived uEVs. Their target genes were linked to down- or upregulated genes in the embryo and the endometrium, exposing their potential origin. Our study identified for first time specific molecules packed in uEVs, which were previously associated to MRP in the mare, and thus bringing added value to the current knowledge. Further integrative and functional analyses will help to confirm the role of these molecules in uEVs during MRP in the mare.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alba Rudolf Vegas
- Functional Genomics Group, Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty Zurich, University of Zurich, 8315, Lindau, ZH, Switzerland
| | - Meriem Hamdi
- Functional Genomics Group, Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty Zurich, University of Zurich, 8315, Lindau, ZH, Switzerland
| | - Giorgia Podico
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61802, USA
| | - Heinrich Bollwein
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Zurich, 8315, Lindau, ZH, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Fröhlich
- Gene Center, Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis, LMU Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Igor F Canisso
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61802, USA
| | - Stefan Bauersachs
- Functional Genomics Group, Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty Zurich, University of Zurich, 8315, Lindau, ZH, Switzerland
| | - Carmen Almiñana
- Functional Genomics Group, Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty Zurich, University of Zurich, 8315, Lindau, ZH, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hitit M, Kose M, Kaya MS, Kırbas M, Dursun S, Alak I, Atli MO. Circulating miRNAs in maternal plasma as potential biomarkers of early pregnancy in sheep. Front Genet 2022; 13:929477. [PMID: 36061213 PMCID: PMC9428447 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.929477] [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: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNA (miRNA) plays an important role in the control of gene expression and is implied in many biological functions, including embryo implantation and development. The aim was to assess plasma miRNA profiles during the peri-implantation and ascertain potential candidate miRNA markers for early pregnancy diagnosis in ovine plasma. The plasma samples were obtained from a total of 24 ewes on days 12 (pre-implantation; P12, n = 4), 16 (implantation; P16, n = 4) and 22 (post-implantation; P22, n = 4) after mating, and on their corresponding days of 12 (Pre-C; C12, n = 4), 16 (Imp-C; C16, n = 4) and 22 (Post-C; C22, n = 4) of the estrous cycle. The miRNA profiles in plasma were assessed by microarray technology. We detected the presence of 60 ovine-specific miRNAs in plasma samples. Of these miRNAs, 22 demonstrated a differential expression pattern, especially between the estrous cycle and early pregnancy, and targeted 521 genes. Two miRNAs (oar-miR-218a and oar-miR-1185-3p) were confirmed using RT-qPCR in the ovine plasma samples. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of target genes established six functional modules, of which modules 1 and 3 were enriched in the common GO terms, such as inflammatory response, defense response, and regulation of immune response. In contrast, module 2 was enriched in the developmental process involved in reproduction, embryo development, embryonic morphogenesis, and regulation of the developmental process. The results indicate that miRNAs profiles of plasma seemed to be modulated during the peri-implantation stage of pregnancy in ewes. Circulating miRNAs could be promising candidates for diagnosis in early ovine pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Hitit
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kastamonu University, Kastamonu, Turkey
- *Correspondence: Mustafa Hitit, ; Mehmet Osman Atli,
| | - Mehmet Kose
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Dicle University, Diyarbakir, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Salih Kaya
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mesut Kırbas
- Bahri Dagdas International Agricultural Research Institute, Konya, Turkey
| | - Sukru Dursun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aksaray University, Aksaray, Turkey
| | - Ilyas Alak
- Department of Animal Sciences, Vocational School of Technical Sciences, Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Osman Atli
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Harran University, Sanliurfa, Turkey
- *Correspondence: Mustafa Hitit, ; Mehmet Osman Atli,
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Szuszkiewicz J, Myszczynski K, Reliszko ZP, Heifetz Y, Kaczmarek MM. Early steps of embryo implantation are regulated by exchange of extracellular vesicles between the embryo and the endometrium. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22450. [PMID: 35848638 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202200677r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
In early pregnancy, as the embryo arrives in the uterus, intensive communication between the embryo and uterus begins. Hundreds of molecules are known to be involved, but despite numerous findings, full understanding of the complexity of the embryo-maternal dialog remains elusive. Recently, extracellular vesicles, nanoparticles able to transfer functionally active cargo between cells, have emerged as important players in cell-cell communication, and as such, they have gained great attention over the past decade also in reproductive biology. Here, we use a domestic animal model (Sus scrofa) with an epitheliochorial, superficial type of placentation because of its advantage in studding uterine luminal fluid extracellular vesicles. We show that during early pregnancy, the uterine lumen is abundant with extracellular vesicles that carry a plethora of miRNAs able to target genes involved in embryonic and organismal development. These extracellular vesicles, upon the delivery to primary trophoblast cells, affect genes governing development as well as cell-to-cell signaling and interactions, consequently having an impact on trophoblast cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. We conclude that the exchange of a unique population of extracellular vesicles and their molecular cargo at the maternal-embryo interface is the key to the success of embryo implantation and pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Szuszkiewicz
- Department of Hormonal Action Mechanisms, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Kamil Myszczynski
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Zaneta P Reliszko
- Department of Hormonal Action Mechanisms, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Yael Heifetz
- Department of Entomology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Monika M Kaczmarek
- Department of Hormonal Action Mechanisms, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland.,Molecular Biology Laboratory, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Winter E, Cisilotto J, Silva AH, Rosolen D, Fabichak AP, Rode MP, Creczynski-Pasa TB. MicroRNAs: Potential biomarkers for reproduction, diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic in domestic animals. Res Vet Sci 2021; 142:117-132. [PMID: 34942556 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2021.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNA (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules involved in a wide range of biological processes through the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Most studies evaluated microRNA expression in human, and despite fewer studies in veterinary medicine, this topic is one of the most exciting areas of modern veterinary medicine. miRNAs showed to be part of the pathogenesis of diseases and reproduction physiology in animals, making them biomarkers candidates. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge regarding miRNAs' role in reproduction and animal diseases, diagnostic and therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn Winter
- Department of Agriculture, Biodiversity and Forests, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Curitibanos, 89520000, SC, Brazil.
| | - Júlia Cisilotto
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmacy, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, 88040-900, SC, Brazil
| | - Adny Henrique Silva
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmacy, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, 88040-900, SC, Brazil
| | - Daiane Rosolen
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmacy, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, 88040-900, SC, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Fabichak
- Department of Agriculture, Biodiversity and Forests, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Curitibanos, 89520000, SC, Brazil
| | - Michele Patricia Rode
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmacy, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, 88040-900, SC, Brazil
| | - Tânia Beatriz Creczynski-Pasa
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmacy, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, 88040-900, SC, Brazil; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, 88040-900, SC, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kaczmarek MM, Reliszko ZP, Szuszkiewicz J, Nitkiewicz A, Guzewska MM, Myszczynski K, Romaniewicz M, Sikora M, Kajko M, Heifetz Y. Profiling circulating microRNAs in the serum of pregnant and non-pregnant pigs reveals a plethora of reproductive status-dependent microRNAs. Animal 2021; 15:100182. [PMID: 33640292 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2021.100182] [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: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Circulating, non-coding RNAs, such as microRNAs (miRNAs) have been proposed to be powerful pathophysiological indicators of pregnancy in animals and humans. Since their discovery, it is known that miRNAs can take part in numerous biological processes, including cell proliferation and differentiation during early embryonic development and establishment of pregnancy. Our recent studies have indicated that maternal blood can carry miRNAs reported previously at the embryo-maternal interface in pigs. To expand the scope of our research, we tested the hypothesis that miRNAs previously identified in conceptuses, trophoblasts, endometrium and uterine lumen-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) collected before Day 20 of pregnancy can show reproductive status-dependent profiles in the serum of cyclic and pregnant crossbred pigs. Custom-designed TaqMan arrays, multiplex real-time reverse transcription (RT)-PCR and real-time RT-PCR allowed us to identify a number of reproductive status-dependent miRNAs in serum samples collected from pigs during the estrous cycle or pregnancy (Days 16 and 20). We found that serum samples were enriched with miRNAs involved in processes important during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy, e.g. cell sensitivity and viability, angiogenesis, embryonic cell proliferation and differentiation. Further validation revealed different abundance of ssc-miR-143-3p and ssc-miR-125b in pregnant and non-pregnant animals and correlation of ssc-miR-125b levels with litter size. In addition, analyzed serum samples contained both EVs and Argonaute2 proteins, which are known to be involved in miRNA transportation and intercellular communication. In summary, we identified several circulating miRNAs that differ in abundance between cyclic and pregnant animals and could serve as potential indicators of reproductive status in pigs during breeding management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M M Kaczmarek
- Department of Hormonal Action Mechanisms, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland; Molecular Biology Laboratory, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - Z P Reliszko
- Department of Hormonal Action Mechanisms, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - J Szuszkiewicz
- Department of Hormonal Action Mechanisms, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - A Nitkiewicz
- Department of Hormonal Action Mechanisms, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - M M Guzewska
- Department of Hormonal Action Mechanisms, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - K Myszczynski
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - M Romaniewicz
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - M Sikora
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - M Kajko
- VET-COM, 10-237 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Y Heifetz
- Department of Entomology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Pohler KG, Reese ST, Franco GA, Oliveira RV, Paiva R, Fernandez L, de Melo G, Vasconcelos JLM, Cooke R, Poole RK. New approaches to diagnose and target reproductive failure in cattle. Anim Reprod 2020; 17:e20200057. [PMID: 33029221 PMCID: PMC7534570 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2020-0057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Reproductive failure and pregnancy loss in cattle are some of the largest economic burdens to cattle producers and one of most perplexing factors influencing management decisions. Pregnancy loss may occur at any point during gestation with the largest percentage of loss occurring in the first 30 days and, subsequently, decreasing as the pregnancy progresses. Losses may be attributed to numerous factors, predisposed issues or environmental conditions such as nutritional stressors or disease. From a research perspective, determining the exact causes of pregnancy loss or embryonic mortality in cattle have been difficult, due to limitations of accurately determining early gestation pregnancy status. Until methods that precisely determine embryo success early in gestation are available, our understanding of in vivo pregnancy loss will lack clarity necessary to develop management strategies to decrease such loss. In this review, we will briefly discuss the pivotal periods of pregnancy loss affecting beef and dairy cattle, methods and technologies to determine pregnancy status and embryo viability and potential opportunities to decrease reproductive failure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ky Garrett Pohler
- Department of Animal Science, Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Sydney Taylor Reese
- Department of Animal Science, Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Gessica Araujo Franco
- Department of Animal Science, Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Ramiro Vander Oliveira
- Department of Animal Science, Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Rafael Paiva
- Department of Animal Science, Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Lohana Fernandez
- Department of Animal Science, Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Gabriela de Melo
- Department of Animal Science, Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | | | - Reinaldo Cooke
- Department of Animal Science, Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Rebecca Kyle Poole
- Department of Animal Science, Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Fan Y, Dong Z, Zhou G, Fu J, Zhan L, Gao M, Zhu L, Zhang Y. Elevated miR-23a impairs trophoblast migration and invasiveness through HDAC2 inhibition and NF-κB activation. Life Sci 2020; 261:118358. [PMID: 32866518 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118358] [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: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-specific disorder characterized by the onset of hypertension and proteinuria with onset after the 20th week of gestation. The pathogenesis of PE is attributed to increased trophoblast cell death and poor trophoblast migration/invasiveness. This study investigates the function of microRNA-23a (miR-23a) in PE and its effects on migration and invasion of trophoblast cells HTR-8/SVneo. We found higher expression of miR-23a in placental tissue samples from PE pregnant women compared to samples from normal pregnant women. Enhancing miR-23a expression by its specific mimic reduced HTR-8/SVneo cell migration and invasion and increased HTR-8/SVneo cell apoptosis. The dual-luciferase reporter gene assay revealed miR-23a binding with HDAC2. We found that HDAC2 was poorly expressed in placental tissue samples from PE pregnant women, and its expression correlated inversely with miR-23a expression. HTR-8/SVneo cells showed diminished HDAC2 expression upon miR-23a elevation and increased HDAC2 expression upon miR-23a inhibition. Lentivirus-mediated HDAC2 knockdown mimicked the effects of miR-23a on HTR-8/SVneo cells and led to NF-κB activation. Similarly, HDAC2 overexpression and NF-κB inhibition both abrogated the effects of miR-23a on HTR-8/SVneo cells, suggesting that miR-23a reduced HTR-8/SVneo cell migration and invasion and increased HTR-8/SVneo cell apoptosis by HDAC2 inhibition and NF-κB activation. In summary, these results support a novel role of miR-23b in invasion and apoptosis of trophoblast cells, and imply that targeting miR-23b may be a new avenue for treating PE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yijun Fan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, PR China.
| | - Zhen Dong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, PR China
| | - Guiju Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, PR China
| | - Juanjuan Fu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, PR China
| | - Lei Zhan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, PR China
| | - Ming Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, PR China
| | - Lin Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, PR China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Zhou C, Cai G, Meng F, Xu Z, He Y, Hu Q, Zheng E, Huang S, Xu Z, Gu T, Hu B, Wu Z, Hong L. Deep-Sequencing Identification of MicroRNA Biomarkers in Serum Exosomes for Early Pig Pregnancy. Front Genet 2020; 11:536. [PMID: 32528535 PMCID: PMC7264423 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00536] [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: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Early pregnancy diagnosis in sows can significantly improve the efficiency of pig industry. Exosomes are membrane-covered nanovesicles that can transport microRNAs (miRNAs) and other molecular signals between cells. In other species, serum exosome-derived miRNAs can serve as good biomarkers of diseases and different physiological states, including pregnancy status. We hypothesized that circulating exosome-derived miRNAs might be used to differentiate the pregnancy status as early as several days after insemination in pigs. To test this hypothesis, we randomly assigned pigs for artificial insemination with fertile or dead semen (control group). Serum samples were obtained from pregnant pigs on days 9, 12, and 15 after insemination and from non-pregnant pigs on days 0, 9, 12, and 15 after insemination. Exosomes were isolated for RNA extraction. The exosomal RNA samples from pigs on day 9 of the estrus cycle and pregnancy were used for small-RNA sequencing. A total 321 miRNAs were identified in all samples. Twenty eight differentially abundant miRNAs were identified between the pregnant and control groups. miRNAs with | log2 (fold change)| > 2 from sequencing results were selected for validation by quantitative reverse-transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) in larger samples. Finally two upregulated miRNAs (miR-92b-3p and miR-17-5p) in the pregnant groups (on days 9, 12, and 15 of pregnancy) were confirmed by RT-qPCR. In summary, we have successfully identified circulating exosomal miRNA profiles in the serum of pigs in early pregnancy. miR-92b-3p and miR-17-5p could be used as potential circulating biomarkers for early pregnancy diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chen Zhou
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gengyuan Cai
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fanming Meng
- Institute of Animal Science, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiqian Xu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanjuan He
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qun Hu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Enqin Zheng
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sixiu Huang
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zheng Xu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ting Gu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bin Hu
- Institute of Animal Science, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenfang Wu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Linjun Hong
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Li Q, Han Y, Xu P, Yin L, Si Y, Zhang C, Meng Y, Feng W, Pan Z, Gao Z, Li J, Yang W. Elevated microRNA-125b inhibits cytotrophoblast invasion and impairs endothelial cell function in preeclampsia. Cell Death Discov 2020; 6:35. [PMID: 32435510 PMCID: PMC7220944 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-020-0269-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a life-threatening disorder of human pregnancy affecting 5-8% of all pregnancies. Currently, PE remains an elusive complicated and heterogenous medical condition with no early marker or symptoms is recognized for this serious pregnancy complications. Here, we profiled the plasma miRNA expression patterns associated with preeclampsia and found 16 miRNAs were deregulated (p < 0.01) in patients who later developed PE. Circulating hsa-miR-125b was aberrantly upregulated in early pregnancy and significantly reduced after delivery in preeclampsia. We then investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms between miR-125b and PE in vitro. We found that upregulated miR-125b can target KCNA1 to inhibit trophoblast invasion in human trophoblast cells. Moreover, overexpression of miR-125b in HUVECs impaired endothelial cell function through GPC1. The findings indicated that upregulated miR-125b leads to impaired placentation, and an increased risk of preeclampsia, Our studies provide novel insights into the underlying mechanisms on the association of miR-125b in early pregnancy and risk of PE, miR-125b might be a more specific predictive marker and a safe therapeutic target for treating patients with PE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qinghua Li
- School of Public Health, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053 Shandong China
| | - Yangyang Han
- School of Biosciences, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053 Shandong China
- Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics, Weifang, 261053 Shandong China
| | - Peng Xu
- School of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006 Shanxi China
| | - Lingxuan Yin
- School of Biosciences, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053 Shandong China
- Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics, Weifang, 261053 Shandong China
| | - Yanru Si
- School of Biosciences, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053 Shandong China
- Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics, Weifang, 261053 Shandong China
| | - Cuijuan Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261031 Shandong China
| | - Yuhan Meng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261042 Shandong China
| | - Weiguo Feng
- School of Biosciences, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053 Shandong China
- Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics, Weifang, 261053 Shandong China
| | - Zhifang Pan
- School of Biosciences, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053 Shandong China
- Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics, Weifang, 261053 Shandong China
| | - Zhiqin Gao
- School of Biosciences, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053 Shandong China
- Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics, Weifang, 261053 Shandong China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Obstetrics, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261031 Shandong China
| | - Weiwei Yang
- School of Biosciences, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053 Shandong China
- Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics, Weifang, 261053 Shandong China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Kaczmarek MM, Najmula J, Guzewska MM, Przygrodzka E. MiRNAs in the Peri-Implantation Period: Contribution to Embryo-Maternal Communication in Pigs. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21062229. [PMID: 32210170 PMCID: PMC7139304 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21062229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) constitute a large family of noncoding RNAs, approximately 22 nucleotides long, which function as guide molecules in RNA silencing. Targeting most protein-coding transcripts, miRNAs are involved in nearly all developmental and pathophysiological processes in animals. To date, the regulatory roles of miRNAs in reproduction, such as fertilization, embryo development, implantation, and placenta formation, among others, have been demonstrated in numerous mammalian species, including domestic livestock such as pigs. Over the past years, it appeared that understanding the functions of miRNAs in mammalian reproduction can substantially improve our understanding of the biological challenges of successful reproductive performance. This review describes the current knowledge on miRNAs, specifically in relation to the peri-implantation period when the majority of embryonic mortality occurs in pigs. To present a broader picture of crucial peri-implantation events, we focus on the role of miRNA-processing machinery and miRNA–mRNA infarctions during the maternal recognition of pregnancy, leading to maintenance of the corpus luteum function and further embryo implantation. Furthermore, we summarize the current knowledge on cell-to-cell communication involving extracellular vesicles at the embryo–maternal interface in pigs. Finally, we discuss the potential of circulating miRNAs to serve as indicators of ongoing embryo–maternal crosstalk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monika M. Kaczmarek
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland; (J.N.); (M.M.G.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Joanna Najmula
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland; (J.N.); (M.M.G.)
| | - Maria M. Guzewska
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland; (J.N.); (M.M.G.)
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Smits K, Gansemans Y, Tilleman L, Van Nieuwerburgh F, Van De Velde M, Gerits I, Ververs C, Roels K, Govaere J, Peelman L, Deforce D, Van Soom A. Maternal Recognition of Pregnancy in the Horse: Are MicroRNAs the Secret Messengers? Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21020419. [PMID: 31936511 PMCID: PMC7014256 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21020419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 12/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The signal for maternal recognition of pregnancy (MRP) has still not been identified in the horse. High-throughput molecular biology at the embryo-maternal interface has substantially contributed to the knowledge on pathways affected during MRP, but an integrated study in which proteomics, transcriptomics and miRNA expression can be linked directly is currently lacking. The aim of this study was to provide such analysis. Endometrial biopsies, uterine fluid, embryonic tissues, and yolk sac fluid were collected 13 days after ovulation during pregnant and control cycles from the same mares. Micro-RNA-Sequencing was performed on all collected samples, mRNA-Sequencing on the same tissue samples and mass spectrometry was conducted previously on the same fluid samples. Differential expression of miRNA, mRNA and proteins showed high conformity with literature and confirmed involvement in pregnancy establishment, embryo quality, steroid synthesis and prostaglandin regulation, but the link between differential miRNAs and their targets was limited and did not indicate the identity of an unequivocal signal for MRP in the horse. Differential expression at the embryo-maternal interface was prominent, highlighting a potential role of miRNAs in embryo-maternal communication during early pregnancy in the horse. These data provide a strong basis for future targeted studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katrien Smits
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
- Correspondence:
| | - Yannick Gansemans
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Laurentijn Tilleman
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Filip Van Nieuwerburgh
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Margot Van De Velde
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Ilse Gerits
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Cyrillus Ververs
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Kim Roels
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Jan Govaere
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Luc Peelman
- Animal Genetics Lab, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Heidestraat 19, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Dieter Deforce
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|