1
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Pfeffer PL. The first lineage determination in mammals. Dev Biol 2024; 513:12-30. [PMID: 38761966 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2024.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
This review describes in detail the morphological, cytoskeletal and gene expression events leading to the gene regulatory network bifurcation point of trophoblast and inner cell mass cells in a variety of mammalian preimplantation embryos. The interrelated processes of compaction and polarity establishment are discussed in terms of how they affect YAP/WWTR activity and the location and fate of cells. Comparisons between mouse, human, cattle, pig and rabbit embryos suggest a conserved role for YAP/WWTR signalling in trophoblast induction in eutherian animals though the mechanisms for, and timing of, YAP/WWTR activation differs among species. Downstream targets show further differences, with the trophoblast marker GATA3 being a direct target in all examined mammals, while CDX2-positive and SOX2-negative regulation varies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter L Pfeffer
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand.
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2
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Scatolin GN, Ming H, Wang Y, Iyyappan R, Gutierrez-Castillo E, Zhu L, Sagheer M, Song C, Bondioli K, Jiang Z. Single-cell transcriptional landscapes of bovine peri-implantation development. iScience 2024; 27:109605. [PMID: 38633001 PMCID: PMC11022056 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Supporting healthy pregnancy outcomes requires a comprehensive understanding of the molecular and cellular programs of peri-implantation development, when most pregnancy failure occurs. Here, we present single-cell transcriptomes of bovine peri-implantation embryo development at day 12, 14, 16, and 18 post-fertilization. We defined the cellular composition and gene expression of embryonic disc, hypoblast, and trophoblast lineages in bovine peri-implantation embryos, and identified markers and pathway signaling that represent distinct stages of bovine peri-implantation lineages; the expression of selected markers was validated in peri-implantation embryos. Using detailed time-course transcriptomic analyses, we revealed a previously unrecognized primitive trophoblast cell lineage. We also characterized conserved and divergence peri-implantation lineage programs between bovine and other mammalian species. Finally, we established cell-cell communication signaling underlies embryonic and extraembryonic cell interaction to ensure proper early development. These data provide foundational information to discover essential biological signaling underpinning bovine peri-implantation development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hao Ming
- Department of Animal Sciences, Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Yinjuan Wang
- School of Animal Sciences, AgCenter, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Rajan Iyyappan
- Department of Animal Sciences, Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | | | - Linkai Zhu
- Department of Animal Sciences, Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Masroor Sagheer
- Department of Animal Sciences, Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Chao Song
- Department of Animal Sciences, Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Kenneth Bondioli
- School of Animal Sciences, AgCenter, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Zongliang Jiang
- Department of Animal Sciences, Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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3
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Hu B, Jin H, Shi Y, Yu H, Wu X, Wang S, Zhang K. Single-cell RNA-Seq reveals the earliest lineage specification and X chromosome dosage compensation in bovine preimplantation embryos. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23492. [PMID: 38363564 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202302035rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Lineage specification and X chromosome dosage compensation are two crucial biological processes that occur during preimplantation embryonic development. Although extensively studied in mice, the timing and regulation of these processes remain elusive in other species, including humans. Previous studies have suggested conserved principles of human and bovine early development. This study aims to provide fundamental insights into these programs and the regulation using a bovine embryo model by employing single-cell transcriptomics and genome editing approaches. The study analyzes the transcriptomes of 286 individual cells and reveals that bovine trophectoderm/inner cell mass transcriptomes diverge at the early blastocyst stage, after cavitation but before blastocyst expansion. The study also identifies transcriptomic markers and provides the timing of lineage specification events in the bovine embryo. Importantly, we find that SOX2 is required for the first cell decision program in bovine embryos. Moreover, the study shows the occurrence of X chromosome dosage compensation from morula to late blastocyst and reveals that this compensation results from downregulation of X-linked genes in female embryonic cells. The transcriptional atlas generated by this study is expected to be widely useful in improving our understanding of mammalian early embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingjie Hu
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Cow Genetic Improvement and Milk Quality Research of Zhejiang Province, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hao Jin
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Cow Genetic Improvement and Milk Quality Research of Zhejiang Province, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yan Shi
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Cow Genetic Improvement and Milk Quality Research of Zhejiang Province, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Haotian Yu
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Cow Genetic Improvement and Milk Quality Research of Zhejiang Province, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaotong Wu
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Cow Genetic Improvement and Milk Quality Research of Zhejiang Province, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shaohua Wang
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Cow Genetic Improvement and Milk Quality Research of Zhejiang Province, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Cow Genetic Improvement and Milk Quality Research of Zhejiang Province, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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4
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Ming H, Zhang M, Rajput S, Logsdon D, Zhu L, Schoolcraft WB, Krisher RL, Jiang Z, Yuan Y. In Vitro Culture Alters Cell Lineage Composition and Cellular Metabolism of Bovine Blastocyst. Biol Reprod 2024:ioae031. [PMID: 38408205 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioae031] [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] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Profiling bovine blastocyst transcriptome at the single-cell level has enabled us to reveal the first cell lineage segregation, during which the inner cell mass (ICM), trophectoderm (TE), and an undefined population of transitional cells were identified. By comparing the transcriptome of blastocysts derived in vivo (IVV), in vitro from a conventional culture medium (IVC), and in vitro from an optimized reduced nutrient culture medium (IVR), we found a delay of the cell fate commitment to ICM in the IVC and IVR embryos. Developmental potential differences between IVV, IVC, and IVR embryos were mainly contributed by ICM and transitional cells. Pathway analysis of these non-TE cells between groups revealed highly active metabolic and biosynthetic processes, reduced cellular signaling, and reduced transmembrane transport activities in IVC embryos that may lead to reduced developmental potential. IVR embryos had lower activities in metabolic and biosynthetic processes but increased cellular signaling and transmembrane transport, suggesting these cellular mechanisms may contribute to improved blastocyst development compared to IVC embryos. However, the IVR embryos had compromised development compared to IVV embryos with notably over-active transmembrane transport activities that impaired ion homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Ming
- Department of Animal Sciences, Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Mingxiang Zhang
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO 80124, USA
| | - Sandeep Rajput
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO 80124, USA
- Genus plc, 1525 River Rd, DeForest, WI 53532, USA
| | - Deirdre Logsdon
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO 80124, USA
| | - Linkai Zhu
- Department of Animal Sciences, Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | | | - Rebecca L Krisher
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO 80124, USA
- Genus plc, 1525 River Rd, DeForest, WI 53532, USA
| | - Zongliang Jiang
- Department of Animal Sciences, Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Ye Yuan
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO 80124, USA
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5
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Stenhouse C, Halloran KM, Newton MG, Moses RM, Sah N, Suva LJ, Gaddy D, Bazer FW. Characterization of TNSALP expression, localization, and activity in ovine utero-placental tissues†. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:954-964. [PMID: 37676255 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad113] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNSALP; encoded by ALPL gene) has a critical role in the regulation of phosphate homeostasis postnatally. However, the utero-placental expression of TNSALP and the role in phosphate transport in pregnancy is poorly understood. Estrous cycles of ewes were synchronized, and ewes were euthanized and hysterectomized on Days 1, 9, or 14 of the estrous cycle or bred to fertile rams and euthanized and hysterectomized on Days 9, 12, 17, 30, 50, 70, 90, 110, or 125 of pregnancy. The expression of ALPL mRNA, immunolocalization of TNSALP protein, and quantification and localization of TNSALP enzymatic activity was performed on ovine endometria and placentomes. Day of the estrous cycle did not alter ALPL mRNA expression or enzymatic activity of TNSALP. TNSALP protein localized to uterine epithelial and stromal cells, blood vessels, myometrium, caruncular, and cotyledonary stroma. TNSALP activity was localized to uterine epithelia, blood vessels, caruncular stroma (from Day 70 of gestation), and the apical surface of chorionic epithelia (from Day 50 of gestation). TNSALP protein and activity localized to the apical surface of uterine epithelia during the estrous cycle and in early pregnancy. Endometrial TNSALP enzymatic activity was downregulated on Days 17 and 30 of gestation (P < 0.05). Expression of ALPL mRNA decreased in late gestation in endometria and placentomes (P < 0.05). TNSALP activity peaked in placentomes on Days 70 and 90 of gestation. Collectively, these results suggest a potential role of TNSALP in the regulation of phosphate transport and homeostasis at the maternal-conceptus interface in ruminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Stenhouse
- Department of Animal Science, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | | | - Makenzie G Newton
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Robyn M Moses
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Nirvay Sah
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Larry J Suva
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Dana Gaddy
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Fuller W Bazer
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
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6
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Wei X, Fang X, Yu X, Li H, Guo Y, Qi Y, Sun C, Han D, Liu X, Li N, Hu H. Integrative analysis of single-cell embryo data reveals transcriptome signatures for the human pre-implantation inner cell mass. Dev Biol 2023; 502:39-49. [PMID: 37437860 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2023.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
As the source of embryonic stem cells (ESCs), inner cell mass (ICM) can form all tissues of the embryo proper, however, its role in early human lineage specification remains controversial. Although a stepwise differentiation model has been proposed suggesting the existence of ICM as a distinct developmental stage, the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. In the present study, we perform an integrated analysis on the public human preimplantation embryonic single-cell transcriptomic data and apply a trajectory inference algorithm to measure the cell plasticity. In our results, ICM population can be clearly discriminated on the dimension-reduced graph and confirmed by compelling evidences, thus validating the two-step hypothesis of lineage commitment. According to the branch probabilities and differentiation potential, we determine the precise time points for two lineage segregations. Further analysis on gene expression dynamics and regulatory network indicates that transcription factors including GSC, PRDM1, and SPIC may underlie the decisions of ICM fate. In addition, new human ICM marker genes, such as EPHA4 and CCR8 are discovered and validated by immunofluorescence. Given the potential clinical applications of ESCs, our analysis provides a further understanding of human ICM cells and facilitates the exploration of more unique characteristics in early human development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinshu Wei
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China; Laboratory of Medical Systems Biology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou, 510623, China
| | - Xiang Fang
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, China
| | - Xiu Yu
- School of Medicine, Jiaying University, Meizhou, 514015, China; Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Hong Li
- Laboratory of Medical Systems Biology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou, 510623, China
| | - Yuyang Guo
- Laboratory of Medical Systems Biology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou, 510623, China
| | - Yifei Qi
- Laboratory of Medical Systems Biology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou, 510623, China
| | - Chuanbo Sun
- Laboratory of Medical Systems Biology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou, 510623, China
| | - Dingding Han
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Xiaonan Liu
- Department of Assisted Reproductive Technology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou, 510623, China
| | - Na Li
- Laboratory of Medical Systems Biology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou, 510623, China.
| | - Hao Hu
- Laboratory of Medical Systems Biology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou, 510623, China; Provincial Key Laboratory of Research in Structure Birth Defect Disease and Department of Pediatric Surgery, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510623, China; Third Affiliatied Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
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7
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Huang Y, Zhang J, Li X, Wu Z, Xie G, Wang Y, Liu Z, Jiao M, Zhang H, Shi B, Wang Y, Zhang Y. Chromatin accessibility memory of donor cells disrupts bovine somatic cell nuclear transfer blastocysts development. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23111. [PMID: 37531300 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202300131rrr] [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: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
The post-transfer developmental capacity of bovine somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) blastocysts is reduced, implying that abnormalities in gene expression regulation are present at blastocyst stage. Chromatin accessibility, as an indicator for transcriptional regulatory elements mediating gene transcription activity, has heretofore been largely unexplored in SCNT embryos, especially at blastocyst stage. In the present study, single-cell sequencing assay for transposase-accessible chromatin (scATAC-seq) of in vivo and SCNT blastocysts were conducted to segregate lineages and demonstrate the aberrant chromatin accessibility of transcription factors (TFs) related to inner cell mass (ICM) development in SCNT blastocysts. Pseudotime analysis of lineage segregation further reflected dysregulated chromatin accessibility dynamics of TFs in the ICM of SCNT blastocysts compared to their in vivo counterparts. ATAC- and ChIP-seq results of SCNT donor cells revealed that the aberrant chromatin accessibility in the ICM of SCNT blastocysts was due to the persistence of chromatin accessibility memory at corresponding loci in the donor cells, with strong enrichment of trimethylation of histone H3 at lysine 4 (H3K4me3) at these loci. Correction of the aberrant chromatin accessibility through demethylation of H3K4me3 by KDM5B diminished the expression of related genes (e.g., BCL11B) and significantly improved the ICM proliferation in SCNT blastocysts. This effect was confirmed by knocking down BCL11B in SCNT embryos to down-regulate p21 and alleviate the inhibition of ICM proliferation. These findings expand our understanding of the chromatin accessibility abnormalities in SCNT blastocysts and BCL11B may be a potential target to improve SCNT efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuemeng Huang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
- Engineering Center for Animal Embryo Technology, Yangling, China
| | - Jingcheng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
- Engineering Center for Animal Embryo Technology, Yangling, China
| | - Xinmei Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Zhipei Wu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Guoxiang Xie
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
- Engineering Center for Animal Embryo Technology, Yangling, China
| | - Zhengqing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
- Engineering Center for Animal Embryo Technology, Yangling, China
| | - Mei Jiao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
- Engineering Center for Animal Embryo Technology, Yangling, China
| | - Hexu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
- Engineering Center for Animal Embryo Technology, Yangling, China
| | - Binqiang Shi
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
- Engineering Center for Animal Embryo Technology, Yangling, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
- Engineering Center for Animal Embryo Technology, Yangling, China
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8
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Rabel RAC, Marchioretto PV, Bangert EA, Wilson K, Milner DJ, Wheeler MB. Pre-Implantation Bovine Embryo Evaluation-From Optics to Omics and Beyond. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2102. [PMID: 37443900 DOI: 10.3390/ani13132102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Approximately 80% of the ~1.5 million bovine embryos transferred in 2021 were in vitro produced. However, only ~27% of the transferred IVP embryos will result in live births. The ~73% pregnancy failures are partly due to transferring poor-quality embryos, a result of erroneous stereomicroscopy-based morphological evaluation, the current method of choice for pre-transfer embryo evaluation. Numerous microscopic (e.g., differential interference contrast, electron, fluorescent, time-lapse, and artificial-intelligence-based microscopy) and non-microscopic (e.g., genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and nuclear magnetic resonance) methodologies have been tested to find an embryo evaluation technique that is superior to morphologic evaluation. Many of these research tools can accurately determine embryo quality/viability; however, most are invasive, expensive, laborious, technically sophisticated, and/or time-consuming, making them futile in the context of in-field embryo evaluation. However accurate they may be, using complex methods, such as RNA sequencing, SNP chips, mass spectrometry, and multiphoton microscopy, at thousands of embryo production/collection facilities is impractical. Therefore, future research is warranted to innovate field-friendly, simple benchtop tests using findings already available, particularly from omics-based research methodologies. Time-lapse monitoring and artificial-intelligence-based automated image analysis also have the potential for accurate embryo evaluation; however, further research is warranted to innovate economically feasible options for in-field applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Chanaka Rabel
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Paula V Marchioretto
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Bangert
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Kenneth Wilson
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Derek J Milner
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Matthew B Wheeler
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Translational Sciences, Carle-Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
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9
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Scatolin GN, Ming H, Wang Y, Zhu L, Castillo EG, Bondioli K, Jiang Z. Single-cell transcriptional landscapes of bovine peri-implantation development. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.13.544813. [PMID: 37398069 PMCID: PMC10312721 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.13.544813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Supporting healthy pregnancy outcomes requires a comprehensive understanding of the cellular hierarchy and underlying molecular mechanisms during peri-implantation development. Here, we present a single-cell transcriptome-wide view of the bovine peri-implantation embryo development at day 12, 14, 16 and 18, when most of the pregnancy failure occurs in cattle. We defined the development and dynamic progression of cellular composition and gene expression of embryonic disc, hypoblast, and trophoblast lineages during bovine peri-implantation development. Notably, the comprehensive transcriptomic mapping of trophoblast development revealed a previously unrecognized primitive trophoblast cell lineage that is responsible for pregnancy maintenance in bovine prior to the time when binucleate cells emerge. We analyzed novel markers for the cell lineage development during bovine early development. We also identified cell-cell communication signaling underling embryonic and extraembryonic cell interaction to ensure proper early development. Collectively, our work provides foundational information to discover essential biological pathways underpinning bovine peri-implantation development and the molecular causes of the early pregnancy failure during this critical period. Significance Statement Peri-implantation development is essential for successful reproduction in mammalian species, and cattle have a unique process of elongation that proceeds for two weeks prior to implantation and represents a period when many pregnancies fail. Although the bovine embryo elongation has been studied histologically, the essential cellular and molecular factors governing lineage differentiation remain unexplored. This study profiled the transcriptome of single cells in the bovine peri-implantation development throughout day 12, 14, 16, and 18, and identified peri-implantation stage-related features of cell lineages. The candidate regulatory genes, factors, pathways and embryonic and extraembryonic cell interactions were also prioritized to ensure proper embryo elongation in cattle.
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10
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Ming H, Zhang M, Rajput S, Logsdon D, Zhu L, Schoolcraft WB, Krisher R, Jiang Z, Yuan Y. In Vitro Culture Alters Cell Lineage Composition and Cellular Metabolism of Bovine Blastocyst. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.09.544379. [PMID: 37333292 PMCID: PMC10274902 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.09.544379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Profiling transcriptome at single cell level of bovine blastocysts derived in vivo (IVV), in vitro from conventional culture medium (IVC), and reduced nutrient culture medium (IVR) has enabled us to reveal cell lineage segregation, during which forming inner cell mass (ICM), trophectoderm (TE), and an undefined population of transitional cells. Only IVV embryos had well-defined ICM, indicating in vitro culture may delay the first cell fate commitment to ICM. Differences between IVV, IVC and IVR embryos were mainly contributed by ICM and transitional cells. Pathway analysis by using the differentially expressed genes of these non-TE cells between groups pointed to highly active metabolic and biosynthetic processes, with reduced cellular signaling and membrane transport in IVC embryos, which may lead to reduced developmental potential. IVR embryos had lower activities in metabolic and biosynthetic processes, but increased cellular signaling and membrane transport, suggesting these cellular mechanisms may contribute to the improved blastocyst development compared to IVC embryos. However, the IVR embryos had compromised development when compared to IVV embryos with notably over-active membrane transport activities that led to impaired ion homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Ming
- Department of Animal Sciences, Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Mingxiang Zhang
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO 80124, USA
| | - Sandeep Rajput
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO 80124, USA
- Genus plc, 1525 River Rd, DeForest, WI 53532, USA
| | - Deirdre Logsdon
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO 80124, USA
| | - Linkai Zhu
- Department of Animal Sciences, Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | | | - Rebecca Krisher
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO 80124, USA
- Genus plc, 1525 River Rd, DeForest, WI 53532, USA
| | - Zongliang Jiang
- Department of Animal Sciences, Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Ye Yuan
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO 80124, USA
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11
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Yu W, Peng Y, Peng X, Li Z, Liu C, Yang L, Gao Y, Liang S, Yuan B, Chen C, Kim NH, Jiang H, Zhang J. 6-Gingerol Improves In Vitro Porcine Embryo Development by Reducing Oxidative Stress. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13081315. [PMID: 37106877 PMCID: PMC10135256 DOI: 10.3390/ani13081315] [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: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
6-Gingerol, the main active ingredient in ginger, exhibits a variety of biological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities, and can affect cell development. However, the effects of 6-gingerol on mammalian reproductive processes, especially early embryonic development, are unclear. This study explored whether 6-gingerol can be used to improve the quality of in vitro-cultured porcine embryos. The results showed that 5 μM 6-gingerol significantly increased the blastocyst formation rates of porcine early embryos. 6-Gingerol attenuated intracellular reactive oxygen species accumulation and autophagy, increased intracellular glutathione levels, and increased mitochondrial activity. In addition, 6-gingerol upregulated NANOG, SRY-box transcription factor 2, cytochrome c oxidase subunit II, mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase, and RPTOR independent companion of MTOR complex 2 while downregulating Caspase 3, baculoviral IAP repeat containing 5, autophagy related 12, and Beclin 1. Most importantly, 6-gingerol significantly increased the levels of p-extracellular regulated protein kinase 1/2 while reducing the levels of p-c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1/2/3 and p-p38. These results indicate that 6-gingerol can promote the development of porcine early embryos in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Yu
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Yanxia Peng
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Xinyue Peng
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Ze Li
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Chang Liu
- School of Grains, Jilin Business and Technology College, Changchun 130507, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Tongyu Grassland Management Station, Changchun 137200, China
| | - Yan Gao
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Shuang Liang
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Bao Yuan
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Chengzhen Chen
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Nam-Hyung Kim
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 361-763, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Hao Jiang
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 361-763, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiabao Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
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12
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Marsico TV, Valente RS, Annes K, Oliveira AM, Silva MV, Sudano MJ. Species-specific molecular differentiation of embryonic inner cell mass and trophectoderm: A systematic review. Anim Reprod Sci 2023; 252:107229. [PMID: 37079996 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2023.107229] [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: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
A wide-ranging review study regarding the molecular characterization of the first cell lineages of the developmental embryo is lacking, especially for the primary events during earliest differentiation which leads to the determination of cellular fate. Here, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. MEDLINE-PubMed was searched based on an established search strategy through April 2021. Thirty-six studies fulfilling the inclusion criteria were subjected to qualitative and quantitative analysis. Among the studies, 50 % (18/36) used mice as an animal model, 22.2 % (8/36) pigs, 16.7 % (6/36) cattle, 5.5 % (2/36) humans, and 2.8 % (1/36) goats as well as 2.8 % (1/36) equine. Our results demonstrated that each of the first cell lineages of embryos requires a certain pattern of expression to establish the cellular determination of fate. Moreover, these patterns are shared by many species, particularly for those molecules that have already been identified in the literature as biomarkers. In conclusion, the present study integrated carefully chosen studies regarding embryonic development and first cellular decisions in mammalian species and summarized the information about the differential characterization of the first cell lineages and their possible relationship with specific gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kelly Annes
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Mara Viana Silva
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, Santo André, SP, Brazil
| | - Mateus José Sudano
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, Santo André, SP, Brazil; Department of Genetics and Evolution, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil.
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13
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Alarcon VB, Marikawa Y. Trophectoderm formation: regulation of morphogenesis and gene expressions by RHO, ROCK, cell polarity, and HIPPO signaling. Reproduction 2022; 164:R75-R86. [PMID: 35900353 PMCID: PMC9398960 DOI: 10.1530/rep-21-0478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In brief Trophectoderm is the first tissue to differentiate in the early mammalian embryo and is essential for hatching, implantation, and placentation. This review article discusses the roles of Ras homolog family members (RHO) and RHO-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinases (ROCK) in the molecular and cellular regulation of trophectoderm formation. Abstract The trophectoderm (TE) is the first tissue to differentiate during the preimplantation development of placental mammals. It constitutes the outer epithelial layer of the blastocyst and is responsible for hatching, uterine attachment, and placentation. Thus, its formation is the key initial step that enables the viviparity of mammals. Here, we first describe the general features of TE formation at the morphological and molecular levels. Prospective TE cells form an epithelial layer enclosing an expanding fluid-filled cavity by establishing the apical-basal cell polarity, intercellular junctions, microlumen, and osmotic gradient. A unique set of genes is expressed in TE that encode the transcription factors essential for the development of trophoblasts of the placenta upon implantation. TE-specific gene expressions are driven by the inhibition of HIPPO signaling, which is dependent on the prior establishment of the apical-basal polarity. We then discuss the specific roles of RHO and ROCK as essential regulators of TE formation. RHO and ROCK modulate the actomyosin cytoskeleton, apical-basal polarity, intercellular junctions, and HIPPO signaling, thereby orchestrating the epithelialization and gene expressions in TE. Knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying TE formation is crucial for assisted reproductive technologies in human and farm animals, as it provides foundation to help improve procedures for embryo handling and selection to achieve better reproductive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vernadeth B. Alarcon
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology, University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
| | - Yusuke Marikawa
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology, University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
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14
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Li S, Shi Y, Dang Y, Hu B, Xiao L, Zhao P, Wang S, Zhang K. Linker histone H1FOO is required for bovine preimplantation development by regulating lineage specification and chromatin structure. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:1425-1438. [PMID: 36001353 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Linker histone H1 binds to the nucleosome and is implicated in the regulation of the chromatin structure and function. The H1 variant H1FOO is heavily expressed in oocytes and early embryos. However, given the poor homology of H1FOO among mammals, the functional role of H1FOO during preimplantation embryonic development remains largely unknown, especially in domestic animals. Here, we find that H1FOO is not only expressed in oocytes and preimplantation embryos but granulosa cells and spermatids in cattle. We then demonstrate that the interference of H1FOO results in preimplantation embryonic developmental arrest in cattle using either RNA editing or Trim-Away approach. H1FOO depletion leads to a compromised expression of critical lineage-specific genes at the morula stage and affects the establishment of cell polarity. Interestingly, H1FOO depletion causes a significant increase in the expression of genes encoding other linker H1 and core histones. Concurrently, there is an increase of H3K9me3 and H3K27me3, two markers of repressive chromatin and a decrease of H4K16ac, a marker of open chromatin. Importantly, overexpression of bovine H1FOO results in severe embryonic developmental defects. In sum, we propose that H1FOO controls the proper chromatin structure that is crucial for the fidelity of cell polarization and lineage specification during bovine preimplantation development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Li
- Laboratory of Mammalian Molecular Embryology, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Yan Shi
- Laboratory of Mammalian Molecular Embryology, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Yanna Dang
- Laboratory of Mammalian Molecular Embryology, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Bingjie Hu
- Laboratory of Mammalian Molecular Embryology, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Lieying Xiao
- Laboratory of Mammalian Molecular Embryology, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Panpan Zhao
- Laboratory of Mammalian Molecular Embryology, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Shaohua Wang
- Laboratory of Mammalian Molecular Embryology, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Kun Zhang
- Laboratory of Mammalian Molecular Embryology, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
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15
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Pillai VV, Kei TG, Gurung S, Das M, Siqueira LGB, Cheong SH, Hansen PJ, Selvaraj V. RhoA/ROCK signaling antagonizes bovine trophoblast stem cell self-renewal and regulates preimplantation embryo size and differentiation. Development 2022; 149:274909. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.200115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Exponential proliferation of trophoblast stem cells (TSC) is crucial in Ruminantia to maximize numerical access to caruncles, the restricted uterine sites that permit implantation. When translating systems biology of the undifferentiated bovine trophectoderm, we uncovered that inhibition of RhoA/Rock promoted self-renewing proliferation and substantially increased blastocyst size. Analysis of transcripts suppressed by Rock inhibition revealed transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) as a primary upstream effector. TGFβ1 treatment induced changes consistent with differentiation in bTSCs, a response that could be replicated by induced expression of the bovine ROCK2 transgene. Rocki could partially antagonize TGFβ1 effects, and TGFβ receptor inhibition promoted proliferation identical to Rocki, indicating an all-encompassing upstream regulation. Morphological differentiation included formation of binucleate cells and infrequent multinucleate syncytia, features we also localize in the in vivo bovine placenta. Collectively, we demonstrate a central role for TGFβ1, RhoA and Rock in inducing bTSC differentiation, attenuation of which is sufficient to sustain self-renewal and proliferation linked to blastocyst size and preimplantation development. Unraveling these mechanisms augments evolutionary/comparative physiology of the trophoblast cell lineage and placental development in eutherians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viju Vijayan Pillai
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Tiffany G. Kei
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Shailesh Gurung
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Moubani Das
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Luiz G. B. Siqueira
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- Embrapa Gado de Leite, Juiz de Fora, MG 36038-330, Brazil
| | - Soon Hon Cheong
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Peter J. Hansen
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Vimal Selvaraj
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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16
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Ramos-Ibeas P, González-Brusi L, Used MT, Cocero MJ, Marigorta P, Alberio R, Bermejo-Álvarez P. In vitro culture of ovine embryos up to early gastrulating stages. Development 2022; 149:274801. [PMID: 35319748 PMCID: PMC8977095 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Developmental failures occurring shortly after blastocyst hatching from the zona pellucida constitute a major cause of pregnancy losses in both humans and farm ungulates. The developmental events occurring following hatching in ungulates include the proliferation and maturation of extra-embryonic membranes – trophoblast and hypoblast – and the formation of a flat embryonic disc, similar to that found in humans, which initiates gastrulation prior to implantation. Unfortunately, our understanding of these key processes for embryo survival is limited because current culture systems cannot sustain ungulate embryo development beyond hatching. Here, we report a culture system that recapitulates most developmental landmarks of gastrulating ovine embryos: trophoblast maturation, hypoblast migration, embryonic disc formation, disappearance of the Rauber's layer, epiblast polarization and mesoderm differentiation. Our system represents a highly valuable platform for exploring the cell differentiation, proliferation and migration processes governing gastrulation in a flat embryonic disc and for understanding pregnancy failures during the second week of gestation.
This article has an associated ‘The people behind the papers’ interview.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Pilar Marigorta
- Animal Reproduction Department, INIA-CSIC, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Ramiro Alberio
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, LE12 5RD, UK
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17
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Akizawa H, Saito S, Kohri N, Furukawa E, Hayashi Y, Bai H, Nagano M, Yanagawa Y, Tsukahara H, Takahashi M, Kagawa S, Kawahara-Miki R, Kobayashi H, Kono T, Kawahara M. Deciphering two rounds of cell lineage segregations during bovine preimplantation development. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21904. [PMID: 34569650 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202002762rr] [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: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Blastocyst formation gives rise to the inner cell mass (ICM) and trophectoderm (TE) and is followed by the differentiation of the epiblast (Epi) and primitive endoderm (PrE) within the ICM. Although these two-round cell lineage differentiations underpin proper embryogenesis in every mammal, their spatiotemporal dynamics are quite diverse among species. Here, molecular details of the blastocyst stage in cattle were dissected using an optimized in vitro culture method. Blastocyst embryos were placed on agarose gel filled with nutrient-rich media to expose embryos to both gaseous and liquid phases. Embryos derived from this "on-gel" culture were transferred to surrogate mothers on day (D) 10 after fertilization and successfully implanted. Immunofluorescent studies using on-gel-cultured embryos revealed that the proportion of TE cells expressing the pluripotent ICM marker, OCT4, which was beyond 80% on D8, was rapidly reduced after D9 and reached 0% on D9.5. This first lineage segregation process was temporally parallel with the second one, identified by the spatial separation of Epi cells expressing SOX2 and PrE cells expressing SOX17. RNA-seq comparison of TE cells from D8 in vitro fertilized embryos and D14 in vivo embryos revealed that besides drastic reduction of pluripotency-related genes, TE cells highly expressed Wnt, FGF, and VEGF signaling pathways-related genes to facilitate the functional maturation required for feto-maternal interaction. Quantitative PCR analysis of TE cells derived from on-gel culture further confirmed time-dependent increments in the expression of key TE markers. Altogether, the present study provides platforms to understand species-specific strategies for mammalian preimplantation development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Akizawa
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Reproduction, Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Shun Saito
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Reproduction, Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Nanami Kohri
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Reproduction, Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Eri Furukawa
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Hayashi
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Reproduction, Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Hanako Bai
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Reproduction, Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Masashi Nagano
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Animal Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Japan
| | - Yojiro Yanagawa
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Hayato Tsukahara
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Reproduction, Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Masashi Takahashi
- Global Station for Food, Land and Water Resources, Global Institution for Collaborative Research and Education (GI-CoRE), Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Shinjiro Kagawa
- Livestock Research Institute, Aomori Prefectural Industrial Technology Research Center, Aomori, Japan
| | | | - Hisato Kobayashi
- Department of Embryology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Kono
- Department of Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Setagaya, Japan
| | - Manabu Kawahara
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Reproduction, Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
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18
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Zolini AM, Block J, Rabaglino MB, Tríbulo P, Hoelker M, Rincon G, Bromfield JJ, Hansen PJ. Molecular fingerprint of female bovine embryos produced in vitro with high competence to establish and maintain pregnancy†. Biol Reprod 2021; 102:292-305. [PMID: 31616926 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective was to identify the transcriptomic profile of in vitro-derived embryos with high competence to establish and maintain gestation. Embryos produced with X-sorted sperm were cultured from day 5 to day 7 in serum-free medium containing 10 ng/ml recombinant bovine colony-stimulating factor 2 (CSF2) or vehicle. The CSF2 was administered because this molecule can increase blastocyst competence for survival after embryo transfer. Blastocysts were harvested on day 7 of culture and manually bisected. One demi-embryo from a single blastocyst was transferred into a synchronized recipient and the other half was used for RNA-seq analysis. Using P < 0.01 and a fold change >2-fold or <0.5 fold as cutoffs, there were 617 differentially expressed genes (DEG) between embryos that survived to day 30 of gestation vs those that did not, 470 DEG between embryos that survived to day 60 and those that did not, 432 DEG between embryos that maintained pregnancy from day 30 to day 60 vs those where pregnancy failed after day 30, and 635 DEG regulated by CSF2. Pathways and ontologies in which DEG were overrepresented included many related to cellular responses to stress and cell survival. It was concluded that gene expression in the blastocyst is different between embryos that are competent to establish and maintain pregnancy vs those that are not. The relationship between expression of genes related to cell stress and subsequent embryonic survival probably reflects cellular perturbations caused by embryonic development taking place in the artificial environment associated with cell culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Zolini
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - J Block
- Zoetis Inc., Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
| | - M B Rabaglino
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud, CONICET, Córdoba, Argentina.,Quantitative Genetics, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Group, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - P Tríbulo
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - M Hoelker
- Department of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Institute of Animal Science, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,Teaching and Research Station Frankenforst, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bonn, Königswinter, Germany.,Center of Integrated Dairy Research, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - G Rincon
- Zoetis Inc., Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
| | - J J Bromfield
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - P J Hansen
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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19
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Pérez-Gómez A, González-Brusi L, Bermejo-Álvarez P, Ramos-Ibeas P. Lineage Differentiation Markers as a Proxy for Embryo Viability in Farm Ungulates. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:680539. [PMID: 34212020 PMCID: PMC8239129 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.680539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryonic losses constitute a major burden for reproductive efficiency of farm animals. Pregnancy losses in ungulate species, which include cattle, pigs, sheep and goats, majorly occur during the second week of gestation, when the embryo experiences a series of cell differentiation, proliferation, and migration processes encompassed under the term conceptus elongation. Conceptus elongation takes place following blastocyst hatching and involves a massive proliferation of the extraembryonic membranes trophoblast and hypoblast, and the formation of flat embryonic disc derived from the epiblast, which ultimately gastrulates generating the three germ layers. This process occurs prior to implantation and it is exclusive from ungulates, as embryos from other mammalian species such as rodents or humans implant right after hatching. The critical differences in embryo development between ungulates and mice, the most studied mammalian model, have precluded the identification of the genes governing lineage differentiation in livestock species. Furthermore, conceptus elongation has not been recapitulated in vitro, hindering the study of these cellular events. Luckily, recent advances on transcriptomics, genome modification and post-hatching in vitro culture are shedding light into this largely unknown developmental window, uncovering possible molecular markers to determine embryo quality. In this review, we summarize the events occurring during ungulate pre-implantation development, highlighting recent findings which reveal that several dogmas in Developmental Biology established by knock-out murine models do not hold true for other mammals, including humans and farm animals. The developmental failures associated to in vitro produced embryos in farm animals are also discussed together with Developmental Biology tools to assess embryo quality, including molecular markers to assess proper lineage commitment and a post-hatching in vitro culture system able to directly determine developmental potential circumventing the need of experimental animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Pérez-Gómez
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Leopoldo González-Brusi
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Bermejo-Álvarez
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Priscila Ramos-Ibeas
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, Spain
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20
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Xiao Y, Sosa F, de Armas LR, Pan L, Hansen PJ. An improved method for specific-target preamplification PCR analysis of single blastocysts useful for embryo sexing and high-throughput gene expression analysis. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:3722-3735. [PMID: 33455782 PMCID: PMC8050830 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-19497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Gene expression analysis in preimplantation embryos has been used for answering fundamental questions related to development, prediction of pregnancy outcome, and other topics. Limited amounts of mRNA in preimplantation embryos hinders progress in studying the preimplantation embryo. Here, a method was developed involving direct synthesis and specific-target preamplification (STA) of cDNA for gene expression analysis in single blastocysts. Effective cell lysis and genomic DNA removal steps were incorporated into the method. In addition, conditions for real-time PCR of cDNA generated from these processes were improved. By using this system, reliable embryo sexing results based on expression of sex-chromosome linked genes was demonstrated. Calibration curve analysis of PCR results using the Fluidigm Biomark microfluidic platform (Fluidigm, South San Francisco, CA) was performed to evaluate 96 STA cDNA from single blastocysts. In total, 93.75% of the genes were validated. Robust amplification was detected even when STA cDNA from a single blastocyst was diluted 1,024-fold. Further analysis showed that within-assay variation increased when cycle threshold values exceeded 18. Overall, STA quantitative real-time PCR analysis was shown to be useful for analysis of gene expression of multiple specific targets in single blastocysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Xiao
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611-0910
| | - Froylan Sosa
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611-0910
| | - Lesley R de Armas
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136
| | - Li Pan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136
| | - Peter J Hansen
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611-0910.
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21
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Xiao Y, Uh K, Negrón-Pérez VM, Haines H, Lee K, Hansen PJ. Regulation of gene expression in the bovine blastocyst by colony-stimulating factor 2 is disrupted by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated deletion of CSF2RA. Biol Reprod 2021; 104:995-1007. [PMID: 33524138 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Colony-stimulating factor 2 (CSF2) functions in the reproductive tract to modulate the function of the preimplantation embryo. The β subunit of the CSF2 receptor (CSF2RB) is not expressed in the embryo, and signal transduction is therefore different than for myeloid cells where the receptor is composed of α (CSF2RA) and β subunits. Here, we produced embryos in which exons 5 and 6 of CSF2RA were disrupted using the CRISPR/Cas 9 system to test whether CSF2RA signaling was essential for actions of CSF2 in the bovine embryo. Wild-type and CSF2RA knockout embryos were treated with 10 ng/mL CSF2 or vehicle at day 5 of development. Blastocysts were harvested at day 8 to determine transcript abundance of 90 genes by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Responses in female blastocysts were examined separately from male blastocysts because actions of CSF2 are sex-dependent. For wild-type embryos, CSF2 altered expression of 10 genes in females and 20 in males. Only three genes were affected by CSF2 in a similar manner for both sexes. Disruption of CSF2RA prevented the effect of CSF2 on expression for 9 of 10 CSF2-regulated genes in females and 19 of 20 genes in males. The results confirm the importance of CSF2RA for regulation of gene expression by CSF2 in the blastocyst.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Xiao
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Kyungjun Uh
- Division of Animal Science, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.,Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Veronica M Negrón-Pérez
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.,Department of Animal Sciences, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez, PR, USA
| | - Hannah Haines
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Kiho Lee
- Division of Animal Science, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.,Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Peter J Hansen
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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22
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Chaney HL, Grose LF, Charpigny G, Behura SK, Sheldon IM, Cronin JG, Lonergan P, Spencer TE, Mathew DJ. Conceptus-induced, interferon tau-dependent gene expression in bovine endometrial epithelial and stromal cells†. Biol Reprod 2020; 104:669-683. [PMID: 33330929 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine endometrium consists of epithelial and stromal cells that respond to conceptus interferon tau (IFNT), the maternal recognition of pregnancy (MRP) signal, by increasing expression of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs). Endometrial epithelial and stromal-cell-specific ISGs are largely unknown but hypothesized to have essential functions during pregnancy establishment. Bovine endometrial epithelial cells were cultured in inserts above stromal fibroblast (SF) cells for 6 h in medium alone or with IFNT. The epithelial and SF transcriptomic response was analyzed separately using RNA sequencing and compared to a list of 369 DEGs recently identified in intact bovine endometrium in response to elongating bovine conceptuses and IFNT. Bovine endometrial epithelial and SF shared 223 and 70 DEGs in common with the list of 369 endometrial DEGs. Well-known ISGs identified in the epithelial and SF were ISG15, MX1, MX2, and OAS2. DEGs identified in the epithelial but not SF included a number of IRF molecules (IRF1, IRF2, IRF3, and IRF8), mitochondria SLC transporters (SLC25A19, SLC25A28, and SLC25A30), and a ghrelin receptor. Expression of ZC3HAV1, an anti-retroviral gene, increased specifically within the SF. Gene ontology analysis identified the type I IFN signaling pathway and activation of nuclear factor kappa B transcription factors as biological processes associated with the epithelial cell DEGs. This study has identified biologically relevant IFNT-stimulated genes within specific endometrial cell types. The findings provide critical information regarding the effects of conceptus IFNT on specific endometrial compartments during early developmental processes in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather L Chaney
- Division of Animal and Nutritional Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Lindsay F Grose
- Division of Animal and Nutritional Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Gilles Charpigny
- INRA, Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, Jouy en Josas, France
| | - Susanta K Behura
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - I Martin Sheldon
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - James G Cronin
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Patrick Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Thomas E Spencer
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Daniel J Mathew
- Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
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23
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Analysis of bovine blastocysts indicates ovarian stimulation does not induce chromosome errors, nor discordance between inner-cell mass and trophectoderm lineages. Theriogenology 2020; 161:108-119. [PMID: 33307428 PMCID: PMC7837012 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Contemporary systems for oocyte retrieval and culture of both cattle and human embryos are suboptimal with respect to pregnancy outcomes following transfer. In humans, chromosome abnormalities are the leading cause of early pregnancy loss in assisted reproduction. Consequently, pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) is widespread and there is considerable interest in its application to identify suitable cattle IVP embryos for transfer. Here we report on the nature and extent of chromosomal abnormalities following transvaginal follicular aspiration (OPU) and IVP in cattle. Nine sexually mature Holstein heifers underwent nine sequential cycles of OPU-IVP (six non-stimulated and three stimulated cycles), generating 459 blastocysts from 783 oocytes. We adopted a SNP-array approach normally employed in genomic evaluations but reanalysed (Turner et al., 2019; Theriogenology125: 249) to detect levels of meiotic aneuploidy. Specifically, we asked whether ovarian stimulation increased the level of aneuploidy in either trophectoderm (TE) or inner-cell mass (ICM) lineages of blastocysts generated from OPU-IVP cycles. The proportion of Day 8 blastocysts of inseminated was greater (P < 0.001) for stimulated than non-stimulated cycles (0.712 ± 0.0288 vs. 0.466 ± 0.0360), but the overall proportion aneuploidy was similar for both groups (0.241 ± 0.0231). Most abnormalities consisted of meiotic trisomies. Twenty in vivo derived blastocysts recovered from the same donors were all euploid, thus indicating that 24 h of maturation is primarily responsible for aneuploidy induction. Chromosomal errors in OPU-IVP blastocysts decreased (P < 0.001) proportionately as stage/grade improved (from 0.373 for expanded Grade 2 to 0.128 for hatching Grade 1 blastocysts). Importantly, there was a high degree of concordance in the incidence of aneuploidy between TE and ICM lineages. Proportionately, 0.94 were "perfectly concordant" (i.e. identical result in both); 0.01 were imperfectly concordant (differing abnormalities detected); 0.05 were discordant; of which 0.03 detected a potentially lethal TE abnormality (false positives), leaving only 0.02 false negatives. These data support the use of TE biopsies for PGT-A in embryos undergoing genomic evaluation in cattle breeding. Finally, we report chromosome-specific errors and a high degree of variability in the incidence of aneuploidy between donors, suggesting a genetic contribution that merits further investigation.
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24
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Su J, Miao X, Archambault D, Mager J, Cui W. ZC3H4-a novel Cys-Cys-Cys-His-type zinc finger protein-is essential for early embryogenesis in mice†. Biol Reprod 2020; 104:325-335. [PMID: 33246328 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Zinc finger domains of the Cys-Cys-Cys-His (CCCH) class are evolutionarily conserved proteins that bind nucleic acids and are involved in various biological processes. Nearly 60 CCCH-type zinc finger proteins have been identified in humans and mice, most have not been functionally characterized. Here, we provide the first in vivo functional characterization of ZC3H4-a novel CCCH-type zinc finger protein. Our results show that although Zc3h4 mutant embryos exhibit normal morphology at E3.5 blastocyst stage, they cannot be recovered at E7.5 early post-gastrulation stage, suggesting implantation failure. Outgrowth assays reveal that mutant blastocysts either fail to hatch from the zona pellucida, or can hatch but do not form a typical inner cell mass colony, the source of embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Although there is no change in levels of reactive oxygen species, Zc3h4 mutants display severe DNA breaks and reduced cell proliferation. Analysis of lineage specification reveals that both epiblast and primitive endoderm lineages are compromised with severe reductions in cell number and/or specification in the mutant blastocysts. In summary, these findings demonstrate the essential role of ZC3H4 during early mammalian embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianmin Su
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA.,Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Xiaosu Miao
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Danielle Archambault
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Jesse Mager
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Wei Cui
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA.,Animal Models Core Facility, Institute for Applied Life Sciences (IALS), University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
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25
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Miao X, Sun T, Golan M, Mager J, Cui W. Loss of POLR1D results in embryonic lethality prior to blastocyst formation in mice. Mol Reprod Dev 2020; 87:1152-1158. [PMID: 33022126 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In eukaryotic cells, RNA polymerase (Pol) I and Pol III are dedicated to the synthesis of ribosomal RNA precursors and a variety of small RNAs, respectively. Although RNA Pol I and Pol III complexes are crucial for the regulation of cell growth and cell cycle in all cell types, many of the components of the Pol I and Pol III complexes have not been functionally characterized in mammals. Here, we provide the first in vivo functional characterization of POLR1D, a subunit shared by RNA Pol I and Pol III, during early mammalian embryo development. Our results show that Polr1d mutant embryos cannot be recovered at E7.5 early post-gastrulation stage, suggesting failed implantation. Although Polr1d mutants can be recovered at E3.5, they exhibit delayed/stalled development with morula morphology rather than differentiation into blastocysts. Even with extended time in culture, mutant embryos fail to form blastocysts and eventually die. Analysis of E3.0 embryos revealed severe DNA damage in Polr1d mutants. Additionally, lineage assessment reveals that trophectoderm specification is compromised in the absence of Polr1d. In summary, these findings demonstrate the essential role of POLR1D during early mammalian embryogenesis and highlight cell-lethal phenotype without Polr1d function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaosu Miao
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tieqi Sun
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Morgane Golan
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jesse Mager
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Wei Cui
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA.,Animal Models Core Facility, Institute for Applied Life Sciences (IALS), University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
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26
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Ramos-Ibeas P, Lamas-Toranzo I, Martínez-Moro Á, de Frutos C, Quiroga AC, Zurita E, Bermejo-Álvarez P. Embryonic disc formation following post-hatching bovine embryo development in vitro. Reproduction 2020; 160:579-589. [PMID: 32698149 PMCID: PMC7497357 DOI: 10.1530/rep-20-0243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Failures during conceptus elongation are a major cause of pregnancy losses in ungulates, exerting a relevant economic impact on farming. The developmental events occurring during this period are poorly understood, mainly because this process cannot be recapitulated in vitro. Previous studies have established an in vitro post-hatching development (PHD) system that supports bovine embryo development beyond the blastocyst stage, based on agarose gel tunnels and serum- and glucose-enriched medium. Unfortunately, under this system embryonic disc formation is not achieved and embryos show notorious signs of apoptosis and necrosis. The objective of this study has been to develop an in vitro system able to support embryonic disc formation. We first compared post-hatching development inside agarose tunnels or free-floating over an agarose-coated dish in serum- and glucose-enriched medium (PHD medium). Culture inside agarose tunnels shaped embryo morphology by physical constriction, but it restricted embryo growth and did not provide any significant advantage in terms of development of hypoblast and epiblast lineages. In contrast to PHD medium, a chemically defined and enriched medium (N2B27) supported complete hypoblast migration and epiblast survival in vitro, even in the absence of agarose coating. Cells expressing the pluripotency marker SOX2 were observed in ~56% of the embryos and ~25% developed embryonic disc-like structures formed by SOX2+ cells. In summary, here we provide a culture system that supports trophectoderm proliferation, hypoblast migration and epiblast survival after the blastocyst stage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Esther Zurita
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, INIA, Madrid, Spain
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27
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Estrada-Cortés E, Negrón-Peréz VM, Tríbulo P, Zenobi MG, Staples CR, Hansen PJ. Effects of choline on the phenotype of the cultured bovine preimplantation embryo. J Dairy Sci 2020; 103:10784-10796. [PMID: 32896407 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-18598] [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: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Choline is a precursor of acetylcholine, phosphatidylcholine, and the methyl-donor betaine. Reports indicate that supplementation with rumen-protected choline improves postpartum reproductive function of dairy cows. The objective was to determine whether addition of choline to culture medium of in vitro-produced embryos alters the phenotype of the resultant blastocysts. Treatments were choline chloride (ChCl; 0.004, 1.3, 1.8, and 6.37 mM) and phosphatidylcholine (1.3 mM). Treatment with 0.004 mM ChCl improved development to the blastocyst stage, increased blastocyst cell number, and increased the percentage of blastocysts that were hatching or hatched. Development was not affected by higher concentrations of ChCl but was reduced by 1.3 mM phosphatidylcholine. Treatment of embryos with 1.3 mM ChCl (but not other concentrations) increased expression in blastocysts of 11 of 165 genes examined (AMOT, NANOG, HDAC8, HNF4A, STAT1, MBNL3, SOX2, STAT3, KDM2B, SAV1, and GPAM) and decreased expression of one gene (ASS1). Treatment with 1.3 mM ChCl decreased global DNA methylation at d 3.5 of development and increased DNA methylation at d 7.5 in blastocysts. Treatment with 1.8 mM ChCl also increased methylation in blastocysts. In conclusion, addition of choline to the culture medium alters the phenotype of preimplantation bovine embryos produced in vitro. Choline chloride can act in a concentration-dependent manner to alter development, expression of specific genes, and DNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Estrada-Cortés
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611-0910; Campo Experimental Centro Altos de Jalisco, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias, Tepatitlán de Morelos, Jalisco, México 47600
| | - V M Negrón-Peréz
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico 00681
| | - P Tríbulo
- Instituto de Reproducción Animal Córdoba, and Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas, Córdoba, Argentina X5145; Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Nacional de Cordoba, Córdoba, Argentina X5000; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas (CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina, X5000
| | - M G Zenobi
- Instituto de Reproducción Animal Córdoba, and Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas, Córdoba, Argentina X5145
| | - C R Staples
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611-0910
| | - P J Hansen
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611-0910.
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28
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Jannaman EA, Xiao Y, Hansen PJ. Actions of colony-stimulating factor 3 on the maturing oocyte and developing embryo in cattle. J Anim Sci 2020; 98:5818973. [PMID: 32277240 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skaa115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Colony-stimulating factor 3 (CSF3), also known as granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, is used to reduce the incidence of mastitis in cattle. Here, we tested whether recombinant bovine CSF3 at 1, 10, or 100 ng/mL acts on the bovine oocyte during maturation or on the developing embryo to modify competence for development and characteristics of the resultant blastocyst. For experiment 1, oocytes were matured with or without CSF3. The resultant embryos were cultured in a serum-free medium for 7.5 d. There was no effect of CSF3 on cleavage or on development to the blastocyst stage except that 100 ng/mL reduced the percent of putative zygotes and cleaved embryos becoming blastocysts. Expression of transcripts for 93 genes in blastocysts was evaluated by RT-PCR using the Fluidigm platform. Transcript abundance was affected by one or more concentrations of CSF3 for four genes only (CYP11A1, NOTCH2, RAC1, and YAP1). For experiment 2, cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) were fertilized with either X- or Y-sorted semen. Putative zygotes were cultured in medium containing CSF3 treatments added at the beginning of culture. There was no effect of CSF3, sex, or the interaction on the percent of putative zygotes that cleaved or on the percent of putative zygotes or cleaved embryos becoming a blastocyst. For experiment 3, CSF3 was added from day 4 to 7.5 of development. There was no effect of CSF3 on development to the blastocyst stage. Transcript abundance of 10 genes was increased by 100 ng/mL CSF3, including markers of epiblast (NANOG, SOX2), hypoblast (ALPL, FN1, KDM2B, and PDGFRA), epiblast and hypoblast (HNF4A) and trophectoderm (TJAP1). Results are indicative that concentrations of CSF3 higher than typical after therapeutic administration can reduce oocyte competence and act on the embryo to affect characteristics of the blastocyst.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Jannaman
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Yao Xiao
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
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29
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Rivera RM. Consequences of assisted reproductive techniques on the embryonic epigenome in cattle. Reprod Fertil Dev 2020; 32:65-81. [PMID: 32188559 DOI: 10.1071/rd19276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Procedures used in assisted reproduction have been under constant scrutiny since their inception with the goal of improving the number and quality of embryos produced. However, invitro production of embryos is not without complications because many fertilised oocytes fail to become blastocysts, and even those that do often differ in the genetic output compared with their invivo counterparts. Thus only a portion of those transferred complete normal fetal development. An unwanted consequence of bovine assisted reproductive technology (ART) is the induction of a syndrome characterised by fetal overgrowth and placental abnormalities, namely large offspring syndrome; a condition associated with inappropriate control of the epigenome. Epigenetics is the study of chromatin and its effects on genetic output. Establishment and maintenance of epigenetic marks during gametogenesis and embryogenesis is imperative for the maintenance of cell identity and function. ARTs are implemented during times of vast epigenetic reprogramming; as a result, many studies have identified ART-induced deviations in epigenetic regulation in mammalian gametes and embryos. This review describes the various layers of epigenetic regulation and discusses findings pertaining to the effects of ART on the epigenome of bovine gametes and the preimplantation embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocío Melissa Rivera
- Division of Animal Science University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211, USA.
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30
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Zolini AM, Block J, Rabaglino MB, Rincon G, Hoelker M, Bromfield JJ, Salilew-Wondim D, Hansen PJ. Genes associated with survival of female bovine blastocysts produced in vivo. Cell Tissue Res 2020; 382:665-678. [PMID: 32710275 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-020-03257-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The objective was to characterize the transcriptome profile of in vivo-derived female embryos competent to establish and maintain gestation. Blastocysts from superovulated heifers were bisected to generate two demi-embryos. One demi-embryo was transferred into a synchronized recipient and the other part was used for RNA-seq analysis. Data on transcript abundance was analyzed for 4 demi-embryos that established and maintained pregnancy to day 60 (designated as PP) and 3 that did not result in a pregnancy at day 30 (designated as NP). Using a false discovery rate of P < 0.10 as cutoff, a total of 155 genes were differentially expressed between PP and NP embryos, of which 73 genes were upregulated and 82 genes were downregulated in the PP group. The functional cluster with the greatest enrichment score for embryos that survived, representing 28 genes (48% of the annotated genes), was related to membrane proteins, particularly those related to olfaction and neural development and function. The functional cluster with the greatest enrichment score for downregulated genes in embryos that survived included terms related to oxidative phosphorylation, mitochondrial function, and transmembrane proteins. In conclusion, competence of in vivo-derived female bovine embryos to survive after transfer is associated with increased expression of genes encoding transmembrane proteins, perhaps indicative of differentiation of the inner cell mass to epiblast, and decreased expression of genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation, perhaps indicative of reduced metabolic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Zolini
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, PO Box 110910, Gainesville, FL, 32611-0910, USA
| | - J Block
- Zoetis Inc., Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, USA
| | - M B Rabaglino
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud, CONICET, Córdoba, Argentina
- Quantitative Genetics, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Group, Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - G Rincon
- Zoetis Inc., Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, USA
| | - M Hoelker
- Institute of Animal Science, Animal Breeding and Husbandry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Teaching and Research Station Frankenforst, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bonn, Königswinter, Germany
- Center of Integrated Dairy Research, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - J J Bromfield
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, PO Box 110910, Gainesville, FL, 32611-0910, USA
| | - D Salilew-Wondim
- Institute of Animal Science, Animal Breeding and Husbandry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Teaching and Research Station Frankenforst, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bonn, Königswinter, Germany
- Center of Integrated Dairy Research, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - P J Hansen
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, PO Box 110910, Gainesville, FL, 32611-0910, USA.
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31
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Płusa B, Piliszek A. Common principles of early mammalian embryo self-organisation. Development 2020; 147:147/14/dev183079. [PMID: 32699138 DOI: 10.1242/dev.183079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Pre-implantation mammalian development unites extreme plasticity with a robust outcome: the formation of a blastocyst, an organised multi-layered structure ready for implantation. The process of blastocyst formation is one of the best-known examples of self-organisation. The first three cell lineages in mammalian development specify and arrange themselves during the morphogenic process based on cell-cell interactions. Despite decades of research, the unifying principles driving early mammalian development are still not fully defined. Here, we discuss the role of physical forces, and molecular and cellular mechanisms, in driving self-organisation and lineage formation that are shared between eutherian mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berenika Płusa
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health (FBMH), Division of Developmental Biology & Medicine, University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Anna Piliszek
- Department of Experimental Embryology, Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzebiec, Postepu 36A, 05-552 Magdalenka, Poland
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32
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Warzych E, Pawlak P, Lechniak D, Madeja ZE. WNT signalling supported by MEK/ERK inhibition is essential to maintain pluripotency in bovine preimplantation embryo. Dev Biol 2020; 463:63-76. [PMID: 32360193 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2020.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Capturing stable embryonic stem cell (ESC) lines from domesticated animals still remains one of the challenges of non-rodent embryology. The stake is high, as stable ESCs derived from species such as cattle present high economic and scientific value. Understanding of the processes leading to the embryonic lineage segregation is crucial to provide species-orientated molecular environment capable of supporting self-renewal and pluripotency. Therefore, the aim of this study was to validate the action of the two core regulatory pathways (WNT and MEK/ERK) during bovine embryo development. In vitro produced bovine embryos were obtained in the presence of inhibitors (i), which enable activation of the WNT pathway (via GSK3i, CHIR99021) and suppression of MEK signalling by PD0325901 in the 2i system and PD184325 and SU5402 in the 3i system. We have followed the changes in the distribution of the key lineage specific markers both at the transcript and protein level. Our results showed that WNT signalling promotes the expression of key inner cell mass (ICM) specific markers in bovine embryos, regardless of the MEK/ERK inhibitor cocktail used. MEK/ERK downregulation is crucial to maintain OCT4 and NANOG expression within the ICM and to prevent their exclusion from the trophectoderm (TE). At the same time, the classical TE marker (CDX2) was downregulated at the mRNA and protein level. As a follow up for the observed pluripotency stimulating effect of the inhibitors, we have tested the potential of the 2i and the 3i culture conditions (supported by LIF) to derive primary bovine ESC lines. As a result, we propose a model in which all of the primary signalling pathways determining embryonic cell fate are active in bovine embryos, yet the requirement for pluripotency maintenance in cattle may differ from the described standards. WNT activation leads to the formation (and stabilisation of the ICM) and MEK/ERK signalling is maintained at low levels. Unlike in the mouse, GATA6 is expressed in both ICM and TE. MEK/ERK signalling affects HP formation in cattle, but this process is activated at the post-blastocyst stage. With regard to self-renewal, 2i is preferable, as 3i also blocks the FGF receptor, what may prevent PI3K signalling, important for pluripotency and self-renewal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewelina Warzych
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wolynska 33, 60-637, Poznan, Poland.
| | - Piotr Pawlak
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wolynska 33, 60-637, Poznan, Poland.
| | - Dorota Lechniak
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wolynska 33, 60-637, Poznan, Poland.
| | - Zofia Eliza Madeja
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wolynska 33, 60-637, Poznan, Poland.
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Alberio R. Untangling early embryo development using single cell genomics. Theriogenology 2020; 150:55-58. [PMID: 32088040 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.01.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The zygote undergoes five cell divisions prior to the first signs of lineage segregation. Blastocyst formation requires segregation of the trophectoderm, needed for implantation, and the inner cell mass, which differentiate towards the major lineages of the fetus. This process is broadly conserved in mammals, however, in recent years investigations using high throughput single cell transcriptomics have provided new insights on the gene regulatory networks and epigenetic mechanisms controlling these processes in different species, highlighting novel unique evolutionary adaptations. Although analysis of single cell datasets is inherently challenging due to stochastic gene expression in single cells, continuous development of novel computational tools have contributed to improving the quality of these datasets. Single cell -omics provides detailed information on discrete cellular states, and when combined with spatial transcriptomics it can inform on the relationship between cellular compartments and fate determination. This technology has recently been used to shed new light into the progression of lineage segregation, establishment of pluripotency, epigenetic regulation and signalling pathways participating in mammalian pre-gastrulation development. The adoption of these new technologies for generating high-resolution maps of embryogenesis will readily translate into biotechnological applications that will have significant impact in livestock production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramiro Alberio
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, LE12 5RD, UK.
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Ortega MS, Kelleher AM, O’Neil E, Benne J, Cecil R, Spencer TE. NANOG is required to form the epiblast and maintain pluripotency in the bovine embryo. Mol Reprod Dev 2020; 87:152-160. [PMID: 31803983 PMCID: PMC6983337 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
During preimplantation development, the embryo undergoes two consecutive lineages specifications. The first cell fate decision determines which cells give rise to the trophectoderm (TE) and the inner cell mass (ICM). Subsequently, the ICM differentiates into hypoblast and epiblast, the latter giving rise to the embryo proper. The transcription factors that govern these cell fate decisions have been extensively studied in the mouse, but are still poorly understood in other mammalian species. In the present study, the role of NANOG in the formation of the epiblast and maintenance of pluripotency in the bovine embryo was investigated. Using a CRISPR-Cas9 approach, guide RNAs were designed to target exon 2, resulting in a functional deletion of bovine NANOG at the zygote stage. Disruption of NANOG resulted in the embryos that form a blastocoel and an ICM composed of hypoblast cells. Furthermore, NANOG-null embryos showed lower expression of epiblast cell markers SOX2 and HA2AFZ, and hypoblast marker GATA6; without affecting the expression of TE markers CDX2 and KRT8. Results indicate that NANOG, has no apparent role in segregation or maintenance of the TE, but it is required to derive and maintain the pluripotent epiblast and during the second lineage commitment in the bovine embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Sofia Ortega
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211
| | - Andrew M. Kelleher
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211
- Current Address: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX,75390
| | - Eleanore O’Neil
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211
| | - Joshua Benne
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211
| | - Raissa Cecil
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211
| | - Thomas E. Spencer
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211
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Abstract
Early embryogenesis is characterized by the segregation of cell lineages that fulfill critical roles in the establishment of pregnancy and development of the fetus. The formation of the blastocyst marks the emergence of extraembryonic precursors, needed for implantation, and of pluripotent cells, which differentiate toward the major lineages of the adult organism. The coordinated emergence of these cell types shows that these processes are broadly conserved in mammals. However, developmental heterochrony and changes in gene regulatory networks highlight unique evolutionary adaptations that may explain the diversity in placentation and in the mechanisms controlling pluripotency in mammals. The incorporation of new technologies, including single-cell omics, imaging, and gene editing, is instrumental for comparative embryology. Broadening the knowledge of mammalian embryology will provide new insights into the mechanisms driving evolution and development. This knowledge can be readily translated into biomedical and biotechnological applications in humans and livestock, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramiro Alberio
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom;
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Hansen PJ, Tríbulo P. Regulation of present and future development by maternal regulatory signals acting on the embryo during the morula to blastocyst transition - insights from the cow. Biol Reprod 2019; 101:526-537. [PMID: 31220231 PMCID: PMC8127039 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The preimplantation embryo has a remarkable ability to execute its developmental program using regulatory information inherent within itself. Nonetheless, the uterine environment is rich in cell signaling molecules termed embryokines that act on the embryo during the morula-to-blastocyst transition, promoting blastocyst formation and programming the embryo for subsequent developmental events. Programming can not only affect developmental processes important for continuance of development in utero but also affect characteristics of the offspring during postnatal life. Given the importance of embryokines for regulation of embryonic development, it is likely that some causes of infertility involve aberrant secretion of embryokines by the uterus. Embryokines found to regulate development of the bovine embryo include insulin-like growth factor 1, colony stimulating factor 2 (CSF2), and dickkopf WNT signaling pathway inhibitor 1. Embryo responses to CSF2 exhibit sexual dimorphism, suggesting that sex-specific programming of postnatal function is caused by maternal signals acting on the embryo during the preimplantation period that regulate male embryos differently than female embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Hansen
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Paula Tríbulo
- Instituto de Reproducción Animal Córdoba (IRAC), Zona Rural General Paz, Córdoba, Argentina
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Tríbulo P, Rabaglino MB, Bo MB, Carvalheira LDR, Bishop JV, Hansen TR, Hansen PJ. Dickkopf-related protein 1 is a progestomedin acting on the bovine embryo during the morula-to-blastocyst transition to program trophoblast elongation. Sci Rep 2019; 9:11816. [PMID: 31413296 PMCID: PMC6694114 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-48374-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Progesterone regulates the endometrium to support pregnancy establishment and maintenance. In the ruminant, one action of progesterone early in pregnancy is to alter embryonic development and hasten the process of trophoblast elongation around day 14–15 of pregnancy, which is required for maternal recognition of pregnancy. Here we demonstrate that the WNT antagonist DKK1, whose expression is increased by progesterone treatment, can act on the bovine embryo during day 5 to 7.5 of development (the morula to blastocyst stage) to promote embryonic elongation on day 15 of pregnancy. Embryos were produced in vitro and exposed to 0 or 100 ng/ml recombinant human DKK1 from day 5 to 7.5 of culture. Blastocysts were transferred into synchronized recipient cows on day 7.5 (n = 23 for control and 17 for DKK1). On day 15, cows were slaughtered and embryos recovered by flushing the uterus. Embryo recovery was n = 11 for controls (48% recovery) and n = 11 for DKK1 (65% recovery). Except for two DKK1 embryos, all embryos were filamentous. Treatment with DKK1 increased (P = 0.007) the length of filamentous embryos from 43.9 mm to 117.4 mm and the intrauterine content of the maternal recognition of pregnancy signal IFNT (P = 0.01) from 4.9 µg to 16.6 µg. Determination of differentially expressed genes (DEG), using the R environment, revealed 473 DEG at p < 0.05 but none at FDR < 0.05, suggesting that DKK1 did not strongly modify the embryo transcriptome at the time it was measured. However, samples clustered apart in a multidimensional scaling analyisis. Weighted gene co-expression analysis of the transcriptome of filamentous embryos revealed a subset of genes that were related to embryo length, with identification of a significant module of genes in the DKK1 group only. Thus, several of the differences between DKK1 and control groups in gene expression were due to differences in embryo length. In conclusion, DKK1 can act on the morula-to-blastocyst stage embryo to modify subsequent trophoblast elongation. Higher pregnancy rates associated with transfer of DKK1-treated embryos may be due in part to enhancements of trophoblast growth and antiluteolytic signaling through IFNT secretion. Given that progesterone can regulate both timing of trophoblast elongation and DKK1 expression, DKK1 may be a mediator of progesterone effects on embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Tríbulo
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611-0910, USA
| | | | | | - Luciano de R Carvalheira
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirugia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Jeanette V Bishop
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523-1683, USA
| | - Thomas R Hansen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523-1683, USA
| | - Peter J Hansen
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611-0910, USA.
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Negrón-Pérez VM, Hansen PJ. Role of yes-associated protein 1, angiomotin, and mitogen-activated kinase kinase 1/2 in development of the bovine blastocyst. Biol Reprod 2019; 98:170-183. [PMID: 29228123 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The morula-stage embryo is transformed into a blastocyst composed of epiblast, hypoblast, and trophectoderm (TE) through mechanisms that, in the mouse, involve the Hippo signaling and mitogen-activated kinase (MAPK) pathways. Using the cow as an additional model, we tested the hypotheses that TE and hypoblast differentiation were regulated by the Hippo pathway regulators, yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) and angiomotin (AMOT), and MAPK kinase 1/2 (MAPK1/2). The presence of YAP1 and CDX2 in the nucleus and cytoplasm of MII oocytes and embryos was evaluated by immunofluorescence labeling. For both molecules, localization changed from cytoplasmic to nuclear as development advanced. Inhibition of YAP1 activity, either by verteporfin or a YAP1 targeting GapmeR, reduced the percent of zygotes that became blastocysts, the proportion of blastocysts that hatched and numbers of CDX2+ cells in blastocysts. Moreover, the YAP1-targeting GapmeR altered expression of 15 of 91 genes examined in the day 7.5 blastocyst. Treatment of embryos with an AMOT targeting GapmeR did not affect blastocyst development or hatching but altered expression of 16 of 91 genes examined at day 7.5 and reduced the number of CDX2+ nuclei and YAP1+ nuclei in blastocysts at day 8.5 of development. Inhibition of MAPK1/2 with PD0325901 did not affect blastocyst development but increased the number of epiblast cells. Results indicate a role for YAP1 and AMOT in function of TE in the bovine blastocyst. YAP1 can also affect function of the epiblast and hypoblast, and MAPK signaling is important for inner cell mass differentiation by reducing epiblast numbers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verónica M Negrón-Pérez
- Department of Animal Sciences, D. H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Peter J Hansen
- Department of Animal Sciences, D. H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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Chediek Dall’Acqua P, Barros Nunes G, Rodrigues da Silva C, Fontes PK, Fábio Gouveia Nogueira M, Lombardi Lopes F, Marinho M, Zoccal Mingoti G. Differences in embryonic gene expression and quality indicate the benefit of epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor during prematuration to improve competence in bovine oocytes. Reprod Domest Anim 2019; 54:666-677. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.13405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Priscila Chediek Dall’Acqua
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Animal Reproduction, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences São Paulo State University (UNESP) Jaboticabal Brazil
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, School of Veterinary Medicine São Paulo State University (UNESP) Araçatuba Brazil
| | - Giovana Barros Nunes
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Animal Reproduction, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences São Paulo State University (UNESP) Jaboticabal Brazil
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, School of Veterinary Medicine São Paulo State University (UNESP) Araçatuba Brazil
| | - Cíntia Rodrigues da Silva
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, School of Veterinary Medicine São Paulo State University (UNESP) Araçatuba Brazil
| | - Patrícia Kubo Fontes
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences São Paulo State University (UNESP) Botucatu Brazil
| | - Marcelo Fábio Gouveia Nogueira
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences São Paulo State University (UNESP) Botucatu Brazil
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Sciences, Humanities and Languages São Paulo State University (UNESP) Assis Brazil
| | - Flávia Lombardi Lopes
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, School of Veterinary Medicine São Paulo State University (UNESP) Araçatuba Brazil
| | - Márcia Marinho
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, School of Veterinary Medicine São Paulo State University (UNESP) Araçatuba Brazil
| | - Gisele Zoccal Mingoti
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Animal Reproduction, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences São Paulo State University (UNESP) Jaboticabal Brazil
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, School of Veterinary Medicine São Paulo State University (UNESP) Araçatuba Brazil
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Kurome M, Baehr A, Simmet K, Jemiller EM, Egerer S, Dahlhoff M, Zakhartchenko V, Nagashima H, Klymiuk N, Kessler B, Wolf E. Targeting αGal epitopes for multi-species embryo immunosurgery. Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 31:820-826. [PMID: 30384878 DOI: 10.1071/rd18120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunosurgical isolation of the inner cell mass (ICM) from blastocysts is based on complement-mediated lysis of antibody-coated trophectoderm (TE) cells. Conventionally, anti-species antisera, containing antibodies against multiple undefined TE-cell epitopes, have been used as the antibody source. We previously generated α-1,3-galactosyltransferase deficient (GTKO) pigs to prevent hyperacute rejection of pig-to-primate xenotransplants. Since GTKO pigs lack galactosyl-α-1,3-galactose (αGal) but are exposed to this antigen (e.g. αGal on gut bacteria), they produce anti-αGal antibodies. In this study, we examined whether serum from GTKO pigs could be used as a novel antibody source for multi-species embryo immunosurgery. Mouse, rabbit, pig and cattle blastocysts were used for the experiment. Expression of αGal epitopes on the surface of TE cells was detected in blastocysts of all species tested. GTKO pig serum contained sufficient anti-αGal antibodies to induce complement-mediated lysis of TE cells in blastocysts from all species investigated. Intact ICMs could be successfully recovered and the majority showed the desired level of purity. Our study demonstrates that GTKO pig serum is a reliable and effective source of antibodies targeting the αGal epitopes of TE cells for multi-species embryo immunosurgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayuko Kurome
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Centre for Innovative Medical Models (CiMM), LMU Munich, Hacker strasse 27, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Andrea Baehr
- Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Innere Medizin I, TU Munich, Ismaninger strasse 22, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Kilian Simmet
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Centre for Innovative Medical Models (CiMM), LMU Munich, Hacker strasse 27, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Eva-Maria Jemiller
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Centre for Innovative Medical Models (CiMM), LMU Munich, Hacker strasse 27, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Stefanie Egerer
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Centre for Innovative Medical Models (CiMM), LMU Munich, Hacker strasse 27, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Maik Dahlhoff
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Centre for Innovative Medical Models (CiMM), LMU Munich, Hacker strasse 27, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Valeri Zakhartchenko
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Centre for Innovative Medical Models (CiMM), LMU Munich, Hacker strasse 27, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Hiroshi Nagashima
- Meiji University International Institute for Bio-Resource Research, 1-1-1 Higashimita, Tama, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 214-8571, Japan
| | - Nikolai Klymiuk
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Centre for Innovative Medical Models (CiMM), LMU Munich, Hacker strasse 27, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Barbara Kessler
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Centre for Innovative Medical Models (CiMM), LMU Munich, Hacker strasse 27, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Eckhard Wolf
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Centre for Innovative Medical Models (CiMM), LMU Munich, Hacker strasse 27, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany
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Wrenzycki C. Gene expression analysis and in vitro production procedures for bovine preimplantation embryos: Past highlights, present concepts and future prospects. Reprod Domest Anim 2018; 53 Suppl 2:14-19. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.13260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2018] [Revised: 05/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christine Wrenzycki
- Chair for Molecular Reproductive Medicine; Clinic for Veterinary Obstetrics; Gynecology and Andrology of Large and Small Animals; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Justus-Liebig-University Giessen; Giessen Germany
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Shorten P, Donnison M, McDonald R, Meier S, Ledgard A, Berg D. A mathematical model of in vivo bovine blastocyst developmental to gestational Day 15. J Dairy Sci 2018; 101:8401-8416. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-14306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Simmet K, Zakhartchenko V, Wolf E. Comparative aspects of early lineage specification events in mammalian embryos - insights from reverse genetics studies. Cell Cycle 2018; 17:1688-1695. [PMID: 29995579 PMCID: PMC6133330 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2018.1496747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Within the mammalian class, formation of the blastocyst is morphologically highly conserved among different species. The molecular and cellular events during preimplantation embryo development have been studied extensively in the mouse as model organism, because multiple genetically defined strains and a plethora of reverse genetics tools are available to dissect specific gene functions and regulatory networks. However, major differences in preimplantation developmental kinetics, implantation, and placentation exist among mammalians, and recent studies in species other than mouse showed, that even regulatory mechanisms of the first lineage differentiation events and maintenance of pluripotency are not always conserved. Here, we focus on the first and the second lineage segregation in mouse and bovine embryos, when the first differentiated cell types emerge. We outline their common features and differences in the regulation of these essential events during embryonic development with a glance at further species. In addition, we show how new reverse genetics strategies aid the study of regulatory circuits in embryos of domestic species, enhancing our overall understanding of mammalian preimplantation development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kilian Simmet
- Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Valeri Zakhartchenko
- Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Eckhard Wolf
- Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
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Effects of sex on response of the bovine preimplantation embryo to insulin-like growth factor 1, activin A, and WNT7A. BMC DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2018; 18:16. [PMID: 30055575 PMCID: PMC6064047 DOI: 10.1186/s12861-018-0176-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alterations in maternal environment can sometimes affect embryonic development in a sexually-dimorphic manner. The objective was to determine whether preimplantation bovine embryos respond to three maternally-derived cell signaling molecules in a sex-dependent manner. RESULTS Actions of three embryokines known to increase competence of bovine embryos to develop to the blastocyst stage, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), activin A, and WNT member 7A (WNT7A), were evaluated for actions on embryos produced in vitro with X- or Y- sorted semen from the same bull. Each embryokine was tested in embryos produced by in vitro fertilization of groups of oocytes with either pooled sperm from two bulls or with sperm from individual bulls. Embryos were treated with IGF1, activin A, or WNT7A on day 5 of culture. All three embryokines increased the proportion of cleaved zygotes that developed to the blastocyst stage and the effect was similar for female and male embryos. As an additional test of sexual dimorphism, effects of IGF1 on blastocyst expression of a total of 127 genes were determined by RT-qPCR using the Fluidigm Delta Gene assay. Expression of 18 genes was affected by sex, expression of 4 genes was affected by IGF1 and expression of 3 genes was affected by the IGF1 by sex interaction. CONCLUSION Sex did not alter how IGF1, activin A or WNT7A altered developmental competence to the blastocyst stage. Thus, sex-dependent differences in regulation of developmental competence of embryos by maternal regulatory signals is not a general phenomenon. The fact that sex altered how IGF1 regulates gene expression is indicative that there could be sexual dimorphism in embryokine regulation of some aspects of embryonic function other than developmental potential to become a blastocyst.
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Pfeffer PL. Building Principles for Constructing a Mammalian Blastocyst Embryo. BIOLOGY 2018; 7:biology7030041. [PMID: 30041494 PMCID: PMC6164496 DOI: 10.3390/biology7030041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The self-organisation of a fertilised egg to form a blastocyst structure, which consists of three distinct cell lineages (trophoblast, epiblast and hypoblast) arranged around an off-centre cavity, is unique to mammals. While the starting point (the zygote) and endpoint (the blastocyst) are similar in all mammals, the intervening events have diverged. This review examines and compares the descriptive and functional data surrounding embryonic gene activation, symmetry-breaking, first and second lineage establishment, and fate commitment in a wide range of mammalian orders. The exquisite detail known from mouse embryogenesis, embryonic stem cell studies and the wealth of recent single cell transcriptomic experiments are used to highlight the building principles underlying early mammalian embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter L Pfeffer
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington 6012, New Zealand.
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46
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Lavagi I, Krebs S, Simmet K, Beck A, Zakhartchenko V, Wolf E, Blum H. Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals developmental heterogeneity of blastomeres during major genome activation in bovine embryos. Sci Rep 2018; 8:4071. [PMID: 29511234 PMCID: PMC5840315 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-22248-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryonic development is initially controlled by maternal RNAs and proteins stored in the oocyte, until gene products gradually generated by the embryo itself take over. Major embryonic genome activation (EGA) in bovine embryos occurs at the eight- to 16-cell stage. Morphological observations, such as size of blastomeres and distribution of microvilli, suggested heterogeneity among individual cells already at this developmental stage. To address cell heterogeneity on the transcriptome level, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing of 161 blastomeres from 14 in vitro produced bovine embryos at Day 2 (n = 6) and Day 3 (n = 8) post fertilization. Complementary DNA libraries were prepared using the Single-Cell RNA-Barcoding and Sequencing protocol and sequenced. Non-supervised clustering of single-cell transcriptome profiles identified six clusters with specific sets of genes. Most embryos were comprised of cells from at least two different clusters. Sorting cells according to their transcriptome profiles resulted in a non-branched pseudo-time line, arguing against major lineage inclination events at this developmental stage. In summary, our study revealed heterogeneity of transcriptome profiles among single cells in bovine Day 2 and Day 3 embryos, suggesting asynchronous blastomere development during the phase of major EGA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Lavagi
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Graduate School of Quantitative Biosciences Munich (QBM), Gene Center, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan Krebs
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Kilian Simmet
- Chair of Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Andrea Beck
- Chair of Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Valeri Zakhartchenko
- Chair of Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Eckhard Wolf
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany. .,Chair of Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
| | - Helmut Blum
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
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Abstract
Mammalian preimplantation development involves two lineage specifications: first, the CDX2-expressing trophectoderm (TE) and a pluripotent inner cell mass (ICM) are separated during blastocyst formation. Second, the pluripotent epiblast (EPI; expressing NANOG) and the differentiated primitive endoderm (PrE; expressing GATA6) diverge within the ICM. Studies in mice revealed that OCT4/POU5F1 is at the center of a pluripotency regulatory network. To study the role of OCT4 in bovine preimplantation development, we generated OCT4 knockout (KO) fibroblasts by CRISPR-Cas9 and produced embryos by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). SCNT embryos from nontransfected fibroblasts and embryos produced by in vitro fertilization served as controls. In OCT4 KO morulae (day 5), ∼70% of the nuclei were OCT4 positive, indicating that maternal OCT4 mRNA partially maintains OCT4 protein expression during early development. In contrast, OCT4 KO blastocysts (day 7) lacked OCT4 protein entirely. CDX2 was detected only in TE cells; OCT4 is thus not required to suppress CDX2 in the ICM. Control blastocysts showed a typical salt-and-pepper distribution of NANOG- and GATA6-positive cells in the ICM. In contrast, NANOG was absent or very faint in the ICM of OCT4 KO blastocysts, and no cells expressing exclusively NANOG were observed. This mimics findings in OCT4-deficient human blastocysts but is in sharp contrast to Oct4-null mouse blastocysts, where NANOG persists and PrE development fails. Our study supports bovine embryogenesis as a model for early human development and exemplifies a general strategy for studying the roles of specific genes in embryos of domestic species.
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